The 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Malta with Kids
Sandy Beaches & Hidden Bays
Malta may not immediately be known as a nature destination, but don’t be mistaken: the Maltese islands have a stunning coastline with impressive cliffs, hidden caves, and beautiful beaches.
You’ll find a surprising mix of sandy beaches with shallow water – perfect for families – and spectacular rocky bays with clear turquoise water. During our trip we discovered that the beaches in Malta vary greatly. Some beaches are large and well organized with restaurants and sunbeds, while others are small and rugged, located right in the middle of nature.
In this article, we share the most beautiful beaches in Malta with kids, including our favorite spots on Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
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The Most Beautiful Sandy Beaches in Malta
Sandy beaches are relatively scarce in Malta, but that makes them even more popular. For families, these beaches are often the most suitable because the water slopes gently.
Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay)
Mellieħa Bay is the largest sandy beach in Malta and therefore one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island. The water slopes very gradually here (it stays shallow for a long distance), allowing children to play and swim safely. Thanks to the many facilities (restaurants and cafés, sunbeds and parasols, and water sports options), it’s also a comfortable place to spend an entire day. This beach is located in the north of Malta and is easy to reach by car.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Malta. The beach is located on the west coast and is known for its golden sand and clear water. It is a fairly popular beach, especially in summer, but the surroundings with high cliffs make it truly special. Here you can swim, try water sports, rent a sunbed, and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Malta.
Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Beach)
This beach is located close to Golden Bay but often feels much quieter. The beach lies in a protected natural area and can be reached via a long staircase down to the shore. That makes it a bit less convenient with small children, but the views and nature make this beach absolutely worth the visit. The combination of golden sand, turquoise water, and green hills makes this one of the most photogenic beaches in Malta.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is located in the far north of Malta, close to the ferry terminal to Gozo. This beach is smaller than Mellieħa Bay, but the water here is beautifully clear and often very calm. That makes it a great spot for families with children. From the beach, you also have a lovely view of the islands of Gozo and Comino.
The Most Beautiful Rocky Beaches and Natural Swimming Spots
In addition to sandy beaches, Malta also has many rocky bays where you can swim, snorkel, and jump from the cliffs. The water here is often even clearer than at the sandy beaches.
St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is one of the most famous natural swimming spots in Malta. This natural bay consists of smooth limestone rocks that form a kind of natural platform around the water. The water here is deep and crystal clear, making it a perfect place for swimming or snorkeling. Many people also come here to jump from the cliffs. The bay is located near the fishing village of Marsaxlokk in the south of Malta.
Għar Lapsi
Għar Lapsi was one of our favorite spots in Malta. This small rocky bay is located on the southwest coast of the island and is known for its incredibly clear water and beautiful rock formations.
It’s a popular place for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. After your swim, you can enjoy fresh fish at one of the nearby restaurants.
Fond Għadir
Fond Għadir is located in Sliema and is a unique place to swim. Here you’ll find natural swimming pools carved into the limestone rocks, where locals often come for a swim. The water is clear and you have views of the skyline of Sliema and Valletta. It’s not a classic beach, but it’s a nice spot to cool off during a walk along the promenade.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Gozo
Gozo is the smaller and greener sister island of Malta and is known for its rugged nature and quieter beaches.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is the largest sandy beach on Gozo and is known for its distinctive reddish sand.
The beach lies in a wide bay surrounded by dunes and green hills. The water slopes gently here, making it a great place for families with children.
San Blas Bay
San Blas Bay is a hidden beach with beautiful orange-red sand. The beach is fairly remote and can only be reached via a steep descent, which means it’s often much quieter than other beaches. It’s also not a large beach, so the peaceful atmosphere is a nice bonus.
Wied il-Għasri
This may be one of the most unique places on Gozo. Wied il-Għasri is a narrow gorge between two high cliffs that opens into the sea. A staircase leads down to the water, where you can swim in an almost fjord-like setting. The water here has a beautiful green color.
The Blue Lagoon on Comino
A visit to Malta is not really complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino.
The Blue Lagoon is famous for its intensely blue water and white sandy seabed, which makes the water look almost tropical. It’s a popular spot for day trips from Malta and Gozo. You can swim, snorkel, take boat trips, and explore the island on foot. In summer it can get very crowded here, so it’s best to come early in the morning or choose a boat trip that anchors slightly away from the crowds.
Crystal Lagoon
Close to the Blue Lagoon is the Crystal Lagoon, a lesser-known but beautiful place to swim.
The water here is often even clearer, and the high cliffs make it a spectacular location for snorkeling or jumping into the water from the rocks.
Practical Tips for Beaches in Malta
A few helpful tips if you’re visiting the beaches of Malta with children:
- Many beaches in Malta are rocky, so water shoes are very useful.
- In summer, popular beaches can get very crowded.
- Bring plenty of sun protection, as shade is often limited.
- Some beaches are only accessible via stairs or steep paths.
Haal alles uit je familie-vakantie op Malta & Gozo
📘 E-book Malta & Gozo met kinderen
Alles wat je moet weten: routes, stranden, hotels, speeltuinen & praktische tips.
🗺️ Google Maps kaart
270+ locaties voor gezinnen: stranden, speeltuinen, restaurants & uitjes.
🎁 BESTE DEAL: Bundel (e-book + kaart)
Alles in één én voordeliger.
Book Your Family Vacation to Malta with Kids
On Booking.com you can easily find kid-friendly accommodations in Malta, and the cheapest flights are available on Skyscanner. Prefer a fully organized holiday? Check out TUI. For fun excursions, boat trips, and activities, visit GetYourGuide.com, and you can easily rent a car through Sunny Cars.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
