Having been awarded Blue Flag Status means a beach is recognised and part of over 5000 beaches world-wide which are proven to be safe, clean and in respect of the environment. Additionally it requires these areas to work towards sustainable development, have strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, get involved in the education of the public about the location, provide general information about the beach and of course have safety measures in place.
Here’s Malta’s most recent list of qualifying beaches:
1. Hondaq Ir- Rummien- Qala, Gozo
Located just outside and below the village of Qala in Gozo. Here salt is still harvested and the beach is one of the most frequented on Gozo. A fine sandy beach with a mix of pebbles and sand, the beach is a drop-off point for trips to the Blue Lagoon and also a postcard picture favourite with the little church perched on the hillside overlooking the bay.
2. Marsalforn Bay – Marsalforn, Gozo
A popular, semi-circular bay with a great promenade and countless waterside restaurants on the north-east coast of Gozo. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles and ideal for swimming, snorkelling and all other water activities.
3. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
Visually mirroring Golden Bay, this beach is a bit of a stroll away separated by a headland. It is perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds.
4. Fond Ghadir
What more could one want in the heart of Sliema? Just below the famous promenade stretching from Qui-si-Sana in Sliema to Balluta Bay in St Julian’s you will find this rocky beach and it is immensely popular all year, especially during summer when everyone is looking for a place to cool down and have a dip in the cooling waters.
5. Golden Bay
Located next to Ghajn Tuffieha on the northwest coast of Malta, the closest village is sleepy Manikata. The beach is known for its red golden sand and it is in close proximity of the five-star Radisson Golden Sands Hotel.
6. Med-Bar Reef Club
Situated on the Dragonara Peninsula on the east coast very close to St Julian’s and Paceville, this sun spot forms part of the Dragonara Resort. The cosmopolitan location draws in the who’s who over the summer months and it is a favourite place to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
7. Mellieha Bay
Located on the northern part of the island, this must be Malta’s most popular beach. Also known as Għadira Bay
With a long stretch of pristine white sand, shallow water and easy access a few steps away from your car, Mellieha Bay is visited by thousands daily during the high season.
8. Qawra Point
Although pockets of sand can be found here and there, this is mostly a rocky stretch of coast but immensely popular with locals and foreigners who stay in the popular resort towns of Qawra and Bugibba.
9. Bugibba Perched Beach
In combination with Qawra, Bugibba forms part of Malta’s largest resort town which offers accommodation in the form of numerous good hotels, bed and breakfast concerns and self-catering apartments. Immensely popular with expats from the UK and locals alike, the area also has casinos, clubs and many restaurants. The beach is a firm favourite with water sports enthusiasts.
10. St. George’s Beach, St Julian’s
A compact and sandy beach in the heart of Malta’s most exclusive neighbourhood. Thronged by eateries, hotels a shopping paradise, this is where Paceville’s clubbers come to revive and tourists show off their finery. An immensely popular sandy beach within a stone’s throw of everything.
