Maltese Beaches
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There are many beaches scattered around the Maltese Islands and most of the northern coastline of Malta is ideal for swimming. Here are the top sandy beaches (in no particular order.)
Mellieha Bay
Mellieha Bay, two kilometres north of Mellieha town, is a spacious bay, and the most popular in Malta. Good, modern roads lead to the bay and, and a number of hotels, tourist villages and apartments in the vicinity provide entertainment to the thousands of holiday-makers relaxing on the beach.
The shallow waters and the extensive sand make the beach suitable for families with children.
The rocky flanks enclosing Mellieha Bay afford ideal spots for swimming off-the-rocks. (Even if access to the shore is not quite so easy.)
Across the road from the beach, on the inland side, is the Ghadira Nature Reserve - Ghadira means 'Lake'. The depressed tract of land here holds rain water and looks like a tiny lake. The area is enclosed and reserved for wild-life, mostly migrant birds and water-plants. The reserve, sited in an attractive environment was the first one of its kind in Malta.
Observation posts have been set up in proper places for bird watchers. This nature reserve is open in the mornings to the public.
Golden Bay & Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
Ghajn Tuffieha is an area on the North West coastline, at the end of the fertile valley that extends for five kilometres from St Paul's Bay.
A small headland splits the sea in the middle to create two fairly large sandy beaches, viz Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.
GOLDEN BAY is the most frequented beach next to Mellieha Bay. Its large stretch of tawny sand attracts thousands in search of company, sea and sun.
The 5 star Golden Sands Hotel towering over the bay has a small beach concession from which it provides facilities for sunbathing and aquatic sports.
The bay is a favourite spot for barbecue parties during moonlit nights.
The second beach, GHAJN TUFFIEHA BAY, lies down a slope and can only be reached by a flight of steps. A 17th century watch-tower overlooks the bay.
Because of its isolated position, this bay is not usually as crowded as nearby Golden Bay. However, its fine sand and rustic surroundings make it more alluring to those whose main interest is the soft sand and the clear sea-water.
Ramla Bay, Gozo
Ramla Bay is a large sandy beach in Gozo - and one of the most beautiful in the Maltese Islands. It lies below the traditional Calypso Cave. Descent from the cave, by a steep pathway, is short and easy.
Otherwise the only access is by road from Nadur and Xaghra.
The bay lies in picturesque surroundings. It is flanked by hillside scenery with abundant vegetation.
The wide expanse of fine golden sand is splendid. The name Ramla is Maltese for sandy beach. The water is shallow, blue and safe for bathing. On windy days the white surf rolling on the sand is an added attraction and fun for children and young bathers.
The beach is popular, as expected, but public transport is not frequent. The bay can be reached by private transport or on foot (through the footpath near Calypso Cave).
Armier Beach
The beach at Armier stretches round the shore of an open bay at the extreme territorial fringe of Malta. The sandy bay faces the nearby lands of Comino and Gozo.
Armier Beach, which is frequented by many local people, is often subject to rough swells due to its exposed position to winds from the north.
No important hotels or tourist establishments exist in the immediate vicinity, but there are bars and small restaurants which provide the necessary beach facilities.
Armier is also a favourite beach for picnic parties and the roads leading from Mellieha Bay are quite good.
Pretty Bay
BIRZEBBUGA is a flourishing seaside resort, not far from Marsaxlokk, in South-East Malta. The bay has been, for ages, a popular bathing place for Maltese holiday-makers. Sand was almost inexistent and so the bathers took to the water from the flat rocks or concrete platforms built on the shoreline.
The bay was artificially filled with sand recovered from the sea during work on the nearby Freeport Project in the vicinity and as a sandy beach many more people are now flocking to the comfort of its sand and sheltered water.
The bay lies right in the town centre. Shops and restaurants line the streets on its periphery.
Gnejna Bay
This solitary bay lies on the North West coast of the island, south of Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. It is separated from the latter by a small rocky headland.
The bay opens up on the sea at the end of a lush valley which slopes down to the coastline. The bay has a sandy beach and smooth rocky platforms ideal for bathing in unspoilt waters. It is the perfect place fto spend a few restful hours in calm, natural surroundings.
Visitors who stay for more than the usual swimming session are advised to carry a packed lunch, though ice-cream and drinks in mobile kiosks are usually available on the beach.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay on the northern tip of Malta overlooks Cirkewwa where the ferry leaves for Gozo. The bay has a small, picturesque sandy beach with good facilities and some water sports options such as jet skiing. There is a car park located at the cliff top, the beach is reached down numerous steep steps, but is worth the trek. The cliffs above the bay are perfect at sunset when you have spectacular skies and some hazy views over to Comino and Gozo. The countryside of this northern and isolated region of Malta is ideal for hiking.
St George’s Beach, Paceville
Located right next to the Entertainment capital of Malta, the beach is easily accessible to holiday-makers staying in St Julian’s and Sliema area. There are plenty of water-sports facilities and numerous food outlets nearby.
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