Our Top 5 Beaches in Malta

The Maltese archipelago is made up of three islands, Malta being the largest, Gozo and Comino. These beautiful islands are situated in the middle of the Mediterranean and benefit from a warm climate and pleasant weather all year round with sea temperatures higher than any other part of Europe.

While Malta may be the smallest country in the European Union, with abundant sunshine, fascinating history, and rugged terrain it really packs a punch!  

The beaches, managed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), strive to meet international standards in safety, bathing water quality, services and environmental awareness. As a result Malta now boasts of eleven Blue Flag Beaches (Blue Flag is a globally recognised eco-label).  Through sustainable beach management operations locals and tourists can benefit from all the beaches have to offer while respecting the natural environment.

Keep reading to discover our Top 5 beaches selection in Malta that you must see!!

1. St. George’s Bay

Only a 20 minute walk away from Atlas is St. George’s Bay, one of the sandy beaches in Malta with Blue Flag status. (Find the map here). It is located in the heart of the entertainment mecca known as “Paceville” which offers many restaurants, cafes, bars and ice cream parlours. Please remember BBQs and camping are not allowed on the beach. Why don’t you spend some time here sunbathing and swimming and then visit one of the many bars close to the beach to try Maltese food and drinks with your friends or loved ones?

2. Għajn Tuffieħa (Golden Bay & Riviera are also close by)

Our next suggestion is Għajn Tuffieħa a popular area situated in the north west of Malta, neighbouring the beautiful sandy beaches of Golden Bay and Riviera. Here you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling or just having a great time with friends. During the day you can hire a sunbed and umbrella and in the evening enjoy a drink while watching the sun set. The beach is reached by a steep flight of stone steps so be prepared!

It is the travellers’ choice 2020 of TripAdvisor, with reviews such as “It’s probably one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in a while… There’s not a lot of people and it’s surrounded by nature. The sand is pretty and the water is so transparent!”

From Atlas, the bus journey takes around 45 minutes depending on the traffic and time of day. Definitely worth the trip (Find the map here).

3. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is located on the island of Comino and is one of Malta’s not-so-hidden gems. It is a bucket-list location known for its crystal clear turquoise blue waters, due to the white sand that acts as its seabed, and jagged cliffs. Again The Blue Lagoon has Blue Flag status. As you have to take a boat to get there it’s best to take a day trip and leave early. The journey is around 2.5 hours and boats leave regularly from Sliema and from Buġibba.

Once you arrive, you will be surrounded by the lagoon’s crystal-clear water and will feel like you are in paradise! You want to leave as much time as possible for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.

Film lovers might recognise this bay from the 2004 film Troy. To find out more about the beautiful Blue Lagoon watch this video!

4. Exiles Beach

Many of the beaches around Malta are rocky and these beaches tend to be less crowded than the sandy beaches. From June through to September ladders are lowered into the sea to give easy access for swimming. The sea at Exiles Beach is very deep so ideal for divers as well as swimmers – there is a water sports centre located at the beach where you can hire equipment and take scuba diving lessons – diving is very popular in Malta. At night you can lie on the rocks, listen to the sound of the waves and gaze at the stars. The rocks at Exiles, situated in Sliema below a local playground and watchtower, are very easy to get to by bus. The beach is accessed by steps from the promenade – this promenade, called ‘the front’ by locals, runs for about 10 km along the north eastern coastline from Gżira to St. Julian’s with stunning views over to Valletta.

There are many beach clubs, bars and restaurants in the area all offering drinks, snacks and meals throughout the day and in the evening. (Find the map here)

5. Qawra / Buggiba

Number 5 on our list is Qawra. Qawra, named after the watchtower that overlooks the area, and its neighbouring Buġibba are Malta’s largest seaside ‘resort’ towns. The town, or village as it once was, is known for its salt pans, referred to as is-Salini (and the area of Salina).

The seaside promenade that runs along the coastal area of Qawra is over 3.5 kilometres long and runs past Buġibba and ends in St. Paul’s Bay. Front his promenade you have wonderful views across the open sea in the direction of St. Paul’s island.

The large flat rocks provide ideal places for sunbathing and there are clear access points for swimmers. The water is deep, clean and clear and is a popular place with swimmers and snorkelers alike.

This beach is very close to the Malta National Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The aquarium is a very interesting place to visit either on your own or with friends!

It’s about 30 minutes by bus from Atlas Language School. (Find the map here).

This will have hopefully given you a taster of the wonderful beaches you can visit when you are here in Malta. These are all public beaches where everyone can gather and have fun, but you might also want to try out one or two of the many private beach clubs and pool clubs which offer tickets for a day costing from around 15.00 upwards. 

Finally, come to Atlas Malta and experience the Malta beaches in all their beauty while improving your English. Atlas organises great day and weekend trips to the must-see attractions! 

Have fun and practise your English at the same time – a dream that becomes true with us!

Click here to learn more about an action packed language holiday stay in Malta!

Ps. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

Written by Agostina Di Bari