Tucked beneath Sicily within the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a hotspot in each method. Its sun-drenched shores and various historical past and tradition have made it extremely standard with vacationers in search of an island getaway with tons to supply.
The seashores right here are usually rocky and sea-sculpted, with fewer delicate and sandy curves of Mediterranean shoreline than you may anticipate. However the locals have made probably the most of each little cove obtainable and watersports are big right here – Malta is named Europe’s finest diving vacation spot however even the snorkeling within the extremely clear waters dotted with historic wrecks is world-class.
Whether or not you are eager on splashing round within the waves, spending a day stress-free on the sand or a picturesque rocky cove, or having fun with a leisurely lunch of native seafood, these are the very best seashores to be present in Malta and its smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino.
1. Golden Bay
Greatest seaside for delicate sand
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Malta and Gozo don’t provide many large sandy seashores, however there are a couple of gems. Golden Bay, on Malta’s northwestern coast, arguably probably the most stunning, is a large curve of orange-gold sand that cabinets gently into the dark-blue Mediterranean. This can be a place to lie down on the island’s softest sand, mull over the watersports and boat journeys on provide, or peruse the menus of close by eating places overlooking the bay.
Planning tip: Golden Bay has easy accessibility factors, making it a great possibility for those who’re touring with small youngsters and strollers.
2. Mellieħa Bay
Greatest seaside for water sports activities
You’re by no means removed from a watersports supplier in Malta. Mellieħa Bay is among the finest seashores for messing about on the water, with windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, banana boating and parasailing all on provide. That is Malta’s largest sandy seaside and it has a dependable northeasterly breeze that makes it best for wind-based water sports activities. Different prime selections for water sports activities embody Xlendi, Marsalforn and Golden Bay.
Planning tip: The vary of amenities and actions on provide make Mellieħa a preferred seaside for each guests and locals. It isn’t the place to go for those who’re in search of a quiet nook in a tranquil spot.
3. Blue Lagoon
Greatest seaside for swimming
Beating many robust contenders, Comino’s Blue Lagoon snags the title of Malta’s prime swimming spot. Ringed by rocks and framed by gleaming white sand, the island’s limpid and sheltered inland sea glows periwinkle brilliant, and it is a heavenly place to swim.
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Planning tip: The Blue Lagoon is unquestionably not a secret, so in excessive season, you’ll be sharing the pool with a couple of hundred others. A greater possibility is to skip the hordes by taking a ship journey right here within the afternoon after most individuals have left for the day.
4. Fomm ir-Riħ
Greatest seaside for peace and quiet
Fomm ir-Riħ – that means “mouth of the wind” – is Malta’s most distant seaside. A steep and generally difficult path leads all the way down to it from the small city of Baħrija on the northwestern Maltese coast. Such issue brings rewards, nonetheless, and for those who’re in search of peace and quiet, gin-clear water and sumptuous coastal views, that is the seaside for you.
Planning tip: The stroll down takes round 20 minutes, but when the scramble doesn’t enchantment, you may all the time method by boat.
5. Wied il-Għasri
Greatest place for snorkeling
Snorkelers take observe: Malta is underwater heaven. On the Gozo coast, Wied il-Għasri is a coastal chasm that creates a slim river of seawater, ending in a tiny sand and shingle seaside. Entry to the seaside is through a staircase hacked into the rock. A few of Malta’s most interesting snorkeling might be had by launching off into the channel, though it’s best averted in tough climate.
Detour: Different prime snorkeling spots embody the rocky inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini and the pure sea pool of Għar Lapsi. If scuba is extra your factor, there are many diving facilities; a preferred spot for diving is the Blue Gap close to Gozo’s Dwejra Bay.
6. Għajn Tuffieħa
Greatest seaside for sunbathing
Neighbor to standard Golden Bay, and sharing the identical pretty outlook and delicate, silky, butterscotch-colored sand, Għajn Tuffieħa is a quieter alternative for sun-worshipping. In contrast to Golden Bay, it is not backed by lodges, and the marginally longer stroll to get there additionally helps to skinny out the crowds. When all you wish to do is lie within the solar and sometimes cool off within the sea, this is a perfect alternative.
7. Ramla Bay
Greatest seaside for households
Simply accessible by bus and automotive, the terracotta-colored sands of Gozo’s Ramla Bay are backed by a restaurant that hires out umbrellas and sunbeds. The seaside slopes gently into the water, the views up throughout the hills are pleasant, and there’s a scramble as much as Calypso’s Cave to contemplate if anybody’s becoming bored. Ramla Bay is one among Malta’s finest household seashores, though Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay and Paradise Bay are additionally worthy contenders for the title.
8. Mġarr ix-Xini
Greatest seaside for lunch
Reached through a slim, winding street, Gozo’s Mġarr ix-Xini (Port of the Galleys) was as soon as the island’s essential harbor for the Knights of St John, and the rocky bay’s pebbled seaside is now the situation of presumably Malta’s most laid-back beachside restaurant. Service on the 10-table Rew Rew can generally be a bit too relaxed, however lunch plates overflowing with seafood – together with glorious calamari – salad and selfmade potato chips make the expertise all worthwhile.
Planning tip: Attempt to go to on a weekday for a shot at securing a spot within the adjoining automotive park, or constitution a ship across the coast from Xlendi or Mġarr harbor.
9. St Peter’s Pool and Il-Kalanka Bay
Greatest pure swimming swimming pools
Pure swimming swimming pools, sea-sculpted from the coastal rock, are a scenic summer season spotlight in Malta. Positioned on the southeastern coast, St Peter’s Pool is among the loveliest – a ladle-shaped scoop out of the rock that types a sheltered lagoon for a swim, after which you’ll be able to bask seal-like on the encompassing rocks.
Detour: Close by, and often a lot quieter, is the swimming gap at Il-Kalanka Bay. Word the platform for leaping into the water at Il-Kalanka is increased than at St Peter’s, so further care must be taken.
10. Għar Lapsi
Greatest place to leap into the ocean
Worthy of particular point out is Għar Lapsi, a rocky inlet that lies on the base of Malta’s Dingli Cliffs. It is standard with snorkelers, divers, and particularly youngsters who like leaping into the ocean from the rocks. Providing good views of Għar Lapsi’s rocky cove, Carmen’s Bar & Restaurant is one other prime spot for a relaxed meal.
