Bays In Malta: The Complete List

Malta’s coastline is full of sheltered coves, sandy stretches and rocky inlets that suit swimmers, snorkelers and small boat trips. From popular weekend spots to quiet coves, the variety makes planning a day at the water easier when you know what each bay offers.

There are 47 Bays in Malta, ranging from Anchor Bay to Xwejni Bay. For each, you’ll find below Coordinates (lat, lon),Island,Best for so you can sort by location, island or activity and pick the right spot for swimming, diving or a calm anchorage you’ll find below.

How do I choose the best bay for swimming or snorkeling?

Look for bays listed as “Best for” swimming or snorkeling and check the Coordinates (lat, lon) and Island to estimate travel time; sandy bays and sheltered coves tend to be calmer and better for families, while rocky inlets often have clearer water and more marine life for snorkelers.

Are all bays accessible by public transport or do I need a boat?

Many main bays on Malta and Gozo are reachable by bus, taxi or short walks, but smaller or more secluded coves often require a boat, a hike or private transfer—use the island column and coordinates to plan routes and check local transport options before you go.

Bays in Malta

Images and Descriptions

Għadira Bay

Large sandy beach with shallow water popular with families. Easy access by bus and car, lifeguards in summer, sunbeds and cafes nearby. Good for wind-sports rental spots and gentle sunsets.

Golden Bay

Wide sandy bay backed by cliffs and sand dunes. Car parking and beach bar facilities, seasonal lifeguards. Popular at sunset and for swimming; steps lead down from the plateau and clifftop paths link to nearby bays.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

Sheltered sandy bay reached by a long stairway through rugged terrain. Limited facilities but an attractive, quieter alternative to Golden Bay. Good for swimming, cliff walks and scenic vistas; parking available on the headland.

Anchor Bay

Shallow rocky bay famous for the Popeye Village film set. Easy road access and paid parking; small pebbly shore and boat trips available. Popular for families and snorkelers exploring shallow rock pools.

Paradise Bay

Small sheltered sandy bay near Cirkewwa with crystal-clear water. Accessible by car or short boat ride; has a café, parking and sunbeds. Calm waters make it ideal for families and snorkeling off the rocks.

Armier Bay

Long, sandy stretch with clear shallow water and some wind-sport activity. Public parking and informal eateries nearby. Calm areas for families, exposed sandbars for watersports when wind picks up.

Little Armier Bay

Smaller adjacent bay to Armier with sand and rocks. Local parking and a few beach cafés. Quieter than main beaches, good for relaxed swims, sunbathing and informal snorkeling around rock formations.

Xemxija Bay

Coastal inlet with rock shelves and small sandy patches near St. Paul’s Bay. Bus access and roadside parking. Popular with locals for swimming and snorkeling; nearby hotels provide facilities.

St. Paul’s Bay

Large crescent bay with promenades, shallow waters and many amenities. Easily reached by bus and car, with cafes, shops and organized sunbeds. Good base for boat trips and evening strolls.

Bugibba Bay

Urban bay with a long seafront promenade, cafés and rocky bathing platforms. Bus and taxi links to Valletta. Popular for evening dining and easy sea access via ladders and steps from the promenade.

Qawra Bay

Sheltered bay with promenades, rock pools and access ladders. Close to visitor facilities, aquariums and harbor excursions. Good for easy swims and boat departure points to nearby coastal attractions.

Salina Bay

Rocky inlet near Salina salt pans with calm waters and limited sandy spots. Roadside parking and coastal paths for walks; fewer facilities but scenic sunsets and local fishing activity make it interesting.

Mistra Bay

Rocky cove with clear water popular for snorkeling and cliff jumping. Small accessible parking and steps to the shore; few amenities so bring supplies. Good for exploring underwater rock formations.

Gnejna Bay

Sandy bay backed by low cliffs and scrubland with seasonal facilities. Accessible by car with limited parking; quieter than nearby Golden Bay. Popular for families and windsurfers when breezy.

Fomm ir-Riħ

Dramatic cliffside inlet reached by a steep coastal path. No facilities and limited access make it wild and atmospheric. Popular with hikers for rugged views and adventurous swimmers who don’t mind rocky entry.

Għar Lapsi

Rocky inlet with clear water, boat moorings and a small natural swimming platform. Easy road access with parking; popular dive spot with local operators and simple facilities for changing and refreshments.

St. Peter’s Pool

Natural limestone swimming pool with calm, deep water ideal for jumps and snorkeling. Reached by a short walk from Marsaxlokk area; no formal facilities so visitors bring supplies. Rugged but picturesque.

Pretty Bay

Sandy bay in Birżebbuġa with promenade, children’s facilities and nearby cafés. Easily accessible by car with parking and regular buses. Offers gentle swimming and close proximity to local eateries and services.

St. Thomas’ Bay

Large sandy bay at Marsaskala with lifeguards in season, parking and cafes. Gentle waters suit families; promenade with restaurants and bus connections to other south-coast sights.

Marsascala Bay

Town bay with rocky and sandy stretches, a seafront promenade and amenities. Good for casual swims and evening walks; public transport links and restaurants nearby for a local seaside experience.

Balluta Bay

Small sheltered bay at St Julian’s with shallow water, promenade and numerous cafés. Easily walkable from hotels; popular for quick swims, sunbathing on rock ledges and people-watching near the church and hotels.

Spinola Bay

Picturesque small bay in St Julian’s lined with restaurants and traditional boats. Access by foot from town; limited bathing but excellent for waterfront dining, sunset views and boat trips.

St. George’s Bay

Developed sandy bay between Sliema and St Julian’s with organized beaches, sunbeds, and nearby nightlife. Good transport links and plenty of facilities; busier and more urban than rural beaches.

Wied iż-Żurrieq

Coastal valley mouth famous for boat excursions to sea caves including the Blue Grotto. Parking nearby and small boat operators; rocky shoreline for swimming and cliff viewing but limited sandy beach.

Ramla Bay

Gozo’s largest sandy bay with red-golden sand and a shallow seabed. Road access with parking and a few basic cafés; good for families, beach days and coastal walks to nearby viewpoints and caves.

San Blas Bay

Small secluded sandy inlet reached via a steep farm track and short walk. Very limited facilities and parking; prized for its quiet atmosphere, clear waters and surrounding rural scenery.

Xlendi Bay

Popular sheltered bay with a pebble beach, cliffs and seaside restaurants. Easily reached by road with parking and public transport; great for snorkeling, cliff walks and boat trips along the rugged coast.

Dwejra Bay

Rocky bay renowned for geological features and dive sites (site of the former Azure Window). Car parking and coastal trails nearby; good for diving, photography and exploring sea caves and stacks.

Mgarr ix-Xini

Sheltered narrow bay with a rocky seabed popular for snorkeling and diving. Access via a country road with limited parking; calm waters attract swimmers and small boats, with basic amenities nearby.

Hondoq Bay

Small sandy and pebbly bay with shallow clear water opposite Comino. Short walk from Qala village and limited parking; popular with families, swimmers and for day trips to Comino.

Marsalforn Bay

Busy tourist bay with promenade, eateries and rock-ledges for sunbathing. Good transport links and boat trips; mixed sand and rock shoreline, suited to families and evening dining by the sea.

Qbajjar Bay

Small rocky bay near Marsalforn known for traditional salt pans and scenic sunsets. Limited beaches but good viewpoints, eateries and easy access by car; popular for evening strolls.

Xwejni Bay

Rocky inlet with natural pools and clear water near Qbajjar. Roadside parking and small local amenities; favored by swimmers and those exploring tidal pools and simple fishing operations.

Wied il-Għasri

Narrow sea-fjord accessed by a steep path with a small pebble beach at the mouth. Limited facilities and parking; ideal for adventurous swimmers, cliff photography and peaceful coastal walks.

Ramla ta’ Wied

Smaller sandy inlet near Ramla Bay with quieter atmosphere. Accessible by a short coastal walk and limited parking; few facilities so bring supplies, good for relaxing away from main beach crowds.

Ta’ Cenc cliffs inlet

Rocky coastal indentation below Ta’ Cenc cliffs offering dramatic sea views. No facilities and rugged access; popular for experienced walkers seeking solitude and wild swimming in clear waters.

Xatt l-Ahmar Bay

Small local bay with a mix of rock and sand near Għarb. Roadside access and limited amenities; quiet and ideal for visitors seeking a low-key swim and village atmosphere.

Blue Lagoon

World-famous turquoise channel between Comino and Cominotto with shallow, crystal-clear water. Accessible only by boat from Malta or Gozo; crowded in summer but unbeatable for snorkeling and day trips, no built infrastructure.

Santa Marija Bay

Small sandy cove on Comino with shallow, sheltered water. Reachable by private boat or water taxi; limited facilities mean visitors should bring supplies. Peaceful alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

Crystal Bay (Comino)

Smaller, sheltered bay on Comino offering clear water for snorkeling and swimming. Access by boat only with no formal facilities; quieter than the main Blue Lagoon but popular for day-trippers seeking calm coves.

Wied il-Mielaħ Bay

Small inlet near Mistra with walkable cliffs and scenic viewpoints. Limited amenities and parking; appealing for walkers and those seeking quieter coastal scenery with occasional swimming from rocky ledges.

Daħlet Qorrot

Small rocky cove near Nadur with clear water and simple local access. No major facilities; popular for snorkelers and local families seeking a low-key seaside spot sheltered from winds.

Fomm in-Nhas

Remote coastal notch reached by an uneven hiking path. No facilities and difficult access but rewarding for experienced walkers seeking secluded swims and rugged cliff scenery. Bring water and footwear.

Ix-Xlendi Bay (small cove)

Smaller sheltered sections off Xlendi with ladders and pebbles for sea entry. Close to restaurants and parking; popular with day swimmers and snorkelers exploring nearby caves and cliffs.

Il-Kbir Bay

Rugged inlet with minimal facilities and rocky shore near central west coast. Parking limited and access via footpaths; good for those seeking solitude and clear waters for snorkeling away from busy beaches.

Il-Mellieħa Point Bay

Small inlet near Mellieħa used by divers and swimmers. Road access with local dive operators; limited public facilities but sheltered waters ideal for short swims and sub-surface exploration.

Il-Forn Bay

Little-known rocky cove with simple access from coastal roads. No formal amenities, popular with local anglers and visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path swim amid cliffs and clear water.

Bays in Other Locations