Most beaches in Malta are flat limestone rocks from which you jump into the sea. There is a real charm to that — no sand in awkward places — but if you dream of lying on actual sand, there are some genuinely good options.
Sandy Beaches: Maltas Golden Three
- Golden Bay: Large, golden sand, easily reached by bus from Valletta. Hotels, cafes and crowds. The sunsets here are genuinely epic.
- Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Beach): Right next to Golden Bay, but requires around 200 steps down to reach. That keeps it wilder and far less crowded — the lazy ones stay away. My personal favourite on the whole island.
- Mellieħa Bay (Ghadira): The longest beach in Malta. Shallow water stretching for over a kilometre — perfect for children. On summer weekends it gets packed. Arrive before 10 am.
Rocky Coves: For Swimmers and Snorkellers
- St. Peters Pool: A natural pool carved into the rock. People jump in from several metres up into turquoise water. Spectacular, but absolutely no shade and no facilities. Bring an umbrella.
- Għar Lapsi: A small fishing cove in south-west Malta. The water here is extraordinarily clear — one of the best snorkelling spots on the whole island.
Gozo: Ramla Bay and San Blas
- Ramla Bay: The most beautiful beach in the entire archipelago. Rust-red sand, emerald water, genuine peace and quiet. Compared to Maltas beaches it feels like a completely different world. Essential stop on Gozo.
- San Blas Bay: Small, hard to reach (steep descent) and almost always empty. Red sand, great for snorkelling. The reward for making the effort is near-total solitude.
Blue Lagoon: Expectation vs Reality
The water really is that turquoise shade you have seen on Instagram — that part is true. But the beach is literally a few metres wide and has thousands of people on it. They lie on rocks, on the path, practically on each other. Worth seeing, but go before 9 am or after 4 pm. In the middle of the day it is a logistical nightmare.
💡 MONIKAS TIP: Buy water shoes before you leave your accommodation. Rocky shores are everywhere in Malta and sea urchins are a real hazard. Rubber water shoes will serve you far better than flip-flops.