Summer is here, time to hit the beach! If you’re planning on an epic beach getaway and want to experience something new, why not consider visiting the famous beaches of Malta and Gozo?
These Instagram-friendly destinations are sure to give you that perfect sun-kissed escapade that no other place can rival. In fact, thousands of tourists flock here every year just to soak in these Maltese beaches.
WHAT AND WHERE ARE MALTA AND GOZO?
Known as one of the smallest countries in the European Union, Malta is a small culture rich island that offers a combination of rich history and stunning beauty to its visitors. This country is surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, making it even more spectacular.
As if it wasn’t enough, Malta has an equally breathtaking island – Gozo. This small haven is known for its crystal blue water and jaw-dropping rock formations. It is also the perfect place for those looking for a calmer and greener environment to spend summer.
GETTING TO MALTA AND GOZO
Flying to Malta is relatively easy, at least if you’re coming from Europe and North Africa. Most flights to Malta (MaltaUncovered.com) from Europe take no more than 3 hours.
However, there are no direct flights into this country from countries outside europe. If you’re coming from elsewhere, it’s best to make a stopover at major European spots, such as London, Brussels, or Amsterdam. From there, you can join a direct connecting flight to Malta.
If you’re not into flying, you might want to consider other modes of transportation, such as cruises and ferries. Cruises to the Valletta port have become very popular now. MSC and NCL are 2 of the most frequent cruise ship companies to visit Malta.
Once you’re in Malta, getting to Gozo will be quite easy. In the northern part of the country, you can visit a harbor called Cirkewwa. It is home to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which offers regular port crossings of the Gozo Channel.
The trip usually takes less than 20 minutes and operates around the clock, so you wouldn’t have to worry about scheduling your trip. The standard ferry fare for a round trip costs €4.65 per passenger and is to be paid on the way back from Gozo to Malta.
TOP 10 BEACHES IN MALTA AND GOZO
If you want to beat the smoldering heat of summer while basking in the beauty of nature, check out these top 10 beaches in Malta and Gozo that are sure to give you that perfect getaway.
1. Golden Bay
Set within a cliff face in North West Malta, Golden Bay is known as one of the most popular sandy beaches in the country. This tropical paradise offers a spectacular view of the sunset that matches the crystal blue water.
Guests can enjoy tons of water activities, such as snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, sailing, paragliding, canoeing, and of course, swimming. Those who prefer a more laid-back recreation can simply stroll the light cream-colored sandy shore or sunbathe under the glistening sun.
Accommodation is not a problem here as well, especially with the large and modern Radisson Resort Hotel standing right by the beach. While some consider the hotel a slight obstruction to Golden Bay’s natural beauty, it actually brings lots of benefits to tourists and local beachgoers alike.
2. Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Another famous beach in Mata is Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (pronounced as ayn too-fee-ha, in English it means ‘Spring of the Apples’). Just facing the Golden Bay, this small tropical paradise is less busy with no building blighting it.
This 250-meter strip of red-brown sand is made even more stunning with slopes covered in acacia and tamarisk trees. There’s also a 17th-century watchtower that brings out its historical side.
Since this beach is less crowded, there are only a few amenities visitors can enjoy, such as a bar, small kiosk, umbrellas, hut renting sunbeds, and several water equipment. Despite that, it’s still an ideal place if you want to ditch the bustling crowd.
3. Mellieha Bay
This kid-friendly beach boasts crystal blue waters accentuated by an 800-meter stretch of fine, golden sand. The beach slopes gently into the water, making it ideal and safe for guests of all ages.
There are many amenities available here as well, such as bars, cafes, sunbeds, and umbrellas. If you’re up for more challenge, you can try some of its water activities, including sea kayaking, windsurfing, banana boat rides, and water skiing.
4. Ramla Bay
Known to locals as Ramla il-Hamra, this unspoiled paradise is considered the prettiest sandy beach in Gozo. Foreign and local visitors get to enjoy its vivid fiery-colored sands that perfectly matches the pristine waters. It also features rocky headlands with dunes thick with tamarisk and bamboo trees.
Since Ramla Bay has virtually no development, there are limited activities you can do here. Aside from swimming and enjoying the sun, the only thing you can do here is appreciate the picturesque views.
You can also witness the beauty of the statue of Virgin Mary, which was installed on the beach in 1881 in commemoration of a local shipwreck. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can climb one of its cliffs and visit the Calypso’s Cave. From there, you can get a stunning view of the beach.
5. Daħlet Qorrot
Another small yet fascinating beach in Gozo Island is the Daħlet Qorrot. This rocky inlet is known for its little pebbly beach and quayside. Guests can enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the seashore and some water activities, such as snorkeling. Since it’s relatively small and less crowded compared to the other beaches, Daħlet Qorrot is an ideal destination if you want to spend some quality time with family and friends.
6. Blue Lagoon
This massive, cyan-hued beach is nestled between the island of Comino (MaltaUncovered.com) and the islet of Cominotto. Hailed as one of the most visually stunning beaches in Malta, the Blue Lagoon boasts pool-like features in a remote island setting.
While its white, sandy beach is relatively small compared to others, its spectacular flat rocks, limestone cliffs, and caves definitely made it stand out from the rest.
Some of the activities you can do here include snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and sunbathing. You can also try its famous tour boats and private yachts.
If you’re planning to visit Blue Lagoon, make sure to consider the time of your vacation as it easily gets crowded, especially during summer.
7. St. George’s Bay
Located in the heart of Paceville, the entertainment capital of Malta, this beach attracts many visitors throughout the year. It is also the first beach in the country that was recognized as a Blue Flag and managed to retain its status for several years.
While it’s true that St. George’s Bay is a far cry from the other nature-focused beaches, it has its unique beauty that is perfect for younger guests. From bars and restaurants to bustling shopping centers and cinemas, everything is easily accessible coming from the beach.
8. Hondoq ir-Rummien
Famous for its deep, clear water and small caves, this beach is quite popular with snorkelers and swimming enthusiasts. The beach is an ideal diving spot as well, especially for beginners.
It also offers amazing views of the Comino Island and even shares a glimpse of the locals’ way of living. Several natural salt pans dotted the coastline, which is still being used during summer to harvest salt.
9. Dwejra Bay
This protected heritage site is nestled on the rugged western tip of Gozo and centered close to the point of the former Azure Window, which had collapsed in 2017. Dwerja Bay highlights the island’s most beautiful natural pools created by erosion of the rocks. Dwejra Bay is home to the famous fungus rock, which the Knights of St. John used to win a special plant from. This plant was believed to have special medicinal healing powers.
It is also home to famous dive spots that definitely draw in tourists from around the world. Hiking around the bay will even let you discover some quiet sunbathing spots, perfect for those who want to have a relaxing time.
That Travel Blog’s note: The beautiful Azure Window pictured below doesn’t exist anymore! 🙁
But there’s still plenty to see around Dwejra Bay and well worth a visit.
10. Ġnejna Bay
If you prefer a serene and uncrowded beach getaway, you might want to consider Ġnejna Bay. Located near the rural village of Mġarr, this small beach is the perfect spot if you’re going to avoid the bustling summer scene.
This beach is most notable for its impressive clay slopes and limestone cliffs. It also has freshwater springs, which runs through Wied il-Ġnejna.
Since the crowd is less here, expect to see a nudist beach at the secluded part of the shore. Though there are visitors who hang out here completely naked, the practice is being frowned upon by most locals and it is technically illegal in Malta.
