With its rugged coastline – coupled with more than 300 days of sunshine a year – Maltais a plum to beach lovers. The shore is laced with sandy beaches, peaceful coves, hard-to-reach pebbled bays, rocky waterfronts and secluded lagoons. You can easily find a stretch of paradise to enjoy the ’sun and sea’ or just to stop for a short refreshing swim. Not surprisingly, the silky sandy beaches tend to get a bit overcrowded during the peak season. If you long for a rather secluded experience, you still have plenty of choices to retreat from the crammed main beaches.
This little, sun drenched island hides many secret gems dotted around the coast that not many people know about. Since they are rarely located next to a main road you have to awaken your adventurous spirit. Be prepared for some hiking to reach one of those beautiful, isolated bays. Once you are there you most likely get the feeling of having discovered the perfect spot to unwind and undisturbedly relish the calm, azure water of the Mediterranean. Do not be afraid of a bit of discomfort to explore some remote, lesser-known points of Malta’s coast! That trip may turn out the highlight of your holiday.
In case you have no idea where to head to, here is a short list of places to consider.
Coral Lagoon
If you get excited by incredible places and a breathtaking rock formation provokes your imagination, then you’ll absolutely love Coral Lagoon. The place, also known as Dragonara Cave is a true natural wonder. It is actually a naturally formed sea cave with huge hole on its roof and with tall, rounded walls surrounding a natural pool of unbelievably blue, crystal clear water. Hidden, secluded, remote, beautiful, mystical and creepy. Very popular diving and snorkeling sites on the Maltese archipelago. Also stunning corals, abundance of marine life and interesting underwater caves to explore.
Since it is a little off the beaten track, getting there may turn out a bit difficult. You can opt for renting a kayak or a boat in the nearest Armier Bay. Easy to approch the lagoon in the water or you can even swim there. However, the cave itself can only be accessed by kayak, thus arriving on a boat you have to drop anchor at the entrance and swim through a narrow passageway. Hiking could be an option only for those who do not mind harsh terrain. And if jumping from a high rock is on your bucket list, this is the perfect time to tick it off! Upon arrival to the hole just take a deep breath and jump into the pool. Less daring people still have a choice to descend all the way down to the lagoon on the rocks.
Slugs Bay
Under the cliffs of the Marfa Ridge overlooking Mellieha, away from crowd lies Slugs Bay, a truly secluded, little known inlet. This tiny, pocket beach is a rare natural creation formed and surrounded by boulders. An authentic natural setting, offering only a few square metres of silky sand, shallow, stunning clear water and a pretty view. It could be truly romantic indeed if you manage to be alone there. Access is impossible from the sea, the bay only be reached on a winding, sometimes a bit steep path. The bay is also ranked among the most popular diving sites due to its sheltered location and the always favourable diving conditions. The abundant marine life and a natural rock arch formation of the shallow reef attrack divers and snorkelers. Together with the sea cucumbers, sea deaffodils and sea-slugs that may appear on the shore.
Imgiebah
If it is an unspoiled, sandy beach what you dream about, this tiny cove seems to be a perfect choice. Peaceful enough with only a few other sunbathers hanging around. Secluded enough to offer some challenge to reach. A narrow, steep and rocky pathway leads down to the bay with only local dog walkers to meet at times. But the track rewards you with a scenic view. Once you are there the silky golden sand and the brilliant blue water pleasantly comfort you. There is a chance that you will find no one else there. In case you do have to share the sand strip with others, just move to one of the tiny, hidden, rocky bays around.
Fomm ir-Rih
Pebbled beach, blue sea with steep, white cliffs around, wild nature, idyllic view and perfect tranquility. This is Fomm ir-Rih, a marvellous, isolated inlet on the west coast. Practically untouched, in the middle of nowhere. Should the weather allows, you can get there in kayak while exploring the coast from the sea. Otherwise the only route is a steep rocky path taking you there through Malta’s wildlife. The bay a great location for divers, snorkelers and swimmers alike but only when the sea is calm. So select a nice day for enjoying a few great hours in a beautiful setting! If you happen to be lucky, you can have the entire bay only to yourself.
Kalanka Bay
This little, rocky beach is another astonishing Maltese secret beauty just a little walk – or swim – further from the famous St Peter’s Pool. It looks very similar to its ’big sister’ in its nature. Still this bay is much smaller, rather shallow with sandy bottom and can keep its tranquility during even the hectic summer months. What you can find here is magnificant. Natural salty swimming pool with amazingly clear water and plenty of places on the surrounding rocks to jump into the water.
Xrobb L-Ghagin
This gorgeous spot is not simply another hidden gem on the island but also another unique example of what nature can create. The bay is surrounded by majestic white limestone rocks formed by water erosion. The incredible view of the caves, arches and other artistic effects looks just as scenic as Dingli Clifffs. The best way to reach it by kayak from Marsaskala. That allows you to paddle through holes and among interesting rock formations. In case you decide on walking, be prepared for a 30 min hike from Marsaxlokk. The bay has no beach, only a flat rocky area offers space for sunbathers but it is a great swimming spot with very clear, fresh and not so deep water.