As the clouds clear over the Maltese Islands, take a winter walk when Malta and Gozo's beaches are clean and serene.
Ghajn Tuffieha, Mellieha
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is a red sandy beach a short distance south of the ever-popular Golden Bay, but tends to be frequented more by locals than tourists. Visitors should definitely be aware that there’s a staircase of 200 steps that needs to be descended (and then ascended to get back up!) Still intact on top of the cliffs west of Ghajn Tuffieha bay is an old defence tower, which was built in 1637 by Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, of the Knights Hospitaller.
Ghadira Bay (Mellieha Bay), Mellieha
Located in the north of Malta, Mellieha Bay is Malta’s largest and most popular beach in the summer time. In winter, however, it's perfect for long strolls, since the bay is roughly 800m long and enjoys Blue Flag status (a recognition of quality based on water condition and environmental management, among other indicators).
Fond Ghadir, Sliema
This Sliema coastline is easy to walk because it's a long, relatively flat and smooth rocky beach. It's also fun to walk, because there's a lot going on around, being smack in the middle of an urban area and populated with restaurants, cafes and shops along the promenade above.
Gnejna Bay, Mgarr
This mostly sandy bay is located about one kilometre from the rural village of Mgarr on the western coast of Malta. Although not really relevant in winter, it's interesting to know that the secluded strip of shore under the steep cliff on the northern side of the bay is a nudist beach (although the practice is illegal in Malta!) Gnejna is notable for its striking clay slopes and limestone cliffs, which serve as the headlands for one of Malta's few remaining perennial freshwater springs.
Ramla l-Hamra (The Red Beach), Gozo
Easily accessible by car through Nadur or Xaghra, Ramla il-Hamra (translated to 'red beach') is the largest beach on the island of Gozo. The entire stretch of unspoilt beach is a spread of red sand. The sea is shallow, which means that a brilliant light blue colour meets the red sand in stunning contrast. There's a history here too: The Knights of St John fortified Ramla l-Hamra against enemy intrusion by constructing Vendome battery, and in 1715, built a submerged wall to deter pillaging pirates from landing on the beach.
San Blas Bay, Gozo
Little sister to Ramla l-Hamra, San Blas Bay is a pretty small beach of red sand, which lies at the end of one of the most beautiful fertile valleys of Gozo. It's accessible from the village of Nadur via a narrow road, the last part of which is closed to traffic due to its steep incline. Since this little bit tends to discourage a some people from venturing down, San Blas Bay is one of Gozo's most peaceful beaches, especially in winter.