Sandy beaches in Malta & Gozo

(beaches in Malta, Gozo & Comino)

No summer holiday in Malta would be complete without a visit to a golden sandy beach & the Maltese Islands offer excellent opportunities for swimming & sunbathing around their coastlines. Undoubtedly, Ghadira Bay (Mellieha) and Golden Sands are the best 2 sandy beaches in Malta however smaller ones can also be found at Ghajn Tuffieha, (next to Golden Sands) Armier Bay, St George’s Bay, (Paceville) Paradise Bay, Pretty Bay (Birzebbugia) and Bugibba. In Gozo, Ramla Bay, (near Marsalforn) has a large sandy beach and other smaller ones can be found dotted around the island. Comino also has a few small sandy beaches, especially near the hotel and of course, for swimming, you won’t beat the crystal clear water of Blue Lagoon (see the pics at bottom of this page). With very warm sea temperatures in the summer and autumn, you will find most of the locals taking a dip in the sea even from the rockier areas of coastline across Malta & Gozo. Swimming in the sea is generally safe in most areas, however signs are in place if any warnings are necessary. Have a look below & get a better idea of some of the sandy beaches of Malta & Gozo mentioned above as well as what to expect from a boat trip to Blue Lagoon & Comino.

GHADIRA BAY (MELLIEHA SANDY BEACH) MALTA

Undoubtedly the largest sandy beach in Malta & certainly popular with families as the sea remains shallow for quite a distance out. Sunbed & umbrella hire is readily available and kiosks along the entire sandy beach offer drinks & snacks. An excellent beach with a beautiful view. The buses run directly from the beach to connect you with most places in Malta. Located 2km from the ferry to Gozo & 6km north of the St Paul’s Bay area.

GOLDEN SANDS / (GOLDEN BAY BEACH) MALTA

The sandy beach at Golden sands can be found just 4km from the St Paul’s Bay area and is just a 15 minute bus journey from there. Although smaller than Mellieha, the beach is still an excellent spot for sunbathing & swimming in the sea. The beach is overlooked by the 5* Radisson Hotel & there are some snack bars around the beach itself.

GHAJN TUFFIEHA BAY, MALTA

Lying right next to Golden sands in the adjoining bay, Ghajn Tuffieha offers a much smaller but quieter sandy beach in Malta for those who wish to avoid the crowds. A long, steep staircase gives access to & from the beach & a bus service runs to connect you with St Paul’s Bay.

ARMIER BAY, MALTA

A smaller sandy beach area just north of Mellieha, Malta. Armier Bay looks out towards the neighbouring islands of Comino & Gozo & offers a quieter, more peaceful experience. There are a few snack bars and you can even hire pedaloes from the beach.

ST GEORGE’S BAY, (PACEVILLE/ST JULIANS) MALTA

A small sandy beach in Malta located in St Julians & just a ‘stone’s throw’ from the ‘clubbing capital’ of Paceville. Sunbeds can be found and just off the beach are several bars & restaurants. Transport to other parts of Malta is no problem as the St Julians area is well served by the buses & taxis.

PARADISE BAY, MALTA

This small beach can be found at the northernmost tip of Malta, very close to where the ferries to Gozo & Comino are located. Access to the beach from the parking area above is via a very steep set of steps. Once on the sandy beach you will find a small but beautiful bay with crystal clear water, a swimming paradise. Snacks & drinks are also available from the beach area.

PRETTY BAY, BIRZEBBUGIA, MALTA

At the opposite end of the Island, towards the southernmost point, you will find Pretty Bay, a small sandy beach in Birzebbugia, Malta. Once again, the sea is beautifully clear & ideal for swimming, as long as you don’t mind the view which looks out towards the Malta Freeport & its’ cranes & ships.

BUGIBBA BEACH

The beach found in the Bugibba / Qawra area of St Paul’s Bay in Malta was constructed just a few years ago so is a ‘man-made’ one. Previously, there was no beach in this area. This beach offers a ‘sandy/pebbly’ surface and access to the sea is over rocks. During summer, ramps are placed on the beach to make it easier to get into the water. Further into Bugibba, near the main square, you will also find sunbathers relaxing on the rocks and jetty as there is no sand at this point. There is, however, a large swimming area which is very popular.