Why You Should Visit Paradise Bay Beach This Summer
If your dream summer involves white sand, calm turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs, then Paradise Bay Beach in Malta is calling your name.Â
Paradise Bay in Malta features a crescent-shaped beach with fine, white sand and clear, turquoise water. It’s known for being a beautiful and easily accessible beach, with both equipped and free areas. The bay is located at the northern tip of Malta, offering views of Comino and Gozo.
Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic getaway, or just want to escape the chaos of busier beaches like Mellieha or Golden Bay, Paradise Bay Malta is one of those places that truly lives up to its name.
Let’s dive into why it deserves a spot on your Malta itinerary this summer.
What Makes Paradise Bay Special
Paradise Bay Mellieha sits perfectly positioned between rugged cliffs and Mediterranean blue. The beach curves like a crescent moon, creating a natural amphitheater that feels surprisingly intimate despite being easily accessible.
It’s not one of those over-promised, underwhelming tourist traps. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and dotted with sunbeds, this cove-shaped beach gives off serious postcard vibes. The sand is soft, the water is crystal-clear, and the vibe is laid-back. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and stress melts away.
The water here is perfect for families with young kids or anyone who prefers gentle swimming over battling waves. Toddlers can splash happily in ankle-deep water while their parents actually relaxed (a rare sight at most beaches).
But here’s what really sets Paradise Bay apart: the cliffs. These aren’t just any cliffs, they’re Instagram-worthy limestone formations that glow golden during sunrise and sunset. Make sure to bring your camera.
How to Get There
Paradise Bay Beach sits just a few minutes from the Cirkewwa ferry terminal in Malta’s northwest corner, which makes it super convenient if you’re heading to Gozo or Comino. This location is actually a blessing in disguise, it’s close enough to major attractions but far enough to avoid the crowds.
Here’s how you can get there:
- By Car: Driving is probably your best bet, especially if you’re staying in Sliema or Valletta. The parking situation gets tight during peak summer hours, so aim to arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM. There’s a small parking area right by the beach, but it fills up quickly in summer
- By Bus: Malta’s bus network is solid. Routes 101, 41, and 42 will get you there from major towns. The 101 runs from Valletta and takes about 45 minutes.
    Pro tip: Check the bus schedule before heading back – services can be spotty in the evening.
- By Ferry or Boat: If you’re hopping from Gozo or planning a beach-and-boat combo day, Paradise Bay is in the perfect spot.
Need help planning your trip? Check out our guide on the best way to get to Blue Lagoon and nearby islands.
What to Expect When You Arrive at Paradise Bay Beach
Despite being smaller than some of Malta’s bigger beaches, Paradise Bay Beach packs in plenty:
- Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals – Expect to pay around €5 to €10, and yes, they do sell out by mid-morning.
- Café & Restaurant – Grab a burger, pasta, or even fresh seafood. They’ve got cocktails, cold beer, and plenty of snacks for the kids too.
- Facilities – Clean toilets, showers, and changing rooms make it an easy place to spend a full day.
- Music & Vibe – Expect chill beach tunes, especially during summer weekends.
Things To Do in Paradise Bay Beach
 You could spend the whole day sunbathing and swimming, but there’s a lot more to enjoy:
1. Snorkelling & Swimming
The bay’s crystal-clear water and gentle waves are perfect for swimming. The snorkelling here is underrated. The rocky areas near the cliff edges hide small caves and swim-throughs that are perfect for exploring. The water is clear enough to see the bottom even in deeper areas.
2. Scenic Hikes & Photo Ops
Feeling a little adventurous? Take a short trail up the surrounding cliffs for panoramic views of Gozo and Comino. For the photographers among us, the cliff top walking trails offer incredible panoramic views. The best shots happen during golden hour when the limestone cliffs practically glow. These trails also connect to other scenic spots along the coast.
3. Chill Vibes & Wellness
This isn’t a party beach. It’s a peaceful place where you can read, nap, or even do some yoga with the sound of the sea in the background. Unlike Mellieha Beach, which can feel like a summer festival, Paradise Bay gives you room to breathe.Â
Plan Your Malta Boat Trip from Paradise Bay
Here’s where Paradise Bay gets really interesting. Its location near Cirkewwa makes it the perfect launching point for some of the best Malta boat trips.
The best way to get to Blue Lagoon is actually from the nearby Cirkewwa area. Several operators run Blue Lagoon Malta boat trips throughout the day, and you can easily combine a morning at Paradise Bay with an afternoon at Blue Lagoon.
The private boat trips Malta options from this area are fantastic. You can customise your route to include Gozo highlights, hidden swimming spots, or even sunset dinner cruises. Tour operators here like GOZOblu Private Boat Tours are more flexible than the big commercial tours.
If you’re debating between group and private options, check out our guide on Group Tours vs. Private Boat Tour in Malta: Which Experience Suits You Best? It breaks down the pros and cons perfectly.
How Paradise Bay Compares to Other Malta Beaches
Let’s break it down real quick:
Beach | Best For | Vibe |
Paradise Bay Beach | Snorkelling, peaceful sunbathing | Calm, scenic |
Mellieha Beach | Families with toddlers, water sports | Very busy, more touristy |
Armier Bay Malta | Locals, low-key beach days | Relaxed, fewer crowds |
Best Beaches in Gozo | Adventure & exploring |
If you’re planning to explore the best beaches in Gozo afterward, Paradise Bay makes a perfect warm-up. The ferry ride to Gozo only takes 25 minutes, and beaches like Ramla Bay and San Blas offer completely different vibes worth experiencing.
Speaking of Gozo, don’t miss our guide to Hidden Beaches in Gozo: Discover Secluded Coastal Escapes. It’ll help you find spots that even fewer people know about.
Insider Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Timing is everything. Early morning visits (before 9 AM) give you the best parking, calmest water, and most peaceful atmosphere. The beach faces east, so sunrise photos are spectacular.
- Bring cash for rentals and café purchases. Card payments aren’t always reliable at beach bars.
- Pack water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky areas. The limestone can be sharp in places.
- Check the weather before booking boat trips. The northern coast can get choppy when winds pick up.
- Don’t forget your camera: The cliffside views and clear water make for great travel photos.
- Pack smart: Snorkel gear, water shoes, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic if you want to save on meals. Snorkel gears are provided if you opt for private boat tour with GOZOblu.
Why Paradise Bay Deserves Your Time
Paradise Bay isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s not the biggest beach in Malta, or the most developed, or the most famous. But it might just be the most beautiful.
Whether you’re a family looking for safe swimming, a couple seeking romantic sunset views, or an adventure seeker planning boat trips around Malta’s northern coast, Paradise Bay delivers without the chaos of more popular beaches.
The location alone makes it worth visiting. You’re minutes from the Gozo ferry, close to other northern attractions, and positioned perfectly for exploring Malta’s most scenic coastline.
For more northern Malta adventures, check out our guide to 33 Amazing Things to Do in St. Paul’s Bay This Summer 2025 – it’s packed with activities that pair perfectly with a Paradise Bay beach day.
Paradise Bay Beach offers the kind of easygoing summer experience that’s getting harder to find these days. You’ve got beautiful scenery, swimmable waters, great food, and even better boat trip connections, all in one spot.
If you’re cruising into Malta and wondering how to make the most of your shore time, read: Is It Worth Booking Shore Excursions via Cruise Ships in Malta?
Ready to Plan Your Paradise Bay Adventure?
Book your accommodations early if you’re visiting during peak summer months. The northern Malta area fills up quickly, especially near ferry connections to Gozo.
Consider combining your beach day with a private Malta boat trip. And if you’re arriving by cruise ship, our guide Top 5 Must-Do Shore Excursions in Malta for Cruise Ship Passengers highlights the most unforgettable experiences to make the most of your limited time ashore.
Paradise Bay Beach proves that sometimes the best experiences come in small, perfectly formed packages. This summer, skip the crowded beaches and discover why this hidden gem has been Malta’s secret paradise all along.