Beaches in Malta – we checked them all #1

Why Malta? Sea, sun, historical monuments, wine and beaches. Some people say that beaches are the negative side of the island, some say opposite. Before going to Malta on holidays you have to know that local beaches are very different and very often things that Maltese call beach are far away from what an average tourist sees thinking about his or her seaside rest. To find out what the island really offers we drowe entire coast and checked all of them, from the smallest, rocky on the sidelines to those most popular sandy ones. Below all we have seen divided in two parts: the north-west part and south-east regions of the island. We advise going through our review before deciding about hotel for your holidays.

Today first part: NORTH-WESTERN MALTA

1. Ghadira Beach located in Mellieħa Bay is the longest sandy beach in Malta. It is right next to the road to the ferry port to Gozo. Beach is wide, long and has gentle descent to water and full infrastructure – bars and restaurants. What is more you can rent water scooters and motorboats there. Because it is very popular and thanks to many hotels located around it usually is crowded with people, but it is one of the best beaches on the island. You will have good time there, with different age kids, and without them. It’s a genuine beach.

OLA’S RATE: 8/10
PROS: sandy beach, gentle descent to water, sanitary facilities
CONS: located next to noisy road, parking along the street
INFRASTRUCTURE: sunbeds, umbrellas, snack bars, parasole, punkty gastronomiczne, atrakcje wodnewater attractions

2. Mistra Beach is an interesting little beach off the main route. It is located in one of lagoons of St. Paul’s bay, close to the island where, according to the legend, St. Paul’s boat crashed during his trip to Rome. Beach is mainly gravel-sandy and narrow but intimate and calm. In the peak of season probably runs out of free space soon but you can give it a try. It is better for playing in water than sunbathing.

OLA’S RATE: 5/10
PROS: intimacy, location off the main route, good place for camping in a ten or camper
CONS: gravel-sandy beach, rather small
INFRASTRUCTURE: none

3. Armier Beach and Little Armier Beach are the two located next to each other beaches on Armier Bay. Beaches are wide, sandy, with palm trees. Little Armier Beach is more wild. This is one of few beaches with the view unspoiled by big hotel buildings. On the horizon looms another Maltese island – Comino. As on all beaches on the northern side waves are slightly bigger here. Thanks to being located aside Armier Beach and Little Armier are not so crowdy and might be comfortable places for sepnding time with children.

OLA’S RATE: 6/10
PROS: sandy beach, no rocks, palm trees, less popular
CONS: big waves
INFRASTRUCTURE: sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, big parking

4. Ramla Beach – small beach located in Ramla Bay. Most of the coastline belongs to Ramla Bay Resort, where you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas and find some bars. There is some sand on the beach. Right next to it there is a ferry to Comino island and it seems to be the only potential reason to visit the place. Do not confuse this beach with much better Ramla beach on Gozo island.

OLA’S RATE: 5/10
PROS: view, calm, clear water
CONS: little beach, hotel type of beach
INFRASTRUCTURE: sunbeds, umbrellas, dining possible in nearby hotel

5. Paradise Bay a breathtaking place located in a beautiful bay right under high cliff. You can park your car on the parking above and take narrow stairs down to the coast. The beach itself is nice, sandy, surrounded by beautiful cliffs and rocks. Blissfull view is spoiled by the hotel and Gozo ferry terminal. Down there you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas and get something to eat in a restaurant. Despite that the beach is located in a bay water sometimes os rough but clear. Rocky bottom. Beach is beautiful but requires some effort to get there.

OLA’S RATE: 7/10
PROS: charming place, sandy shore
CONS: rocky bottom
INFRASTRUCTURE: sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurant, parking

6. Golden Beach – the most famous beach in western Malta. Wide, sandy shore and clean water make it a perfect place to relax. The only thing is that it’s full of people all day long. Since early morning seaside is full of sunbathing and swimming enthusiasts and in the evening the place attracts by beautiful sunsets. Part of the beach is reserved for guests of Radisson Hotel. At the entrance to the beach there is a restaurant; nerby bars and parking. You can rent some umbrellas and sunbeds, ride inflatable banana boat, waterski and go paraglide. It’s a good place to spend time with children, beach is even, wide and has a gentle descent to water.

OLA’S RATE: 7/10
PROS: sandy shore
CONS: crowdy, paid parking
INFRASTRUCTURE: sunbeds, umbrellas, dining options, parking, water sports

7. Għajn Tuffieħa Beach – another beach in western Malta we visited. It is located in Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (also called Riviera Bay). It is our favourite Maltese location, mainly thanks to its picturesque situation. Here bay nicely cuts into the land. To get to the beach it requires few minutes walk but the views are unspoiled by any buildings. Beach itself is sandy, few meters wide, quite intimate, waves splashing against the rocks make noce impression. Genuine, nice beach, good place to stay with kinds and get some relax without.

OLA’S RATE: 8/10
PROS: intimacy, sandy shore, views
CONS: long way to the beach, paid parking
INFRASTRUKTURA: sunbeds for rent, bar

8. Gnejna Bay is very close to the previous one – it is separated from Għajn Tuffieħa only by a smal cape but is didn’t charm us like the neighboring  one. It has sandy shore and offers sunbeds and pedalo boats for rent. We can definitely recommend it for families with babies. The only nude beach in Malta is reachable from Gnejna.

OLA’S RATE: 8/10
PROS: easy access, sandy shore
CONS: paid parking
INFRASTRUCTURE: pedalo boats and sunbeds rental

 

The other part of Malta we will review for you tomorrow but if you are looking for the most beautiful beach to stay on you should rather choose from those above. It’s the nort-west Malta where they have more genuine sandy beaches. So how southern beaches look like? Check with us tomorrow and today you can find all of above mentioned on the map.