Malta: Your Guide to Seaside Destinations

Explore Malta by the sea and discover which areas, islands, and regions to choose for your days by the water. Between rock-built lidos, natural coves, turquoise lagoons, and scenic rooftops, the archipelago offers a very different way of enjoying the Mediterranean coastline.

From St. Julian’s to Sliema, through Valletta, Gozo, or Comino, each area has its own unique way of experiencing the sea. This guide helps you understand where to go, what to expect, and which spots to prioritize according to your travel style.

Why choose Malta for a seaside getaway?

Malta stands out with a unique model: here, summer culture doesn’t rely solely on sandy beaches, but on lidos. These structures, built directly on the limestone rock, feature seawater pools, sunbeds, and direct access to the Mediterranean.

• The typical lido DNA, for elegant swimming straight off the rocks
• Easy transitions between private pools, wild coves, and lagoons
• A highly compact format allowing you to switch locations without long drives
• A dynamic atmosphere between relaxation and nightlife

The main styles of stays in Malta

Lidos & rocky beach clubs

Lidos are at the heart of the Maltese lifestyle. Built right on the stone, they offer huge seawater pools, sunbathing platforms, and ladders to dive into the waves. It’s the local version of a beach club, perfectly integrated into the island’s geology.

Hotel pools & rooftops

The archipelago is also home to luxurious hotels with pools accessible for the day. In Valletta, relaxation happens up high: rooftops overlooking the Grand Harbour offer an elegant alternative to cool off while surrounded by history.

Natural coves & wild swimming

The island is predominantly rocky. Its cliffs carve out numerous coves offering direct access to the deep blue. The approach here is rawer, more local, and guarantees dives into waters of absolute clarity.

Sandy beaches & family zones

True fine-sand beaches are rare and are mostly concentrated in the north of the island, around Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay. These smooth shores are highly recommended for families or travelers looking for a more traditional beach format.

Lagoons & iconic landscapes

The Blue Lagoon in Comino remains one of the most famous spots in the country, with its sandy seabed and translucent water. This escape is generally experienced as a full-day boat excursion.

Key destinations in the archipelago

St. Julian’s & Sliema

St. Julian’s and Sliema gather the vast majority of lidos, hotels with pools, and seaside lounge bars. This is the epicenter of modern Maltese tourism.

• The most vibrant area of the island
• A wide choice of lidos and infinity pools
• The perfect base for a dynamic stay

Valletta

While Valletta isn’t a beach destination, it brilliantly makes up for it with its hotel rooftops and spectacular panoramas over the harbour. It’s a prime base for mixing sharp cultural visits with late afternoons by the water.

• The beauty of a historic capital
• Perched terraces with intimate pools
• Smooth access to ferries and coastal areas

The North (Mellieha & Golden Bay)

The north of the island is the sanctuary of sandy beaches. This is the direction to take for a classic beach day, paced by gently sloping waters and the comfort of sunbeds on the sand.

• Malta’s rare golden beaches
• A safe environment tailored for children
• A softer and less urban atmosphere

Gozo

Gozo presents a much more rural and peaceful face. The neighboring island is a haven of gentle hills, secret coves, and swimming spots preserved from mass tourism.

• A peaceful atmosphere at a slower pace
• Raw nature and wild bays
• The ideal antidote to Sliema’s hustle and bustle

Comino

Comino is inseparable from its Blue Lagoon, a must-see for any visitor. As the island is almost uninhabited, people come here purely for the beauty of the swim.

Climate & best time to go

Malta enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate and abundant sunshine. The beach season is in full swing from May to October, with intense heat and heavy crowds at the height of summer.

Practical tips

• Target your preferred swimming style: festive lido, rocky cove, or sandy beach
• Head north if feeling fine sand between your toes is a must
• Arrive very early in the morning to enjoy Comino’s waters before the shuttle boats
• Pack water shoes in your bag to comfortably handle the rocky shores

The MySunbed tip

In Malta, understanding the purpose of a lido changes your whole stay. Don’t look for classic beaches where there are none; embrace the local habit of sunbathing on warm stone or on the deck of a seawater pool. Alternating between these urban clubs, the rare northern beaches, and crystalline lagoons allows you to capture the true essence of the archipelago.

To refine your selection and spot your next sunbeds, dive into the MySunbed blog.