Whether you prefer a relaxing sandy spot, or a rocky area which might be harder to access but extremely rewarding upon arrival, these are the local beaches we would highly recommend.
CLOSEST TO HOTEL JULIANI
The closest beach to our hotel on foot is Balluta Bay, which is only a 10 minute walk away. This small coastline beach is perfect for a quick swim, with an array of restaurants and shops nearby.
Exiles Bay in Sliema is also very close to us. You can get there via public transport in under 10 minutes by using the bus stop right in front of Hotel Juliani. This rocky beach with a dive shack is very popular with those wanting to explore our island’s reefs.
Other notable swimming spots in the vicinity of Hotel Juliani include St George’s Bay in St Julians, as well as both Qui-Si-Sana and Fond Għadir in Sliema.
Balluta Bay, St Julians (credit: Which Beach)
PERFECT FOR PHOTOS
Want to make your friends jealous? There are a number of Instagrammable beaches ideal for capturing your stellar holiday photos and videos.
Firstly, you should definitely explore the gorgeous St Peter’s Pool in Marsaxlokk, a unique caved-in bay that has become synonymous with snorkelling.
Further down, at the edge of Marsaxlokk, you can pay a visit to the picturesque and typically uncrowded Kalanka Bay, consisting of solely smooth flat rocks.
On the opposite side of the island, Qawra Point has many accessible amenities. Also in Northern Malta, we suggest Mellieħa Bay, Paradise Bay and Fomm ir-Riħ in the limits of Mġarr.
Finally, being one of the most popular beaches on the island, the remarkable Golden Bay deserves a mention too.
St Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk (credit: www.scrolltheglobe.com)
GREAT FOOD NEARBY
For a truly perfect beach day in Malta, how about heading down to Blue Grotto or Għar Lapsi? Less than a 10 minute drive away from each other, one on either side of the iconic megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, these two bays are not only stunning locations in themselves – finding a great restaurant nearby is always guaranteed.
Għar Lapsi, Siġġiewi (credit: www.expatstraveltogether.com)
OVER IN GOZO
Should you decide to hop on over to Malta’s sister island of Gozo during your stay here, you will find another treasure trove of beaches.
Shaped like a never-ending river, Wied il-Għasri is a very quiet sea canyon and one of our definite top picks of beautiful swimming spots in Gozo.
Other fantastic Gozitan swimming spots worth experiencing include Ramla Bay, San Blas Bay and Mġarr ix-Xini.
Before visiting any beaches in the Maltese islands, we suggest you start by heading over to www.whichbeach.com.mt for the latest reliable updates on the ideal bay to go to depending on that particular day’s weather, sea temperature and wind forecast.
Wied il-Għasri, Għasri, Gozo (credit: www.rentaboat.com.mt)