Keep your dog happy this summer.
Dogs love to swim and splash around, just like us humans do, and who can blame them? But as summer draws nearer and nearer, it is super important to remember that your dogs can only accompany you on beaches that are deemed dog friendly.
There are a total of 16 official dog-friendly beaches around the Maltese islands – twelve in Malta and four in Gozo. However, be aware that, even when a beach is marked as dog-friendly, sometimes only a part of that beach is actually so.
Here are Malta (and Gozo’s) 16 dog-friendly beaches!
1. Dahlet ix-Xmajjar, Armier
Rather remote but accessible by car and on foot, this beach is sometimes referred to as Dahlet ix-Xmajjel. In fact, this is the name indicated on the sign that is installed near the beach.
The sign does not indicate that this is a dog-friendly beach, although it is. The rocks at this beach are easy to navigate for dogs of all sizes, though people with mobility problems will find it difficult. A handrail is available to make it easier for people to get in and out of the water.
2. Ramlet it-Torri, Mellieha
This inlet beach is located next to the famous it-Torri l-Abjad in Mellieha. Also known as the White Tower, this landmark is a small watchtower overlooking Armier Bay and it was built in 1658 as the sixth of the De Redin towers. The dog-friendly beach is not Armiet Bay but an inlet located close to White Tower Bay.
3. Imgiebah Bay, Selmun
This is the only dog-friendly sandy beach in Malta and Gozo but reaching it is very difficult. In summer the bay is only accessible by car as the road leading down to it is too long, thorny, and hot to walk down.
Car access is through a rural road opposite Selmun Tower. The road is very narrow, making it very difficult for two cars driving in opposite directions to navigate their way through. Upon arrival at the small parking area, a short trek down a cliff will lead you right to the sea – however this is not suitable for dogs or humans with mobility problems. No dog-friendly sign is present at the beach as of yet.
4. Ramlet il-Qortin, Mellieha
Ramlet il-Qortin is a cove located in Mellieha close to Armier Bay. The historical landmark known as Qortin Redoubt lies close to this dog-friendly beach. This landmark is also known as Eskalar Redoubt, built by the Order of Saint John in 1715–1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands.
5. Ir-Ramla ta' Wied Musa, Cirkewwa
Another dog-friendly beach in the north of Malta is located in Cirkewwa. This small cove is located close to ir-Ramla tal-Bir and very close to the Cliff Basin swimming spot.
6. Behind Splash & Fun, Bahar ic-Caghaq
This is probably one of the biggest dog-friendly beaches in Malta – however be aware that it is only partially dog-friendly. The part that is dog-friendly is the rocky area behind The Splash and Fun Park.
It is easily accessible by car as well as on foot and offers various access points to the water. Some rocky areas may be too pointy for dogs, but other areas are fine. Human access is also aided by several steps, ramps, and handrails at different points. No dog-friendly sign can be spotted at this beach.
7. Tigne Point, under the Tigne Pedestrian Bridge
This beach is easily accessible by car and on foot and is also very close to Tigne Point’s car park. Getting to the dog friendly part of this bay is very easy, however there is no sign indicating that this is, in fact, a dog-friendly beach.
The nature of the rocks and the bay’s sea access points make it ideal for small and big dogs. There are also a couple of steps to help humans in and out of the water too. The whole beach is shaded for most of the day.
8. Rinella Bay, Kalkara (partial)
This dog friendly area of this beach is very close to a sandy beach, however, dogs are only allowed on the rocky part. Luckily, two signs are present clearly marking which part of the beach is dog-friendly and which is not.
The dog friendly part of Rinella Bay might be the smallest dog-friendly beach on the island, however it offers great views of Valletta and Bighi. This beach is easily accessible by car and on foot and also has a handrail installed making getting in and out of the sea super easy.
9. Zonqor Point, Marsascala
Possibly the largest dog-friendly beach on the island, this rocky beach is easily accessible on foot and by car. For the most part, the beach’s rocks are smooth and access into the water is easy for both humans and dogs.
10. Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas, Marsascala
This beach is a beautiful one located in the south of Malta. It is also known as the Bay of Żejtun, located in the limits of the seaside town of Marsascala, formerly in the limits of Żejtun. While it was challenging to get there a few years back, they have recently implemented stairs and railings for quick and easy access.
11. Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk
This place can be reached easily both by car and on foot. Getting in and out of the sea can be problematic because of the large stones strewn all over the beach.
This also makes it practically impossible for owners to join their dogs in the sea. This beach is also not ideal for small dogs. An old sign indicates which area is dog friendly.
12. Bajja vicin is-Sailing Club, Birzebbuga
This bay is what it says on the tin...literally next to the Birzebbuga Sailing Club!
13. Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar, Zebbug
Close to Ix-Xwejni (Xwejni Bay), il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar can be easily reached through Marsalforn or iż-Żebbuġ. il-Qbajjar is a shallow bay with small pebbly beaches and rocky stretches leading into the clear blue water. There is an excellent swimming spot for both you and your dog!
14. Ras il-Hobz, Ghajnsielem
Ras l-Hobs also known as the Middle Finder and it is a peak rising from a depth of over 40 meters to about 10 meters. It is located in the town of Ghajnsielem, between the bays of Xatt l-Ahmar and Mgarr ix-Xini. This location is very popular with dog walkers and divers.
15. Il-Bajja ta' Gorgun, Mgarr, Gozo
Gorgun Beach is one of the beaches of Mgarr settlement, just 0.3 km from its centre. The beach is located in a natural place, surrounded by cliffs. It is a spacious bay with crystal turquoise water and golden sand & rocks, so it is highly recommended to wear swimming shoes for the rocks.
16. Il-Bajja ta' Dwejra, San Lawrenz
Dwejra, home to the famous Azure Window, is now also dog-friendly! Here you, and your dog, can swim in the spectacular sea, in the calm shallows of the inland sea or in the foamy waters around the Blue Hole. This site is also one of Gozo’s top dive sites.
More information about dog-friendly beaches can be found here.