Beach guide
Quiet and hidden beaches in Malta and Gozo
Malta's best-known beaches are packed on summer weekends, but there are still quiet coves with no lidos and few people. Most take a walk, a steep road or a boat to reach, and have no facilities, so bring water, shade and good shoes.
Remote beaches have no lifeguards either. Check the sea conditions before you go and don't swim alone when it's rough.
Sea conditions update every hour.
Quiet beaches worth the walk
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1 Imġiebaħ Bay
Imġiebaħ (Selmun) Bay: quiet undeveloped sandy bay below Selmun, Mellieħa. Narrow road, short walk down, no facilities. What to know.
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2 Slugs Bay
Slugs Bay, Mellieħa: a tiny sandy cove on the Marfa Ridge reached by a short, rough walk. No facilities, so bring water, shade and good shoes.
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3 Fomm ir-Riħ
Fomm ir-Riħ: a remote pebble bay below Baħrija, reached by a steep cliff path or by boat. How to get there, parking, safety and what to bring.
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4 Qarraba Bay
Qarraba Bay: a small, quiet cove between Għajn Tuffieħa and Ġnejna, reached only on foot down a steep path. No facilities, so bring water and shade.
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5 White Tower Bay
White Tower Bay, near Armier in Mellieħa: a quiet sandy bay below Torri l-Abjad. How to get there, parking, buses and what to expect.
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6 Kalanka Bay
Il-Kalanka, Delimara: rocky cove near St Peter's Pool with deep water and jumping ledges. Parking, how to get there and safety tips.
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7 Xrobb L-Għaġin
Xrobb l-Għaġin, Delimara: rocky swimming from a nature park on Malta's south-east tip. Parking, park hours, access and safety tips.
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8 Wied il-Għasri
Wied il-Għasri, Gozo: a narrow gorge with a tiny pebble beach and calm-day snorkelling. Steps, parking, bus 309 and what to bring.
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9 San Blas Bay
San Blas Bay, Nadur: a small red-sand beach in Gozo reached down a very steep road, with a summer kiosk and clear water for snorkelling.
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10 St. Nicholas Bay
St Nicholas Bay (San Niklaw), Comino: a quiet sandy cove near Santa Marija Bay. Ferries, the Blue Lagoon pass, walking routes and what to bring.
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11 Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon, Comino: a quiet cliff-lined inlet near the Blue Lagoon with sea caves and snorkelling, best reached on a boat tour.
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12 Mġarr ix-Xini
Mġarr ix-Xini, Gozo: sheltered pebble inlet near Xewkija, good for snorkelling and diving. Steep road, parking, food and what to expect.
Sea today, parking and facilities
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a quiet beach in Malta in summer?
Try Imġiebaħ Bay below Selmun, Slug's Bay on the Marfa Ridge, or Fomm ir-Riħ on the west coast. Go early on a weekday and they can be almost empty.
Is there a nudist beach in Malta?
Nudity on beaches is not legal in Malta, though Qarraba Bay has a reputation as a quiet spot where it is tolerated.