Our favourite beaches in Malta and Gozo

Beaches are the top destinations for almost everyone in summer, tourists and locals alike. Malta and Gozo are chock full of beaches, from sandy to pebbly to rocky to cliff, and everything in between. Lounge and dive, sunbathe and snorkel, canoe and picnic, there’s a place to do just that. Most important, they’re all perfect to beat the heat and relax!

Here’s our top picks of beaches for this summer:

Għadira – Mellieha

Għadira is possibly the most famous beach in Malta. Its long stretch of sand is ideal for families as the water is shallow and there are plenty of umbrella leasers for shade, as well as a beachguard post.

Its location is fascinating too—an enclosed bay with the town of Mellieħa on one side and beach houses and the Red Tower (Torri l-Aħmar) on the other. Right behind the bay is a nature reserve for birds, and the beach itself offers up crabs and starfish for the lucky ones!

Riviera Beach – Mgarr

On the opposite shore is Riviera Beach, in Mgarr. Riviera Beach is one of two adjacent beaches—the other being Għajn Tuffieħa. While the latter has been given over to a large hotel (Golden Sands Resort), Riviera is in fact a full-out natural beau. With its reddish, terracotta sand, the beach is flanked by a plateau headland to the left and a Knights-era tower to the right, while at its back is sprawling vegetation.

What makes this spot mesmerising, apart from crystal water and the beautiful surf, are the spectacular sunsets, enjoyed by many throughout summer and even during winters. This beach is very popular for stargazing, full moon events and other get-togethers.

St Peter’s Pool – Marsaxlokk

Moving down south, St Peter’s Pool is a jewel among others, along the lesser known southern shore of Malta. Part of the Delimara area of Marsaxlokk, this limestone nook is a perfect getaway. While it is technically not a beach like the others, it is rocky—like a true southern Maltese beach. Crystal clear water makes it perfect for diving and its location is ideal to explore by canoe, along with the other crannies—cliff bays, arches and diving spots.

Ramla – Xagħra, Gozo

Off to Gozo! Ramla, or Ramla l-Ħamra, is THE beach of Gozo. It is named simply after the reddish hue of its sad, literally ‘the red beach’. Located at the bottom of a lush valley overlooked by the town of Xagħra, Ramla Bay is a very popular swimming destination. It is historically rich too—Roman remains and the famous Calypso Cave are found here and is believed to be mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey.

Għasri Valley – Għasri, Gozo

Another astounding place – Għasri Valley, is the most scenic of them all. Swimming here is an experience unto itself—this is peak Mediterranean, and you’ll find nowhere else much like it.

While getting here might cause a sweat, this place is worth it. Essentially a wavy gouge of a valley sandwiched between to low cliffs, Għasri Valley is a pebbly, crystal clear beach, dotted with massive sunken boulders rolled off the cliff faces, making it an exciting diving spot. It also features a little cave and as many beautiful pebbles as you can imagine, great for keepsakes!