If you’re a keen swimmer or just love soaking up the sunshine by the sea, Malta’s award-winning beaches are for you.
And you can relax in the knowledge that the island’s bathing waters are among the cleanest in Europe.
A total of 12 Maltese beaches also fly Blue Flags.
The prestigious international awards are regarded as ‘a guarantee of clean waters and environmental excellence’.
Winners include Ramla Bay in Gozo, Golden Bay near Manikata and St George’s Bay in St Julian’s.
A spokesman for Nature Trust Malta told us: ‘A total of 12 beaches, including three in Gozo, succeeded in meeting the qualifying standards and been awarded the prestigious International Blue Flag.
‘This means people using the beaches can be assured of the highest possible water quality and excellent facilities, including the presence of lifeguards, first aid, litter management, access for the disabled and regular cleaning.’
Malta’s award-winning beaches are:
- Fond Ghadir Bay, Sliema
- St George’s Bay, St Julian’s
- Qawra, St Paul’s Bay
- Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay
- Mellieha Bay, Mellieha
- Golden Bay, Mellieha
- Riviera Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha
- Paradise Bay Hotel beach, Cirkewwa
- Ramla Bay, Nadur
- Hondoq Bay, Qala
- Marsalforn Bay, Marsalforn
Beaches with a Blue Flag demonstrate their commitment to protecting the coastal environment, water quality, safety, and access for all.
Blue Flag International congratulated Malta for maintaining its Blue Flag beaches.
Top tips to bear in mind when visiting beaches in Malta
- Stick to any marked swimmers zones as there are sometimes strong underwater currents.
- You should never swim alone, especially in an area known for strong currents.
- Use sunblock. Stay out of the sun between 11am and 4pm because of high UV.
- Avoid leaving any valuables on display while you’re on the beach, or in your hire car. While petty theft is rare in Malta, there is the odd case.
- Public nudity in Malta is illegal so refrain from taking all your clothes off while you’re sunbathing. It’s also frowned upon for men to enter shops with a bare chest no matter how hot it is.
- Pay attention to any beach flags on display. A green flag shows that the water is safe to enter while a yellow flag signals that there’s low danger and some caution should be exercised. A red flag means danger, so you shouldn’t enter the water.
