The archipelago of Malta is a great European destination if you're looking for beautiful beaches and underwater adventures. This history-rich cluster of islands is located between Italy and Tunisia, consisting of gorgeous beach destinations that are excellent for adventurous travelers, groups of friends, and even families with children.

Malta is known for being sunny all year round, so beachgoers can relax on the sand, swim in crystal blue waters, and play a wide variety of water sports. For the more adventurous beach lovers, Malta also has some of the best diving spots in Europe, giving divers an up-close look at some stunning marine life. The best beaches in Malta allow you to soak up the sun and explore the vast ocean during your vacation.

  • 1

    Riviera Beach

    Enjoy panoramic seaside views and super-soft sand

    Riviera Beach
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    Riviera Beach (Għajn Tuffieħa) is one of the most popular beaches in Malta due to its incredible views and crystal blue waters. It’s usually less crowded than many beaches around Malta as you can only reach it by climbing down a stairway of around 100 steps. It’s well worth the effort, though, for the soft brown-red sand and panoramic views.

    The beach is a fantastic combination of natural sights and manmade amenities – and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as buy food and drinks at nearby kiosks.

    Location: Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieha, Malta

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  • 2

    Daħlet Qorrot

    Snorkel and snack in this rocky ocean alcove

    Daħlet Qorrot
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    Daħlet Qorrot is a small and rocky beach, but an excellent destination for snorkeling and enjoying shallow waters that are home to exotic marine life. The beach has a small snack bar that opens during the summer. And if you happen to be in the area during the windier or colder months, this beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the waves.

    Location: Nadur, Malta

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    photo by Larsvr6 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Fomm ir-Rih

    Wild and isolated beach bliss

    Fomm ir-Rih
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    Fomm ir-Rih is one of the wildest and most isolated beaches in Malta. It's accessible via a steep climb down but the views are worth the effort. The beach offers fantastic views of the surrounding cliffs, valleys, and the azure Mediterranean Sea.

    Divers and snorkelers will also enjoy this pebbly beach's underwater views. Just be prepared to walk to get to the coastline, and don’t expect much when it comes to seaside lounging. Be aware that when the winds are blowing in from the north or northwest, Fomm ir-Rih's waves can get quite forceful.

    Location: Fomm ir-Rih Bay, Mgarr, Malta

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  • 4

    Golden Bay Beach

    Sunbathing, swimming and barbeques

    Golden Bay Beach
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    Golden Bay Beach enjoys a Blue Flag status for sustainable development and environmental management. It's also one of the archipelago's most popular beach destinations, which means it can get quite crowded. Located the northwest coast of Malta, Golden Bay Beach is easy to reach and offers several amenities. It’s a great choice for families and those looking to relax on the beach.

    Location: Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa, Mellieha, Malta

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  • 5

    Ramla Bay Beach

    Enjoy the ocean on Malta’s most picture-perfect beach

    Ramla Bay Beach
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    Ramla Bay Beach is known as one of the prettiest beaches in Malta. Its burnt yellow, almost reddish sand is unique and incredibly soft. The clear blue shallow waters make it excellent for swimming, especially for families with small children.

    You can find ancient Roman ruins right next to Ramla Beach. Aside from exploring this historical site, you can catch the views from the cave of Calypso – the legendary nymph who was beloved by the Greek god of the sun, Apollo.

    Location: ir-Ramla I-Hamra, Xagħra, Malta

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  • 6

    Hondoq Ir-Rummien Beach

    Crystal clear waters and shallow caves for underwater explorers

    Hondoq Ir-Rummien Beach
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    One of Malta’s unique offerings is the Hondoq ir-Rummien Beach, which is popular with snorkelers because of its clear waters and small caves, which are great for exploring. The beach also offers beautiful views of the island of Comino. Unique sites at this beach are the natural salt pans dotting the shimmering white coastline. These pans are harvested for salt in the summer.

    Location: Hondoq ir-Rummien, Qala, Malta

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  • 7

    Mellieħa Bay Beach

    Shallow calm waters and fun beach activities are excellent for travelers with children

    Mellieħa Bay Beach
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    Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay) on the northern part of the Malta is the island's longest sandy beach. It's one of the most popular choices for families and those looking to relax on sandy shores. The shallow water surrounding the beach stays around ankle deep for around 50 meters out to the sea.

    Several amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas and various refreshments dot Mellieħa Bay. Kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing and banana boating are some of the best things to do here. Għadira Bay is also great for off-peak travelers, as the shallow sandy waters stay warm longer than other beaches in the area.

    Location: Marfa Road, Mellieħa, Malta

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  • 8

    St. George’s Beach

    Party right next to the beach

    St. George’s Beach
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    St. George’s Beach is an ideal destination for younger tourists looking for both a beach and a happening nightlife in Malta. It's just a few steps away from the clubs of Paceville, Malta’s party capital.

    St. George was the island’s first beach to be awarded a Blue Flag status. There's always something fun happening at, and around, the beach, so it's better suited for those who want to mingle, have fun and end their day at a local nightclub.

    Location: St Julian’s, Malta

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    photo by Fly Drone World (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 9

    Dwejra Bay

    Explore the beauty of the Azure Window

    Dwejra Bay
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    Dwerja Bay is a stunning bay in one of Malta’s most impressive locations – the Azure Window. It's made up of small pools that were created by rock erosion, which results in some stunning rock formations near the beach.

    Snorkelers and scuba divers can find several cave-diving sites around Dwerja Bay. However, the water in the bay can get very rough when it’s windy, so it’s best for experienced swimmers only.

    Location: San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta

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  • 10

    St. Peter’s Pool

    Jump off the rocks and straight into the shimmering waters

    St. Peter’s Pool
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    St. Peter’s Pool is a beautiful bay on the east coast of Malta, near a charming fishing village. This beach is rarely crowded because there's no sandy coastline to speak of, though the bay’s encircling rock formations are good for sunbathing and lounging if you bring a towel.

    The allure of St. Peter’s Pool is its exclusivity – you won’t need to compete with other tourists for the ideal spot. You’ll often get to meet the locals who frequent the bay for a nice, cool dip. If you're adventurous, you can even hop off the surrounding rocks and into the blue-green waters below.

    Location: Marsaxlokk, Malta

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    photo by zoetnet (CC BY 2.0) modified

Geri Mileva | Contributing Writer