Best Quiet Beaches in Malta

The island country of Malta is a popular tourist destination to enjoy the culture, sunny climates, and, of course, beaches. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the Mediterranean’s calm azure waters? However, beaches packed with hundreds of people can be more hectic and less relaxing. It’s understandable if you prefer off the beaten path destinations and seek a more secluded paradise during your visit to Malta. We have you covered. 

Consider one of these 8 best quiet beaches in Malta that offer all the benefits of an ocean-side vacation without the crowds. You might need to take a hike or boat to some of these areas, but they are definitely worth the journey!  

Santa Maria Bay

• Accessibility: Medium
• Beach type: Sandy
• Location: North of Comino Island

While many people visit the Blue Lagoon at Comino Island, the Santa Maria Bay is a quieter alternative with fewer tourists and features a small, sandy beach. While the water is clean and clear, don’t expect any facilities such as lounger or umbrella rentals. There is, however, a nearby toilet. 

Regularly scheduled boats don’t go directly to Santa Maria Bay. However, you can easily walk 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon or take a ferry from mainland Malta. Another popular option is to charter a sailing yacht for a chance to explore multiple quiet beaches in one day. 

Imġiebaħ Bay

• Accessibility: Medium 
• Beach type: Sandy
• Location: North of Malta

A sea-side gem with golden sand and crystal clear waters, Imġiebaħ Bay is never crowded due to its remote location. It’s a peaceful bay great for sunbathers, snorkelers, and anyone wanting to bring along their four-legged friends. The area also offers a bit of history with a ruined tower from the period of Grand Master De Redin. You’ll want to bring your own towels, however, since the area has no beach amenities. 

While it’s easiest to get to this bay by boat, there are other options. For example, you can drive into Santa Marija Estate to Selmun Palace. From there you can park in the area and take a 20-minute walk over rough terrain to the beach below. The trek is worth it! 

Ġnejna Bay

• Accessibility: Easy
• Beach type: Sandy
• Location: Northwest side of Malta

Ġnejna Bay is a fairly secluded sandy beach positioned at the bottom of a gorgeous valley making it one of the must-visit quiet beaches in Malta. This family-friendly spot has beautiful views, including the handmade boathouses to the east side of the bay. The middle of the bay also features a plane wreck from World War II that doubles up as a great snorkeling area. 

Located near the more popular Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, this beach offers a less crowded alternative for a quieter beach experience when you are in the area. It’s also easy to access since parking is located right on the edge of the beach. There is one public bus route that passes the beach, however, the bus only runs once every hour. 

Qarraba Bay

• Accessibility: Medium
• Beach type: Sandy
• Location: Northwest side of Malta

A lesser-visited beach near the Għajn Tuffieħa bay and to the right side of Ġnejna Bay is the small beach of Qarraba Bay. An isolated spot known for its peacefulness, this bay is also nicknamed “nude beach” for anyone wanting an all-over tan. Although nude sunbathing is technically illegal, it’s quietly tolerated only in Qarraba Bay.

It’s a bit of a hike to get here unless you charter a boat to the area. You can climb down the clay slopes, hike through the rocky terrain, or take a walk from the nearby bus stop.

Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay

• Accessibility: Medium
• Beach type: Pebbles
• Location: Northwest side of Malta

Unless you’re taking a boat, getting to this beach can be a bit tricky. You’ll want to drive there through Baħrija and will need to venture along a small and steep path to its tranquil shores against a serrated cliff backdrop. This 20-minute trek takes you through untouched wildlife but can be hard on the return hike. 

One of the most isolated beaches, the crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or diving. However, it isn’t recommended to swim in the rolling waves when the winds are blowing from the north or northwest.

Armier Bay

• Accessibility: Easy
• Beach type: Sandy
• Location: North of Malta

Armier Bay features two quiet beaches in Malta: Armier and Little Armier. Both are beautiful sandy beaches that are great for kids since the shoreline is pretty shallow. Although it’s a popular beach among locals, it rarely gets crowded, even during the summer months. There is also a part of the beach reserved for umbrella and sunbed rental operators. 

Both beaches are in a remote location in the far north of Malta but easy to get to if you drive there. There are also several bus routes passing through the area. However, the nearest bus stop to the beach is a bit of a walk.

St. Peter’s Pool

• Accessibility: Medium
• Beach type: Rocky
• Location: Southwest side of Malta

While there isn’t a sandy beach, St. Peter’s Pool is a beautiful location to enjoy the waters in a remote, non-touristy location. You can also sunbathe on the flat rocks surrounding the pool. It’s also a popular location to go snorkeling and jumping into the sea from various heights.

While there isn’t any hiking involved, getting to this beach does require a long drive. You’ll need to venture along a 1.5 km winding and narrow road in the village of Marsaxlokk. Once at the bay, it’s a short walk down to this natural, clear blue swimming spot. 

San Blas Bay

• Accessibility: Medium
• Beach type: Sandy
• Location: Northeast coast of Gozo

The red sandy beach of San Blas Bay is located in the heart of Gozo, which is quieter than the Malta mainland. Its naturally secluded location makes it a fairly undiscovered beach set against prickly-pear hills, no building in sight, and spectacular views. The area is also great for snorkeling and diving opportunities. 

Getting to the beach can be a bit difficult for unfit people. You’ll have to access it through a narrow road from the in-Nadur village. However, the last part is closed to traffic and very steep making it one of the best quiet beaches in Malta.