About Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is a small sandy cove at the far north-west tip of Malta, just south of the Ċirkewwa peninsula and a few minutes from the Gozo ferry terminal. It sits at the foot of a cliff, reached by a long flight of steps cut into the rock, with caves and rocky inlets on either side and Gozo and Comino across the water.
People come for the setting and the water rather than the size of the beach. The sea is usually clear, the coast around it is among the best snorkelling and diving areas in Malta, and the bay faces north-west, so the sun sets over the sea. A lido runs most of the services, and in summer the small patch of sand fills quickly.
What Paradise Bay is like
The beach itself is a short strip of sand enclosed by rugged cliffs, with rocky ledges and small caves along both sides. The seabed slopes gently at first, then drops off a few metres out. The bay's shape usually keeps the water calm, and in summer nets surround the swimming area to keep jellyfish out. Beyond the nets, the rocky shoreline is where the marine life is.
From the sand you look across the North Comino Channel towards Gozo and Comino, with the ferries crossing every so often. The lido at the back of the beach gives it a managed, resort feel in summer, which some visitors find takes away from the natural setting. The Ċirkewwa coast just offshore is now part of Malta's first marine park, with a management plan launched in August 2026 covering zoning, moorings and codes of conduct.
When to go to Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is at its best in north-easterly, easterly, south-easterly or southerly winds, which leave the bay in the shelter of the cliffs. Avoid it in westerly or north-westerly winds, which blow straight in from the open channel; the north-westerly is Malta's most common summer wind, so check before you go. Northerly and south-westerly winds tend to make it choppy. On easterly days, when Mellieħa Bay is rough, Paradise Bay is often a good alternative a few minutes away.
June to September is the busy season, and the beach is small enough to feel full by mid-morning, especially at weekends. Come on a weekday or before 10am for more space. The bay faces north-west, so the late afternoon and sunset are a good time to visit as the day-trippers leave. Early mornings are best for snorkelling, before boat traffic and swimmers stir up the water.
Snorkelling and diving at Paradise Bay
The sandy centre of the bay has little to see, so snorkellers head for the rocky sides and beyond the nets, where caves and inlets shelter fish. Kayaks can be rented to explore the coast further. The Ċirkewwa area is one of the most-dived places in the Maltese Islands, with underwater cliffs, caves, tunnels and arches. The Paradise Bay reef has boulder fields, drop-offs, swim-throughs and a rock arch, with an average depth of about 10 metres, and it suits beginners.
Two scuttled wrecks lie off Ċirkewwa: the tugboat Rozi, sunk in 1992, and the patrol boat P29, sunk in 2007, both at around 34 metres. A diving school operates from the nearby hotel. If you snorkel outside the nets, stay close to the rocks, wear a bright buoy or cap, and watch for dive boats and other craft heading to and from Ċirkewwa.
Swimming and safety at Paradise Bay
In normal summer conditions this is a gentle place to swim, but the drop-off a few metres from shore means children need watching even in the netted area. Yellow and red flags mark moderate and severe conditions; in a westerly or north-westerly blow, waves funnel into the cove and the steps become the only way out, so it is not a place to sit out a storm. Outside the bay, keep clear of the ferry route and the busy dive entry points near the terminal.
As at any busy beach, keep valuables out of sight. The steps are steep, and the climb back up in the midday heat is the hardest part of the day for many visitors. Bring water and allow time.
Things to do near Paradise Bay
Ċirkewwa is the jumping-off point for Gozo, with car ferries to Mġarr throughout the day, and in summer boats run from here to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. That makes Paradise Bay an easy swim stop before or after a ferry. The lido serves food and drink, rents sunbeds and umbrellas, and has toilets and showers, which carry a small fee.
Back towards Mellieħa, the Marfa Ridge has St Agatha's Tower (the Red Tower), open to the public, and quieter beaches such as Armier and Little Armier. Mellieħa Bay, Malta's largest sandy beach, is a short drive down the main road, and Popeye Village at Anchor Bay is also within easy reach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paradise Bay sandy?
Yes, it is a small sandy beach. The seabed drops off fairly quickly once you are a few metres from the shore.
Is there parking at Paradise Bay?
Yes, a free car park sits at the top of the steps. It is small and fills early in summer, especially at weekends.
How do I get to Paradise Bay by bus?
Take a bus to the Ċirkewwa terminus (routes 41 or 42 from Valletta, or 222 from Sliema) and walk the short distance to the bay. Check the Malta Public Transport journey planner for the closest stop on the day.
Can you hire sunbeds at Paradise Bay?
Yes. The lido rents sunbeds and umbrellas, and in peak season it is worth booking ahead.
Is Paradise Bay good for snorkelling?
Yes, along the rocky sides and beyond the swimming nets, where caves and inlets hold fish. The sandy centre has little marine life.
Are there jellyfish nets at Paradise Bay?
In summer, nets around the swimming area keep jellyfish out. To snorkel the reef, you have to swim beyond them.
Can you watch the sunset from Paradise Bay?
Yes. The bay faces north-west towards Gozo, so the sun sets over the sea on summer evenings.
Is there somewhere to eat at Paradise Bay?
Yes, on the beach: The Beach at Paradise Bay.
