8 Maltese Beaches That Are Hard To Get To But Worth All The Effort
All of Malta and Gozo’s beaches are beautiful, but there’s something special about those spots you have to really work to get to.
We’ve helpfully compiled a short list of hard-to-get-to beaches and swimming spots to tick off your summer bucket list. Of course, some might be more difficult than others, but all are worth the effort. Happy hunting!
1. San Blas, Nadur (Gozo)
This beach is a proper headache to get to, even if there’s a road that leads down to the bay.
It’s a steep slope, so avoid driving down unless you’ve got a mammoth 4×4.
When you get there, it’s a beautiful beach, even if most of the sandy part has washed away. We suggest taking some change as usually there’s a vehicle that can drive you down and up.
2. Kalanka Bay, Marsaxlokk
One of Malta’s hidden and most beautiful salty swimming pools. Located in the southeast part of the island and nestled just beyond St Peter’s Pool and Xrobb L-Għagin, it’s not uncommon for the beach to be quiet even through the usually hectic summer months.
While not impossible to get to, it’s quite easy to mix up roads and end up accidentally lost.
Also, keep an eye out for some smaller swimming spots further along the coast. They might not be the most comfortable, but they are usually practically empty on even the busiest days.
3. Riviera Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa
Located on the north-west coast of Malta, Ghajn Tuffieha is among one of the most popular bays on the island. That doesn’t make it any less difficult to tackle though.
While it’s not hard to get close to the beach as you can easily drive to the natural fork location which divides the beach from its sister Golden bay, the issue with the beach is the endless amount of stairs you’ll need to overcome.
Sure, going down is easy as pie, but after a whole day at the beach dragging your tired feet up those steps, the physical nightmare is enough for this beach to merit its own place on this list.
4. Coral Lagoon, Mellieħa
The problem with getting to Coral Lagoon (also known as the Dragonara Cave) is the fact that it’s a pretty hidden bay. While you can get close to it with your car, it’s highly inadvisable, as the bumps will not do your tires justice.
The trick to getting to this worthwhile lagoon is turning left at the campsite sign after heading towards the Chapel of Immaculate Conception. This is also your best bet to park close to the area.
It takes around five minutes of walking to get to the top point where you should be able to see the Coral Lagoon. Bring your maps with you and get ready jump into pure, bluish-green beauty.
A major warning. It’s completely advised to avoid swimming in the lagoon if the waters outside of it are rough. While it might seem calm in the lagoon, you could get into some serious danger when trying to get to shore.
5. Imġiebaħ Bay, Mellieħa
The northernmost tip of Malta hosts some of the most beautiful hidden gems on the island, with practically every inlet of the fish’s tail hosting some glorious secluded bay.
Hidden at the tip of the gorgeous Selmun Valley, Imġiebaħ rewards visitors with a tiny beach and plenty of little coves to visit (beware of the nudists).
Breathtaking views are part and parcel of it. The only downside? It’s a very long, narrow and winding drive downhill… or an even more brutal walk that you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
6. Fomm Ir-Riħ, Baħrija
One of the most secluded, isolated, remote, and most beautiful bays Malta has to offer.
The bay itself can be found by taking the first right through Baħrija’s main road (driving from Rabat). Once the road turns downhill, simply take another right, towards a small car park.
There will be a small footpath along a ledge which leads to the bay. It’s a scary effort, so be safe and careful.
Unfortunately, the area has been subject to being blocked by the owners of a property in the area. There’s a separate route nearby the house, that’s a little bit safer, but you’ve got to climb quite a bit and risk being yelled at by a property owner or two.
7. Wied Il-Ghasri, Gozo
While you might have needed the help of a local to get to this cliff-bound spot in the past, Google Maps can get you right to its entrance.
It’s nestled in one of the nicest valleys on the islands and is a stunning spot that everyone can enjoy.
You’ll just need to get to the parking area and climb down a narrow staircase. But be careful, it’s not the biggest beach and the best spots could be taken by the time you arrive.
Bonus: Blue Lagoon, Comino (But only when it’s empty)
The main issue in getting to this beach isn’t needing to board a boat. It’s the constant flow of tourists and visitors who pack up every inch of the coastline and the waters surrounding the bay.
Activists have taken up the mantle to enforce the rules in the lagoon and have called for a limit on the number of visitors – and it’s easy to see why.
So how to visit Blue Lagoon when it’s empty? Going in the off-season months that still have great weather (think May, early June, September and even October) is a must.
During the high season, you’ll need to either camp on the island or sleep there with a boat (if you have one, send an invite) and get to the lagoon before anyone shows up. It means you’ll need to be there by at least 7am. It’s an early start but really worth the effort.