Beaches · Valletta · Malta
The best beaches in and near Valletta
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Karelj, Public domain
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Golden Bay (About 20 km, 50–60 minutes by bus). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- June–October
- Warmest sea
- 26°C (79°F)
The beaches
About 20 km, 50–60 minutes by bus · Families and sunset
1.Golden Bay
One of Malta's best sandy beaches, on the north-west coast, with sunbeds, water sports and a cliff walk to Għajn Tuffieħa.
About 20 km, 50–60 minutes by bus · Couples and quieter swimming
2.Għajn Tuffieħa
A smaller reddish-sand bay below clay cliffs, reached by a long flight of steps and quieter than its neighbour Golden Bay.
About 25 km, about 1 hour by bus · Young children
3.Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)
Malta's longest sandy beach, shallow for a long way out, popular with families and busy in summer.
About 7 km, 20–30 minutes by bus · A quick swim
4.St George's Bay, St Julian's
A small urban sandy beach beside Paceville, convenient for a swim without leaving town but crowded in summer.
About 10 minutes by ferry · Strong swimmers and snorkelling
5.Sliema rocks
Flat limestone and concrete bathing platforms along the Sliema seafront, with ladders into deep, clear water.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C (61°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| February | 15°C (59°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| March | 15°C (59°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| October | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| December | 17°C (63°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for families, shopping, beach and first-timers
Sliema
Across Marsamxett Harbour, Sliema is Malta's main resort town, with a long seafront promenade, rocky swimming areas and the Tigné Point shopping area. The Sliema ferry reaches Valletta in about 10 minutes, and boat trips to Comino and around the harbours leave from The Strand.
- Good
- Wide choice of hotels and apartments; Sea swimming from the rocks; Quick ferry to Valletta
- Watch out
- Heavy traffic and construction; Built-up, high-rise seafront
- Nearby
- The Strand, Tigné Point, Sliema ferry, Exiles
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Malta Public Transport runs the island's buses from the Valletta terminus beside the Triton Fountain to Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the beaches and the Gozo ferry at Ċirkewwa.
- Ferry — Short ferry crossings run from Valletta to Sliema across Marsamxett Harbour and to the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour, each taking about 5–10 minutes.
- Boat — Traditional dgħajsa water taxis cross the Grand Harbour between Valletta and Birgu or Senglea, a short and memorable ride.
- Car — Malta drives on the left.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in May–October. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Valletta is generally calm for visitors. Watch for pickpockets in crowds when cruise ships are in, and take care on slippery limestone steps. Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when crossing; in summer, heat and strong sun are the main concerns. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Valletta have beaches?
Yes: Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), St George's Bay, St Julian's and Sliema rocks.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Valletta?
Usually June–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Valletta?
Golden Bay: One of Malta's best sandy beaches, on the north-west coast, with sunbeds, water sports and a cliff walk to Għajn Tuffieħa.