Il-Bajja tal-Għadira

Għadira Bay is Malta's longest sandy beach, stretching out beneath the hills of Mellieħa in the northwest of the island — drop anchor here and you're a short swim or dinghy ride from some of the finest fine-sand shallows in the country. The water stays clear and calm, making it a great spot if you want to cool off without the crowds of Valletta. It's the kind of place where families set up for the whole day, so expect a lively shoreline with beach rentals and the occasional waft of sunscreen.