Wellbeing Barista Europe Malta Hidden Beaches Malta

Best Hidden Beaches Malta

by Caroline Sciberras
Armier Tal-Qortin Beach

1. Imgiebah Bay
2. Qarraba Bay
3. Slugs Bay
4. Island Edge Lido
5. Paradise Bay
6. Mistra Bay

1. Imgiebah Bay in Selmun, Mellieha

Armier Tal-Qortin Beach

Imgiebah is a very nice beach near Selmun Tower in Mellieha. However, it’s quite a long walk to access on foot, especially in the Summer heat, and parking is limited to only a few cars.

Anchor Bay Location: North East Malta

Distance by Car from City: mins (km)

Bus Stations Nearby Mgiebah Bay and Walking Distance:

Bus Lines from Valletta B7/B5 to Bus Station (Note: Add walking distance from the station to the beach)

to : ~0 mins

Gnejna Beach Map
Click to Open Imgiebah Bay’s Location in Maps

This beach is mostly known nowadays by dog owners since it’s the only of two clean sandy beaches I know where dogs are allowed to swim in Malta. There are no facilities at all here but on the bright side, the beach is not visited by lots of people and the water here is turquoise. That’s why many boats often stop here to admire the natural unobstructed views and bathe on this secluded beach.


2. Qarraba Bay, Mgarr

Qarraba Secluded Beach Malta

Qarraba Bay is a secluded, panoramic beach located in Mgarr between Gnejna Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera) Bay.

Qarraba Bay Location: North West Malta

Distance by Car from City: 35-40 mins (19.7km)

Bus Stations Nearby Qarraba Beach and Walking Distance:

RIVIERA: 600m / 7 min MIXQUQA: 1.2km / 14 min

Bus Lines from Valletta B7 to Bus Station (Note: Add walking distance from the station to the beach)

44 to MIXQUQA: ~60 mins 42+223 to RIVIERA: ~60 mins

Gnejna Beach Map
Click to Open Qarraba’s Location on Maps

If you ask the locals few will know its name as many know it as the nudists’ beach. In fact, though this is a very nice beach nudists come to this secluded place to “hide” since nude beaches are illegal in Malta. However, now with the popularity of canoes on the islands, hiding behind the cliffs of this sandy beach.


3. Slugs Bay, Limits of Mellieha

Slugs bay

Slugs Bay is a secluded, tiny, pocket beach with a few square meters of sand located on the Marfa ridge overlooking Mellieħa Bay.

Slugs Bay Location: North Malta

Distance by Car from Valletta: 42 mins (30 km)

Bus Stations Nearby Slugs Bay and Walking Distance:

XMAJJAR: 1.5Km / 17 min

Bus Lines from Valletta B6 to Bus Station (Note: Add walking distance from the station to the beach)

49 to XMAJJAR : ~52 mins

Slugs Bay
Click to Open Slugs Bay’s Location in Maps

The bay can be reached over difficult terrain descending along a cliff slope. Access to the water is restricted due to rocks jutting from the sea. Consequently, little or no development has taken place and the bay is largely in pristine condition. The bay took its name from the dark brown, sea-slug which can be found in its waters. The rare indigenous plant the pancratium maritimum is abundant in the area in August.


4. Island Edge Lido Beach, Cirkewwa

Armier Tal-Qortin Beach

Island Edge Lido beach is located at Ċirkewwa the northern tip of the island, close to the Gozo ferry terminal. It is managed by the Paradise Bay Resort and receives a Blue Flag Status Award for sustainable management every year. It boasts views of the Island of Comino.

Anchor Bay Location: North West Malta

Distance by Car from City: mins (km)

Bus Stations Nearby Island Edge Lido and Walking Distance:

Bus Lines from Valletta B7/B5 to Bus Station (Note: Add walking distance from the station to the beach)

to : ~0 mins

Gnejna Beach Map
Click to Open Island Edge Lido’s Location in Maps

The beach offers all services including parking facilities. The bus terminus for Valletta is situated a few meters away from the beach. Ċirkewwa can be reached by bus numbers 41 and 42.


5. Paradise Bay, Cirkewwa

Mistra Beach

Paradise Bay and Paradise Bay Hotel Beach are two sandy beaches at the northernmost tip of the island, close to the quay where the Gozo ferry operates a shuttle service daily for Gozo.

Island Edge Lido Beach Location: North Malta

Distance by Car from City: mins (km)

Bus Stations Nearby Paradise Bay and Walking Distance:

Bus Lines from Valletta B7/B5 to Bus Station (Note: Add walking distance from the station to the beach)

to : ~0 mins

Gnejna Beach Map
Click to Open Paradise Bay’s Location in Maps

This hotel beach is a quiet spot that offers tranquillity – a getaway with a view of a busy environment in the distance. The beach also offers a good view of the island of Comino with its imposing tower. It is open to the public as well as for hotel residents. The water is crystal clear and ideal for family relaxation.


6. Mistra Bay, Limits of Mgarr

Mistra Beach

Mistra Bay is a pebble beach situated between Xemxija Bay and Selmun.

Anchor Bay Location: North East Malta

Distance by Car from Valletta: 35 mins (23 km)

Bus Stations Nearby Mistra Bay and Walking Distance:

XEMXIJA: 1.3km / 17 mins

Bus Lines from Valletta B7/B5 to Bus Station (Note: Add walking distance from the station to the beach)

41/42/49 to : ~37 mins

Click to Open Mistra Bay’s Location in Maps

Mistra, like Xemxija, has a long history of occupation that goes back to the Phoenicians and Roman rule. It has a number of caves in the area that were used as burial places. Others were used for refuge, shelter, and to monitor the bay. A natural depression on one side of the bay now shelters different plant species. The military battery built by the knights, visible at the edge of the cliff, is now being used for Aquaculture. Fish farming pens are present at the outer part of the bay.

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