Places to swim
Beaches, coves and rock pools
Malta has fewer sandy beaches than you might expect. The big sandy bays are in the north, and the south is quieter and rockier. Most are 30 to 60 minutes away by car, and longer by bus. Many are very busy in summer, so go early.
Sandy bays
In the north
The best sandy beaches are on the north and north-west coast.
Golden Bay / Għajn Tuffieħa Bay Must visit
Two neighbouring sandy bays on the north-west coast, with golden sand, cliffs, and cafés and sunbeds in summer. Għajn Tuffieħa is the quieter of the two and is reached down a long flight of steps.
Għadira / Mellieħa Bay Must visit
Malta’s longest sandy beach, with shallow water that suits families.
Paradise Bay Must visit
A small sandy cove near the Gozo ferry at Ċirkewwa, with clear water and a steep path down.
Gnejna Bay
A sandy cove on the west coast with old fishermen’s boathouses, relaxed and less developed.
Riviera Bay
A sheltered sandy bay near Mellieħa, usually calmer than the beaches on the open coast.
Armier Bay
A long stretch of sand in the far north, close to Little Armier and the Comino ferries.
Coves and rock pools
In the south
Quieter and rockier, with clear water for swimming.
Pretty Bay, Birżebbuġa
A sandy bay in the south-east with a promenade, cafés and shallow water.
St Peter’s Pool Must visit
A natural rock pool with clear, deep water near Marsaxlokk, popular for swimming and jumping off the rocks.
St Thomas Bay, Marsaskala
A small sandy bay on the south-east coast, with a promenade and restaurants close by.
Għar Lapsi
A rocky cove on the south-west coast with clear water, popular for swimming and snorkelling.
Take sun cream, water and shoes for rocky entries, and check the sea conditions before you swim.