Malta's coastline stands out as one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular destinations, offering a rich tapestry of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The archipelago, which includes Malta, Gozo, and Comino, features sensational shorelines adorned with beautiful beaches, otherworldly lagoons, tranquil inlets, striking rock formations, and waters teeming with marine life. This guide delves into the top spots and recommends excellent hotels nearby, ensuring an unforgettable visit.
Sculpted by the Sea: Dramatic Rock Formations
Malta's coastline is packed with geological theater, underscored by its appearance in popular media like Game of Thrones. Dwejra Bay on Gozo's west coast, where Daenerys Targaryen's wedding was filmed, showcases the archipelago's most spectacular rock formations. The bay is guarded by the imperious, 200-foot-tall Fungus Rock, named for a rare plant once believed by the Knights of St. John to cure ailments. Nearby, Tilt Rock II and Crocodile Rock add to the photogenic landscape, with the latter pointing towards the legendary Blue Hole dive site and the Inland Sea lagoon.
Great Place to Stay
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, with rooms from $250, serves as an excellent base for exploring Gozo's wild western coastline, just a 20-minute walk from Dwejra's caves and dive sites.
A Diver's Dream: From Reefs to Wrecks
Beneath Malta's coastline lies a world-class range of dive and snorkel sites, with calm, non-tidal waters offering visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Explore caves, tunnels, reefs, and shipwrecks accessible from the shore, surrounded by marine life like octopuses and stingrays. Key sites include the surreal Blue Hole on Gozo, where divers descend through a 50-foot-deep rock shaft, and wrecks such as the oil tanker Um El Faround and the P29 patrol boat. Over 50 licensed dive schools provide guidance and gear for all abilities.
Great Place to Stay
Db Seabank Resort + Spa, with rooms from $200, is a short drive from the Cirkewwa dive area, making it convenient for underwater adventures.
The Blue Lagoon: Impossibly Turquoise Waters
Between Comino and Cominotto lies the Blue Lagoon, where impossibly azure waters and a white-sand seabed create a scene that feels almost unreal. Snorkelers enjoy extraordinary visibility in calm conditions, and non-swimmers can wade far from shore. While busy in peak summer, early or late visits offer glassily serene waters for a more peaceful experience.
Great Place to Stay
Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa on Gozo, with rooms from $230, is just a short boat ride from the Blue Lagoon and offers sensational clifftop views.
Beautiful Beaches: Gorgeous Grains and Glistening Waters
Malta's coastline features a generous peppering of classy beaches with varied colors. Golden Bay on Malta's northwest coast is a popular honey-hued sweep of sand, while Għajn Tuffieħa Bay offers a rugged, wilder strand accessed via steep stairs. Mellieħa Bay, Malta's largest sandy beach, is a half-mile-long Blue Flag stretch ideal for families and watersports. On Gozo, San Blas Bay boasts rust-colored grains, and Ramla Bay features red-gold sand high in iron content, with local legend tying it to Homer's Odyssey.
Great Place to Stay
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands, with rooms from $260, sits on a cliff above Golden Bay, providing easy beach access.
Secret Coves: Hidden Pockets of Paradise
The archipelago's coast is punctuated by beautiful natural inlets perfect for secluded swimming and snorkeling. On Malta, St Peter's Pool near Marsaxlokk is a spectacular limestone swimming basin, while Fomm ir-Riħ offers an otherworldly vibe with white boulders and cliffs. On Gozo, Wied il-Għasri resembles a small fjord, and Mġarr ix-Xini, featured in a movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, offers relaxation amid fishing boats in electric-blue water.
Great Place to Stay
Cugo Gran Macina Malta in Senglea, with rooms from $240, has a harborfront setting near Marsaxlokk and St Peter's Pool.
Epic Clifftop Views: Majestic Trekking Spots
Pack your hiking boots for irresistible treks along Malta's clifftops. The Dingli Cliffs on the main island, at 830 feet above sea level, offer the highest vantage point with views towards the uninhabited islet of Filfla. On Gozo, the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs rise nearly 500 feet, providing sanctuary for shearwaters. Visit at sunset to see the limestone faces glow gold for an enchanting experience.
Great Place to Stay
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux in Mdina, with rooms from $350, serves as a luxurious base for exploring western Malta, including the Dingli Cliffs.
A Coastline Steeped in History: Mighty Fortifications
Malta's coastline isn't just about natural wonders; it also features architectural magnificence in the form of mighty fortifications built by the Knights of St. John. Fort St Elmo in Valletta played a key role in repelling the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565. Fort Ricasoli, used in films like Gladiator, and Fort St Angelo in Birgu add to the historical tapestry, while Fort Tigné is notable as one of the first polygonal forts in the world.
Great Place to Stay
The Phoenicia Malta in Valletta, with rooms from $300, is the country's first five-star hotel, offering elegant accommodations and sweeping harbor views, with past guests including Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas.
