{"id":21174,"date":"2018-01-17T10:00:07","date_gmt":"2018-01-17T10:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=21174"},"modified":"2018-01-16T12:43:19","modified_gmt":"2018-01-16T12:43:19","slug":"the-best-beaches-in-malta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/the-best-beaches-in-malta\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Beaches in Malta as Valletta Becomes European Capital of Culture for 2018."},"content":{"rendered":"

Malta<\/a>, located in Southern Europe, is an island country of an archipelago. It\u2019s surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and so benefits from sandy shores and turquoise seas, luring travellers from all around the world. It has a rich history which offers plenty of monuments and attractions to explore. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among which are seven megalithic temples, examples of the oldest in the world. <\/p>\n

\"BestValletta. Photo by: Valery Bareta\/Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

A European Capital of Culture<\/h2>\n

What is a European Capital of Culture?<\/h3>\n

This is a city, or recently cities<\/em>, named by the European Union who hold the title for a year to organise a series of cultural events. Outcomes for that city include boosted tourism, regeneration of cities, and a raised profile, among other benefits. <\/p>\n

The first was named back in 1985 by Greece\u2019s minister of culture who wanted to bring Europeans closer together, highlighting the richness of their cultures and raising awareness of their history and values. <\/p>\n

Cities are required to submit a proposal for judging, outlining why they should be awarded the title, against set criteria. <\/p>\n

2018 cultural programme<\/h3>\n

Valletta in Malta, and Leeuwarden-Friesland in the Netherlands, have been named as Capital of Culture for this year. <\/p>\n

Malta celebrates the official opening of their cultural programme of events between 14th and 21st January. This contains a week-long series of events held in the capital of Valletta including live music, street artists, exhibitions, and open days of historical spaces.<\/p>\n

After this week, the festa will stretch across the island and over to Gozo.<\/p>\n

You can check the full programme over here<\/a>, and bearing this in mind, there\u2019s probably never been a better time to experience Malta. You\u2019ll have a whole new wealth of activities and entertainment at your disposal. <\/p>\n

Be sure to also check out our guide for top attractions and things to do in Mdina and Rabat<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"BestGolden Bay. Photo by: Arseniy Krasnevsky\/Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the best beaches?<\/h2>\n

Any Mediterranean location is bound to offer some incredible spots for sunsets and sunbathing; Malta is no different. It\u2019s always worth bearing in mind that with any spot popular with tourists and locals is bound to get busier during summertime so be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment. We list some of the best beaches in Malta below.<\/p>\n

Golden Bay<\/strong>
\nIdeal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach BBQs. Located in the north west of Malta, on the edge of Mellie\u0127a, the conditions make it one of the most popular. Although how busy it gets is a testament to its quality, it\u2019s advisable to travel early in peak times as the beach is sure to fill quickly. The nearby car park makes it easy to reach too so a spectacular sunset is never out of reach. The bay is dotted with inlets and caves, perfect for exploring with a snorkel. It\u2019s Blue Flag certified and has amenities close by, including good restaurants. <\/p>\n

Blue Lagoon<\/strong>
\nSituated on the small island of Comino, which has only a few permanent residents, you\u2019ll need to take a ferry if you\u2019re not staying on the island. Set off from Malta or Gozo to this island in-between the two in search of these light blue clear waters and white sand. The bay consists of two beaches with rocks dividing them. The shallow waters, colourful fish and caves serve a perfect setting for snorkelling. A ban on boats has been put in place to minimise the disruption caused. <\/p>\n

\"BestGhajn Tuffieha. Photo by: imagesef\/Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

G\u0127ajn Tuffie\u0127a<\/strong>
\nThis Blue Flag beach, near Golden Bay, receives less visitors than its counterpart. Smaller and more untouched than Golden Bay, you\u2019ll need to head down a steep flight of steps (and back up again!) from the car park at the top of the cliffs to indulge here. You\u2019ll find only basic facilities which add to the ruggedness of the area. The beach is often peaceful and uncrowded but will see an increase in visitors in peak season. The area is managed by the Gaia Foundation<\/a> who ensure its natural beauty remains untarnished and well-kept.<\/p>\n

Mellie\u0127a Bay<\/strong>
\nFor about 50 metres out to sea, the water remains shallow, and there\u2019s no underwater current so the conditions are perfect for those with young children. There are lots of activities available here to be taken advantage of, including windsurfing, kite surfing, canoeing, and water-skiing. This Bay is Malta\u2019s longest beach, wading in at 800 metres long and boasts another Blue Flag award. There are lots of facilities available, so you\u2019ll find it easy to spend a day here. If you get bored of the golden shore (it could happen), the Ghadira Nature Reserve<\/a> is across the road; a seven-hectare reserve of in-land wetlands making it a haven for birds and other wildlife. <\/p>\n

Ramla I-Hamra (Ramla Bay)<\/strong>
\nRocky cliffs surround this long and wide beach, offering some shelter. Some facilities are available, and the area is best reached by car<\/a>. There are a few underwater rocks, but these can be spotted upon approach. For incredible scenery, considering taking a coastal walk to either side of the bay. <\/p>\n

\"BestParadise Bay. Photo by: Igor Kolos\/Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Paradise Bay<\/strong>
\nThis does exactly what it says on the tin. You\u2019ll find a rugged landscape and beautiful views contained in this natural cove. Although the beach is smaller than others, its popular for beach parties. Jellyfish nets have been put in place to protect swimmers, but you can snorkel just past these. There\u2019s a car park situated at the top of the cliffs which means a descent down steep steps which not all may manage. Sunbathe here and you\u2019ll be taking in a view of the islands Gozo and Comino. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, so a day can be wiled away at ease. <\/p>\n

Im\u0121ieba\u0127 Bay<\/strong>
\nThis area isn\u2019t the easiest to get to, but it\u2019s worth the effort if you can make it. This small sandy beach rarely gets busy because it\u2019s tucked out of the way and is relatively undisturbed. Located in the north of Malta, you\u2019ll need to head towards Selmun Palace<\/a>. Unconfident drivers should park here and make the rest of the way on foot. The road leading to the beach was never designed for two-way traffic so if you continue in the car, be prepared to spend some time reversing if you meet on-coming traffic. Once near the shore, you\u2019ll have to make a trek down the cliff-face. The journey won\u2019t be suitable for everyone. There\u2019s no facilities so take plenty of water. Be vigilant for strong currents in the water as there\u2019s no lifeguard on duty. <\/p>\n

St Peter\u2019s Pool<\/strong>
\nTechnically this isn\u2019t a beach, so we\u2019ll list it last. You\u2019ll find no sand here but the available flat rocky outcrop near Marsaxlokk, at Delimara Point (South West Malta) still retains a unique appeal. Ladders from the rocks allow access to the waters below where you can snorkel after some time spent sunbathing. The area is popular among locals, but the lack of sand affects the number of tourists that visit. It\u2019s in a remote location and has no facilities which perhaps makes it less appealing. However, if you\u2019re prepared to take your own supplies (ensure you have enough drinking water) and you\u2019re looking to get away to a picturesque spot, you should consider this natural pool. No public transport operates nearby so be sure to book a hire car<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"BestSt Peter’s Pool. Photo by: Jaroslav Moravcik\/Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Top tips to bear in mind when visiting beaches in Malta<\/h2>\n