The 9 best beaches in Malta

This approximately 800-metre-long waterfront on Malta's main island is the pièce de résistance of Malta’s beaches. With jet ski and sunbed hire, plus lifeguards, food stalls and facilities, Mellieħa Bay is equipped for everything from a family day out to a quick dip. The golden bank lies along the main road on Malta’s north-east coast en route to the Gozo Ferry terminal, so it’s easy to find – though parking is scarce, so consider pulling up nearby and walking. Like birds? Check out the Għadira Nature Reserve, which backs onto the beach.

Gozo sports some of the islands’ most beautiful features, including this sandy stunner. Nestled at the bottom of a protected valley, Ramla Beach’s surroundings are pleasantly undeveloped, so you can enjoy its sizable dune in relative peace. Toilets, food trucks and a decent restaurant line the road leading up to the entrance, and it’s easily accessed via car or local bus. If you've got energy left, consider hiking up to nearby Ta Mixta or Calypso Caves for some epic views across the bay.

An icon of the Maltese shores, the Blue Lagoon is the islands’ most popular sun-lounging spot – and with good reason. Its turquoise waters are unmatched by most Med standards, and its wide, shallow strait between Comino and Cominetto makes for an irresistible swimming spot. While a handful of small ‘beaches’ exist, most people enjoy the Lagoon from sun loungers on staggered rock ledges. Since this is the destination for tourists, cruise ships, ferries and row boats moor up from 8am, so the importance of arriving early cannot be overstated. The upside? A great supply of food and cocktail trucks.

Flanked by smooth clay slopes and backed by acacia and tamarisk trees, this charming bay on Malta's main island is truly postcard-worthy. One of three adjacent beaches that dot the north-western coastline, Għajn Tuffieħa (meaning ‘Apple's Eye’ in Maltese) offers auburn sand and superb sunset views, though it exacts a price for enjoying them: visitors must tackle over 100 steps to access it. Luckily, there’s a beachfront restaurant to sort you out once you (finally) reach the sand.

This aptly-named neighbour to Għajn Tuffieħa on the island of Malta is the golden boy of the coastline’s triumvirate. With easy access, generous parking and a ton of facilities – including multiple restaurants and beach clubs, a watersports centre, lockers, showers, shops and an ice cream parlour – your only task is finding your spot on the sand and settling in. As the evening draws in, do as the locals do and enjoy a barbecue as the sun sets. Bliss.