The most picturesque beaches on Malta's West Coast

loyalty
stop_circle 4 min read

The West Coast of Malta has some truly picturesque beaches. Read our guide and decide which ones you’d like to visit most.

Whilst Malta may not have much in the way of sandy beaches, what it does have is a plentiful amount of picturesque bays and coves that are just waiting to be enjoyed. Whilst most visitors flock to Sliema, St Julian’s and Bugibba there are a wonderful selection of beaches to be discovered on Malta’s west coast.  If you are thinking of booking flights to Malta this summer, here are the best beaches to check out during your stay. 

Ghajn Tuffieha

Ghajn Tuffieha

One of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the island, Ghajn Tuffieha (also known as Riviera Beach) is red in colour and is located just a short walking distance from Golden Bay which is easily accessible by bus and car. One of the quieter beaches on the island it is popular with locals as well as the occasional tourist. To access the beach, you first have to descend 200 stairs, and just on top of the cliffs overlooking the bay is an old defense tower that dates back to 1637 - one of the seven towers built by Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris of the Knights Hospitaller. It's worth exploring before you head down onto the beautiful beach below.

Golden Bay

Golden Bay

Golden Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island and it enjoys golden sands and gentle slopes which make it perfect for swimming in the summer months. The bay is home to a number of beach clubs and restaurants and a five star hotel. You can even go horse riding just a short walk from the sand. It's also served by a bus terminus, a car park and several camping sites that are open all year round.

Gnejna Bay

Located to the south of Ghajn Tuffieha, Gnejna Bay can only be reached by first crossing Ghaijn Tuffieha, climbing a hill and then descending down a steep and rocky path. It is well worth it though and due to the beaches remote location, it has established itself as a clothing-optional beach. The bay itself is incredibly beautiful and comprises of sand, rocks and pebbles. Boathouses are carved into the rocks on one side of the bay and there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a range of water sports.

Wied iz-Zurrieq

Zurrieq

Set in the heart of a rocky valley, Wied iz-Zurrieq is a popular site for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Located a stones throw from the Blue Grotto you can easily take a boat trip and explore the caves and rock formations. The views here of the ocean and the small island of Filfla have to be seen to be believed, and the countryside that surrounds it is perfect for hiking and exploring.

Ghar Lapsi

Ghar Lapsi

Ghar Lapsi is widely considered as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Situated just outside of Siggiewi,  it offers views across to Filfla as well as being just a short distance from the Blue Grotto. It has a rocky shoreline and a natural swimming pool which offers crystal blue, aquamarine waters - perfect for floating around or even snorkeling in. The Ghar Lapsi cave is good for diving and it leads out into the open sea beyond.

Anchor Bay

Anchor Bay

Situated in the north of Malta, Anchor Bay is just next to the popular tourist attraction ‘Popeye Village’. A rocky beach with the most incredible turquoise waters, it enjoys a sheltered position in a rocky inlet and is flanked by stony slopes. The beach is served by a lido with sun-beds and umbrellas for hire, as well as a trampoline and sea-based water park which makes it just perfect for kids.

1