Malta
Golden Bay
A wide west-facing sandy bay. The sun sets straight into the sea.
Għajn Tuffieħa
Golden Bay's wilder neighbour, down a long staircase through clay slopes. Worth the climb back up.
Mellieħa Bay
Also called Għadira. Malta's longest sandy beach, where the water stays shallow a long way out.
Paradise Bay
A small cove down a flight of steps at the island's northern tip, looking across to Comino and Gozo.
Armier Bay
Laid-back little sandy bays on the Marfa ridge. A local favourite.
St George's Bay
A small city beach right below Paceville. Swim by day, and the nightlife is on the doorstep.
Sliema rocks
Flat rock platforms along the Tower Road promenade. A swim in the middle of town.
Pretty Bay
A sandy town beach in the south, handy with kids.
St Peter's Pool
A natural limestone pool on the Delimara peninsula with deep, clear water and ledges to jump from.
Għar Lapsi
A sheltered rocky inlet with very clear water, loved by snorkellers and divers.
Fomm ir-Riħ
A remote bay reached by a steep path. Your reward is an almost empty coastline.
Gozo
Ramla Bay
Gozo's red-orange sand beach below Calypso's Cave hill.
Xlendi Bay
A narrow cliff-lined inlet with a small waterfront village.
Wied il-Għasri
A deep, narrow gorge ending in a tiny pebble inlet. Go on calm days only.
Dwejra Inland Sea
An enclosed lagoon that reaches the open sea through a tunnel in the cliff. Small boats go through.
Mġarr ix-Xini
A hidden, fjord-like bay in south Gozo with calm, clear water.
Marsalforn
A seaside bay with a small sandy strip, and salt-pan walks along the coast.