It’s beach time! Trouble is, everybody else seems to think so too! You have been dreaming of idyllic days spent with sand between your toes and the sound of waves in your ears as the gentle breeze strokes your sun kissed skin. But it's almost August, peak tourist season in Malta, and the reality is totally different. You can’t hear the waves for the screaming children and the music blaring from six different directions. And everywhere you put your toes, somebody else’s towel is there. So what to do?
Here’s where you can go swimming to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends, when the locals also hit the beach. But a word of warning: when we say ‘secluded’, we mean it. Forget kiosks, sunbeds, umbrellas and toilets. When you go to these beaches, you are hitting the wild, so be prepared with sufficient water, food and protection from the sun. Your own transport or a taxi is required to get to most of these as the lack of bus services is one reason why they remain secluded.
1. Il-Qarraba, Mgarr
Take a boat from Gnejna Bay to the secluded beach on the opposite side or the flat rock locally known as ‘il-blata’. Find peace at this beautiful spot that’s completely surrounded by clay hills and almost completely inaccessible, if not by a precarious trek. There are buses to Gnejna and Riviera Bay on either side of the Qarraba headland.
2. Fomm ir-Rih, Mgarr
Visit a stunning swimming and sunset spot, where steep cliffs flank a pebble beach that requires a short trek to reach. It takes some effort, but it’s oh so worth it when you’re sharing this marvellous beach with only a handful of other people and a couple of boats.
3. Mgiebah Bay, Mellieha
Try a full body clay mask for a free nature spa moment. You can do so at Mgiebah Bay, at the bottom of the Selmun area in Mellieha, where golden sands and clear waters are surrounded by clay hills.
4. Wied il-Ghasri, Gozo
Hang out as far away from anywhere as you can get in Gozo. Tucked away at the foot of a picturesque valley that meets the sea in a long and narrow cove, Wied il-Ghasri is also great for walking, with amazing topography and the Xwejni Salt Pans nearby.
5. San Blas Bay, Nadur, Gozo
If you like secluded but miss a food and drinks kiosk, shade and toilet facilities, try San Blas in Gozo. Ramla's little sister, complete with red sand, lush green hills and aquamarine waters. It lies at the bottom of a steep hill and is often forgotten by the masses!
With a few noteworthy secluded swimming spots under your sleeve, also feel free to explore the Maltese and Gozitan coasts for yourself ...pretty much anywhere you can get to the water is suitable for swimming!