The 10 best swimming spots in Malta that’ll make you want to dive in
Some activities in Malta get your heart racing, but swimming is about slowing down and soaking it all in. Malta’s gorgeous coastlines and beaches make the island one giant invitation to dive in.
The best swimming spots in Malta range from secluded rocky coves to bustling sandy shores with plenty of sunbathers nearby. No matter where you go, the water’s almost always crystal-clear and photo-worthy.
So, bring your floaties, pack some snacks, and discover Malta’s coolest swimming gems.
1. Qawra Point Beach
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Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/Qawra-Point/
Location: St Paul’s Bay
Contact: +35621585888
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
Qawra Point is a rocky coastal spot near the Malta National Aquarium, where water clarity stays consistently excellent. While it’s not ideal for lounging, the flat limestone platforms are convenient for diving straight in.
We noticed the area was especially popular with freedivers due to the steep seabed drop a few metres from shore. Unless northern winds blow, there’s minimal wave disturbance here.
Unlike sandy beaches, there are no sunbed rentals or facilities here, which helps keep it less commercial. Restaurants are a short walk away, but the beach itself stays quiet.
Several ladders are bolted into the rock, offering easy access for swimmers of different ages.
Pro Tip:
Avoid swimming too far north of the point, as strong underwater currents develop where the reef breaks near the buoy zone. Stick within 10 metres of the shoreline, especially on windy days.
2. Fond Għadir Beach
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Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/fond-ghadir-malta/
Location: 71 Tower Road, Sliema
Contact: +35622915174
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
Fond Għadir Beach sits right on Sliema’s seafront, with carved salt pans that now act like shallow soaking tubs. Water flows naturally into these pockets, warming up faster than the open sea.
During our swim, the reef just offshore kept the water calm, which was surprisingly comfortable despite the rocky shore. Ladders are also scattered along the promenade for direct access to the sea.
Aside from that, this spot is a go-to for early risers and retirees who swim daily, usually before the promenade gets busy. However, no lifeguards are stationed here, so it’s more suited for experienced swimmers.
There’s no sand either, but the large concrete surface is clean and flat enough for towels or mats. Portable toilet cabins are located along the coast road about 100 metres away.
Pro Tip:
Bring a non-slip mat or yoga pad. The carved salt pans and rocky platforms can become dangerously slippery due to algae buildup, especially near the middle section during late-afternoon tides.
3. Mini Blue Hole, Marsaskala
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Website: https://maltadives.com/sites/minibluehole-marsaskala
Location: VHF9+8Q, Marsaskala
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
The Mini Blue Hole, located near Żonqor Point, is a naturally formed limestone pit filled with seawater. It connects to the sea through an underwater tunnel roughly 1.5 metres wide.
The access path is uneven and unmarked, so expect a short walk over jagged rock. Once in the water, the circular sinkhole drops to about 4 metres.
And thanks to the enclosed formation, the hole stays calm even when the surrounding waves pick up. It’s not a hangout spot but ideal for a quick dip and underwater photos.
There are no facilities or signage available here. Popular GPS apps, such as Google Maps, often misdirect visitors to private driveways. We recommend following the coastal trail instead.
Pro Tip:
Enter from the right-hand side of the hole rather than jumping in. It’s less steep, offers more footing, and provides a better angle to surface safely if you’re exploring the short tunnel.
4. Mistra Bay
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Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/mistra-bay-malta/
Location: X95Q+5W Mellieħa
Contact: +35621585888
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
Mistra Bay is a mostly undeveloped cove between Selmun cliffs and Xemxija Hill. The beach is pebbly but wide enough for small crowds to spread out.
The water stays clear due to minimal nearby activity, but patches of sea grass are common just a few metres offshore. Most visitors swim close to shore or float near the boats anchored nearby.
We like that the area has remained low-key and doesn’t get overrun even during peak season. You can also expect local fishermen in the early mornings and scattered campers on weekends.
Just a heads-up: there’s limited parking on the gravel shoulder above the bay, and beyond that, you’ll need to walk downhill.
Pro Tip:
Swim closer to the bay’s western side (left if you’re facing the sea). This area has far fewer sea urchins and minimal boat activity, making it the safest and clearest section for a proper swim.
5. MedAsia Playa
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Website: https://medasiaplayavip.com/
Location: Ix – Xatt Ta’ Qui – Si – Sana, Tas-Sliema
Contact: +35677323126
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 2 AM
Pricing: €€
MedAsia Playa is a private urban beach club that caters mostly to adults and couples seeking an upscale lounging atmosphere. Several ladders lead directly to the sea, and a small swimming enclosure is roped off for safety.
Sunbeds are spaced well apart, and food and drinks are served directly to your area. While the sea access is clean and calm, we found the swimming space smaller than it looks in photos.
It’s not intended for beach play or water sports, though. It’s better suited for sunbathing and quick cooling dips. Plus, entry fees vary depending on location and day, and certain premium spots are pre-booked only.
Pro Tip:
Call directly and request the “VIP €30 sofa beds” between loungers 7 and 11. They come with complimentary towels and iced water, so you won’t have to buy drinks or bring bulky gear.
6. Aqualuna
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Website: https://aqualuna.mt/
Location: The Strand, 120, 137 Triq Ix – Xatt, Gżira GZR 1027
Contact: +35621346298
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: €€
Aqualuna is a floating lido set just offshore from Sliema’s harbour area. It features a secure swimming zone roped off from boat traffic and bordered by floating sun decks.
The sea entry is via multiple ladders, with staff occasionally checking swimmer bands for safety compliance. It’s one of the few places to swim while watching ferries pass just beyond the netting.
We found it to be family-friendly, although the space on the floating platforms is more limited than at typical lidos. Facilities include lockers, changing rooms, and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
If you don’t book online, you can walk in only after midday. The floating structure can feel slightly unstable on windy days.
Pro Tip:
Aqualuna often features seasonal ingredients in its menu. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff about off-menu specials or wine pairings.
7. Dwejra Bay
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Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/dwejra-bay/
Location: 25XR+9M4, San Lawrenz
Contact: +35621563556
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
Dwejra Bay in Gozo is a stunning geological site featuring a narrow sea lagoon called the Inland Sea. A 60-metre tunnel links the lagoon to the open Mediterranean, letting swimmers pass through if the seas are calm.
We swam in calm, salty water bordered by boat ramps and stone huts used by divers. The water was several metres deep, just a few strokes from shore.
Tour operators also launch short boat trips from the small inlet, so swimmers need to stay to the sides of the water. And despite its popularity, there’s no roped-off area, so awareness is key.
The closest toilets and food options are 150 metres inland, past the parking area.
Pro Tip:
Boat tours operating from the Inland Sea tunnel stop allowing swimmers to pass through it after 3:00 PM for safety reasons. Plan any swim-throughs earlier in the day if the seas are calm.
8. Splash and Fun Water Park
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Website: https://www.splash.mt/
Location: Tul Il-Kosta, Naxxar
Contact: +35627800088
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: €€
Splash and Fun Water Park has pools and sea access in a hybrid aquatic park environment.
It’s best for families or groups travelling with children aged 5 to 12, who’ll get the most out of the mix of slides and wave pools. The artificial beach area has sunbeds but no real sand.
Plus, security and lifeguards are visibly present, and crowd management is decent even in high season. We appreciate that lockers, changing rooms, and eateries are all included in the package.
However, you can’t bring outside food or drink, but they allow reusable water bottles.
Pro Tip:
Skip the changing rooms near the main gate and use the upper-level cabins near the wave pool. They’re larger, less crowded, and closer to lockers and towel return bins.
9. Ramla Bay (Gozo)
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Website: http://www.gozo.com/explore/beaches/ramla.php
Location: 376M+HJQ, Xagħra
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
Ramla Bay is Gozo’s largest sandy beach, known for its deep terracotta-coloured sand and wide crescent shape. The backdrop includes fertile terraced fields and Roman ruins beneath the dunes.
The seabed stays sandy far out into the water, making it great for both casual swimmers and boogie boarders. However, jellyfish can appear after strong northern winds.
Along the path behind the dunes, there’s a lifeguard hut and food kiosks. Whenever we visit the area, one of our favourite spots to eat at is the Ramla Valley Kiosk. They have really good burgers and a smoothie called “Island Queen”, starting at €5.
Pro Tip:
Visit in the early morning and climb to Tal-Mixta Cave before swimming. The panoramic view is free, and the cave stays cool, so you can rest there after without paying for umbrellas.
10. Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)
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Website: https://melliehalc.gov.mt/
Location: X983+P34, Mellieħa
Contact: +35621521333
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
Għadira Bay is the largest sandy beach on mainland Malta. Its shallow waters extend nearly 50 metres from shore. The beach is lined with seasonal kiosks, rental shops, and water sports stands.
The beach is divided into zones, some of which are designated for swimmers only, while others are shared with watercraft. This zoning system helps maintain a safe swimming experience even during peak hours.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent starting at €5, but we noticed prices increase closer to the kiosks.
Public transport stops directly along the road behind the beach, making it a top pick for non-drivers. Beachgoers tend to arrive in waves, usually after 10 AM.
Pro Tip:
Use the central swimming zone closest to the Natura 2000 boardwalk. It’s one of the few beach areas NGO divers monitor for underwater litter, so seabed visibility is usually better here.