Swimming in Malta: Favorite Spots & Tips for an Amazing Dip
Interested in swimming in Malta? You’ll love the variety of options!
With its crystal-clear blue waters, unique rocky coastline, and even some sandy beaches, Malta is a fantastic Mediterranean destination for soft adventure via swimming. Because of the island’s small size, you’re never far from the sea, and the warm climate allows for a long swimming season (we swam comfortably in October!). In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about swimming in Malta, including the best spots (including our favorites like Għar Lapsi and Għajn Tuffieħa), water temperatures, safety tips, and the different types of swimming locations.
Water Temperatures
Seasonally, Malta’s waters experience a significant temperature shift from winter to summer. In winter, water temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F), while in summer, they can rise as high as 26 or 27°C (nearly 80°F).
Cooler water temperatures often persist into early spring, even as land temperatures start to climb. Here’s a breakdown by season:
- December to April: Coldest water temperatures of the year, averaging 15-16°C (59-61°F).
- May to June: Transition months. May sees water temperatures around 17-18°C (62-64°F), warming to 21-22°C (70-72°F) by June.
- July to September: Peak swimming season with the warmest water, averaging 24-26°C (75-79°F).
- October to November: Another transition period, but the sea remains swimmable. In October, water temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F), cooling to 21°C (70°F) in November.
As you can see, you can swim in Malta nearly year-round, but winter months can bring rough sea conditions. Always check local safety advice before swimming in winter, even if the weather on land is pleasant.
Many travelers are surprised by how warm the water stays into fall. The Mediterranean absorbs heat during summer, keeping the sea comfortable for swimming well into November.
Temperatures do vary depending on swimming location. Protected coves and small bays tend to be warmer than open areas exposed to the vast Mediterranean, where the water remains cooler due to deeper water and stronger currents.
Best Months for Swimming in Malta
If you prefer warm water and hot sun, the best months for swimming in Malta are July to September.
If you don’t mind slightly cooler but still pleasant water (and prefer milder land temperatures), June, September, and October are fantastic times to visit. We visited Malta in October and can confirm – it was absolutely lovely for swimming!
Bonus: Visiting in June, September, or October means fewer crowds at the beaches!
Types of Swimming Spots in Malta
Like others areas in the Mediterranean, Malta is very rocky – the islands formed around 5 million years ago when sedimentary rock layers were uplifted. Many people refer to Malta as “The Rock” due to its rocky landscape and limestone architecture – it really is a lot of rock!
This means swimming sports in Malta also tend to be quite rocky, though you can find sandy beaches in Malta as well. Let’s consider the range of options when it comes to swimming in Malta.
Rocky Swimming Areas
Rocky swimming areas in Malta are abundant. While some are very accessible, others require navigating steep – you guessed it, rocky – descents. In some spots, cliff jumping is popular, especially on Malta’s south coast.
Perhaps the most famous rocky swimming area in Malta is on Comino Island, where the Blue Lagoon can be found. However, this channel can get incredibly overcrowded with tourists (for good reason – the water here is truly stunning, and a mix of rocky and sandy spots). Go if you must, but just be prepared for crowds.
Because most of Malta is rocky – including many of its swimming locations – we recommend packing a pair of water shoes to keep yourself a bit safer as you swim.
Sandy Beaches
Though there are fewer compared to its many rocky swimming spots, Malta does have sandy beaches, especially in the northern part of the island.
Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay have beautiful golden sand, making them popular for tourists and locals alike. Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is often quieter than Golden Bay, but in our experience, they both get pretty crowded on a beautiful day. Arrive early!
Because both of these beaches are west-facing, they are wonderful places to watch the sunset.
Additional sandy beaches worth visiting are Paradise Bay (near the ferry terminal), and Mellieħa Bay – Malta’s largest sandy beach.
Coves & Natural Pools
Thanks to its rocky terrain, Malta has some incredible swimming coves and natural pools, perfect for those who love crystal-clear waters and a bit of adventure.
When we visited Malta, we loved swimming at Għar Lapsi in Siggiewi. It’s a natural swimming pool with calm, clear waters.
A benefit of pools like these are that the water is often more shallow. Not only does this make the water warmer, but also kid-friendly – or, really, anyone looking for a more relaxing swimming adventure!
In addition to Għar Lapsi, you can find beautiful swimming coves and natural pools at St. Peter’s Pool in Masaxlokk and Wied iż-Żurrieq (near the Blue Grotto) in Qrendi.
The rocky cove at St. Peter’s Pool is especially popular with both locals and tourists, as it has some pretty accessible (and we’d say, soft adventure friendly) spots for jumping into the water (there are also areas where you don’t need to jump in). While it’s in the southernmost area of Malta, the island is so small that it’s not too far of a drive, no matter where you are.
Our Favorite Places for Swimming in Malta & Gozo
Since Malta is a group of islands, swimming spots can be found all over Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Everyone has their favorites, and yours might differ from ours. This is especially true depending on whether you’re looking for a sandy beach, a rocky cove, or natural pool.
That said, we’re happy to share our three favorite swimming spots in Malta here!
🏖️ Għar Lapsi (Siggiewi, Malta)
Għar Lapsi was the first place we swam in Malta, and quickly became one of our favorites.
Għar Lapsi’s natural swimming pool and rocky landscape are truly characteristic of coastal adventure in Malta. Swimming here gave us the feeling, “wow, we’re really swimming in the middle of the Mediterranean!”
The natural swimming pool is protected from the open sea, making it a great spot to swim, snorkel, and relax. This is also a popular diving site, if you’re interested.
Għar Lapsi is a popular spot for adults and families, since it’s so accessible. Speaking of accessibility, there is a ramp with a railing down into the water, as well as a ladder for entry. This makes it relatively easy for entry and exit into the water. Just be careful of the seaweed, which can be a bit slippery.
When you’re not in the water, there are spots to lounge in full sun, or if you’re lucky to grab a spot under the rocky cove, in the shade.
Parking is readily available in a nearby lot. There are also public restrooms, as well as a restaurant if you’d like to grab a bite to eat.
🏖️ Għajn Tuffieħa / Golden Bay (Mġarr, Malta)
Some of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches can be found right next to each other, in the northern part of the island. Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa have beautiful golden sand with easy water entry, making them another family-friendly (or soft adventure friendly) location for swimming in Malta.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds, Għajn Tuffieħa is generally less crowded than Golden Bay. However, if you’re visiting in the heart of summer – or on any very nice day – you’re likely to encounter crowds in either spot. Luckily, the beaches here are quite vast, and there’s enough space for everyone.
When we visited in October, we saw a number of fried-egg jellyfish here.
These large yellow-orange jellyfish are primarily found in the Mediterranean in the fall months. We loved watching them from above and below the water.
Both Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay are popular destinations for sunset viewing, since they’re west-facing beaches.
Parking is available at either beach. As for facilities, at Għajn Tuffieħa, there is a restaurant next to the beach’s and often food trucks near the parking area. Golden Bay has more facilities (restaurants, beach clubs) as wells as public toilets.
🏖️ Hondoq ir-Rummien (Hondoq Bay, Gozo)
Most of the swimming spots we’ve mentioned in this post are on Malta Island, but don’t forget about the beauty of nearby Gozo Island! Gozo has plenty of inviting swimming spots as well.
When we visited Gozo on a day trip, we loved swimming at Hondoq ir-Rummien. This south-facing rocky beach has beautiful blue water, and is a great spot for swimming or snorkeling without huge crowds.
Hondoq ir-Rummien is a perfect swimming spot if you’re taking a day trip to Gozo, since it’s only a 10-15 minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Swimming in Malta: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim year-round in Malta?
While you technically can swim year-round in Malta, we don’t advise it, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. In the winter months, the water can be quite rough with strong currents. Even if the weather is nice, swimming conditions could be poor. Always use caution if swimming in Malta during the winter.
Aside from winter, Malta is generally swimming friendly from about May through November, making for a very long swimming season. Again, always check local weather forecasts and advisements for swimming.
Is there dangerous marine life in Malta?
In terms of marine life, Malta is generally a safe place to swim, with very few dangerous marine creatures. Swimmers should be mindful of jellyfish, and occasionally, sea urchins, scorpion fish, and stingrays.
Jellyfish can be difficult to avoid – we know from experience, as Steve was stung while swimming at Hondoq ir-Rummien on Gozo Island. However, you can check the local jellyfish forecast to know whether they will be prevalent while you’re visiting.
Sea urchins and scorpion fish are largely only a threat if you step on them. Be mindful where you step – trying to only step or put your feet down where you can see the bottom is a good strategy. Wearing water shoes can also help protect your feet.
Are there lifeguards?
Some beaches in Malta have lifeguards, but many rocky areas don’t. Also, many beaches in Malta don’t have lifeguards outside of the main summer swimming season.
During the summer, lifeguards are present at several beaches in Malta, including Ġnejna Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay, Buġibba, Qawra Point, and St. George’s Bay.
If swimming with a lifeguard is important to you, be sure to plan your swimming excursions to these more popular Malta beach destinations.
Do you need water shoes?
While water shoes are not a must for swimming in Malta, we highly recommend them. Given that so many swimming spots in Malta are rocky, your feet will have a better time with water shoes.
You’ll see locals going barefoot, but if you’re not used to walking barefoot over large and/or small rocks, a pair of water shoes will make you more comfortable (and sturdy) as you enter and exit the water.
Water shoes can also provide a first line of defense against any marine life (for example, sea urchins), if you accidentally step on something.
We purchased these inexpensive water shoes and love them for their tremendous grip and minimal-yet-supportive structure. They’re the best we’ve found after several water shoe trials!
Wrapping Up: Swimming in Malta
Malta is a fantastic Mediterranean destination for swimming, offering crystal-clear waters, rocky coastlines, and sandy beaches. To date, it’s been one of favorite places to swim, thanks to the variety of swimming beach types.
Also, thanks to its warm climate, swimming in Malta is possible from late spring through most of fall, with peak water temperatures reaching 26-27°C (nearly 80°F) in summer.
While generally safe, you should be mindful of jellyfish and occasional strong currents, especially in winter. Lifeguards are present at some beaches during summer, but many rocky areas remain unmonitored. We recommend always using caution when swimming in areas without lifeguards.
With scenic locations across Malta and Gozo, visitors can find excellent spots for both relaxation and soft adventure swimming. Whether exploring secluded coves or popular beaches, Malta offers a diverse and unforgettable swimming experience.