Malta’s Sandy Beaches

There is, among many other vivid definitions, one that perfectly describes Malta’s and Gozo’s much renowned sandy beaches, and that is ‘idyllic’. Set in the north of the island, having clear blue waters all year round, and very often being the envy of other Mediterranean destinations, one cannot but mention the three most sought after and popular ones, namely Gnejna Bay, Riviera Bay and Golden Bay (pictured above), all ideally located next to each other with spectacular cliffs and clay hills (perfect for walks and adventure trails throughout the year), as well as being popular spots for kite and body surfing on windier days during the winter months.

Mellieha, stretching out to three spectacular sandy beaches, is another highly regarded location in the north of Malta, with far-reaching child-friendly shallow waters, that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and other similar, water activities. These beaches are surrounded by restaurants, pretty kiosks, cafes, and dive schools, are very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Apart from the many amenities surrounding these prime beach destinations making them the perfect spots for a fun and relaxing day out, they are all easily accessible by public transport, as well as having parking facilities. There are also many hotels in these areas that cater for all budgets and preferences. There are numerous other hidden gems, that support Malta’s reputation as one of the best beach holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, however, Gozo undoubtedly deserves a mention too, especially when it comes to Ramla Bay (Ramla Il Hamra), meaning red sand, lending its name perfectly to the beautiful red colour sand this prominent haven boasts. This incredible beach has also been voted as one of the best beaches in the world by The Telegraph in the UK and it’s not hard to see why with its breathtaking scenery and unspoilt location.

Let us also draw attention to the Blue Lagoon in Comino, a tiny island sandwiched between Malta and Gozo, that is one of the best swimming locations in the Mediterranean. It is hard to describe just how crystal clear the waters are around this popular destination and although the sandy beach is only small, once you are in the water there is a vast sandbank inlet that provides incredible snorkelling opportunities that look more like the shores of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean! The best way to get to the Blue Lagoon is by one of the day return ferries that leave from Sliema and other locations throughout the islands.

For the more adventurous types, there is another fantastic ‘off the beaten track’ location, called St.Peters Pool in the south of Malta. Although this is not a sandy beach, it does offer a quieter, picturesque opportunity to swim in the warm Maltese waters in a natural ‘horseshoe’ cove formed out of the sandstone over thousands of years. Indeed, one of the great things about Malta is that there are so many secluded rock pools and beaches scattered all over the island, just waiting to be explored, that offer a unique swimming experience that will never be forgotten.

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