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Like any fine group of islands in the Mediterranean, those making up the Malta archipelago have gone from being coveted by their neighbours for their strategic location to becoming the “apple of the eye” of tourists, on account of both their historic heritage and particularly their magnificent beaches and bays. Today we focus on this more idyllic aspect of these fantastic isles by touring some of the key enclaves along the coast.

Malta has beaches for all tastes and all types of use. There are large, easily accessible ones with a plethora of services which are perfect for families or those who want to holiday hassle-free. There are more secluded, less crowded coves where you can just relax and enjoy the views, spots where you can do sports like surfing, bays which can only be reached by boat and areas which are ideal for diving. Here, then, is a brief selection of some of the best beaches and bays you will encounter in Malta, Gozo and Comino, the three islands making up Malta.

Ghajn Tuffieha (Malta)

Situated next to the popular and crowded Golden Bay, in the north of the island, this beach of fine sand is much quieter and less crowded than its neighbour. The reason for this is that you have to walk down two hundred steps to get to the beach, which is a challenge for visitors. However, the effort is worth your while and you can always cool off by having a pleasant dip in the sea.

Mgiebah Bay (Malta)

Also located in the island’s north, very near a spot called Selmun, this bay has a beach of golden sand. Here the seaside is quiet and surrounded by nature in the raw. Getting there is a bit complicated but, as with the previous place, the circuitous approach is rewarded by diving you can do in stunning water, while the surrounding landscape is ideal for switching off.

Blue Grotto (Malta)

Although not a beach in the strict sense, this spot on the Malta coast is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. The Blue Grotto is made up of six sea caves which nestle under cliffs in the south of Malta, some 13 kilometres fromValletta.You can’t fail to marvel at the crystal-clear water and coral-coated rocks. The best way to get there is by boat – the ride costs 7 euros, which is well worth paying to behold such a magnificent sight. The best time to visit the grotto is first thing in the morning, as daybreak brings shafts of sunlight that set up light effects which enhance the beauty of the spot even more.

Ramla il-Hamra (Gozo)

In the north of Gozo lies virtually the only sandy beach on this island. It is also the most popular one among locals and tourists. One of its peculiarities is the reddish coloured sand, which is quite striking when you first see it. Interestingly, the caves in this very same bay are where Odysseus is said to have been held captive for seven years by Calypso, the daughter of Atlas.

Dwejra and Azure Window (Gozo)

This beautiful gulf is located on the west coast of Gozo. It is characteristic for its stunning limestone arch, which visitors simply cannot resist photographing and sharing on social networks. It is an ideal spot for diving or boating, while enjoying the views of the coastline.

Blue Lagoon (Comino)

The island of Comino, which occupies an area of just 3.5 square kilometres, has a hidden paradise in the guide of its Blue Lagoon, a splendid bay with magnificent views which can only be reached by boat and which has crystal-clear waters that really tempt you to dive in and have a swim.

Get your Vueling and be sure to have a dip and recharge your batteries on some of the wonderful beaches and bays in the Malta archipelago.

Text by Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS

Images by Malcolm Debono, Bs0u10e0, William Shewring, Jennifer Morrow, Robert Pittman, Flavio Ensiki

Lanzarote is one of the most beautiful of the Canary Islands and La Graciosa, situated north-west of the latter, is one of its well-kept treasures. The two islands are separated by a strait known as El Río. The origin of the island’s name is not clear – some hold that it already existed before Lanzarote was added to the Crown of Castile following the expedition of the Norman conqueror, Jean de Béthencourt, in 1402. Whatever the case, its name is well deserved.

La Graciosa is the largest of the islands and islets that make up the so-called Chinijo Archipelago and its south side is dominated by extensive beaches of yellow sand, like La Cocina and La Francesa. Also located on the seaboard is its only two towns, Caleta de Sebo and Pedro Barba. Caleta de Sebo is the main population centre, while Pedro Barba is currently uninhabited. Like the rest of the Canary Islands, La Graciosa is volcanic in origin. Its highest peak is Las Agujas, which rises to 266 metres.

Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve

La Graciosa is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve. The word Chinijo, a local place-name meaning “small”, is usually applied to children here. With an area of 70,700 hectares, it is the largest marine reserve in Europe and is endowed with incalculable scenic value. This large reserve, which stretches between the towns of Teguise and Haría, comprises the islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste (also known as Roque del Infierno) and El Risco de Famara.

The biological wealth of La Graciosa  is immense. Some 304 species of marine macroalgae have been catalogued thus far, accounting for 53.15% of the Canary Islands’ overall flora. Indeed, it boasts the greatest diversity of macroalgae species in the archipelago.

The rich resources contained in these waters account for the abundance of marine birds which feed on them for their staple diet. The geopark is designated a Special Conservation Area for Birds (ZEPA, in Spanish). The most common bird species here is Cory's shearwater. Also in considerable numbers are some rare or endangered species such as the kestrel, barn owls, Eleonora's falcon and the guincho or osprey.

Another highly significant potential value of this Marine Reserve are the historical references regarding the presence here of the monk seal. This marine vertebrate, which is now an endangered species worldwide, survives thanks to the tranquility and biological wealth contained along these shores, pitted with sea caves and jameos (collapsed lava tunnels) where they take shelter and reproduce. Alegranza is currently one of the best suited spots for reintroducing the monk seal whose numbers have dwindled sharply due to poaching on the nearby Mauritanian and Mediterranean coasts.

Underwater Journey

Diving is becoming increasingly more popular on the island, which features three major diving spots. El Canal, located between Alegranza and Roque del Oeste, has a platform at a depth of 25-30 m and a pronounced, 35-40 metre fault containing a large amount of fauna. There are abundant populations of large-size grouper, island grouper and amberjack, as well as abundant violescent sea-whip, yellow sea-whip and white gorgonian. Another ideal diving area is Montaña Amarilla, in the south-west of La Graciosa near Punta del Pobre. A short distance from the shore is a berm which dips down 12 metres and becomes more perpendicular to the coastline the further offshore you swim, sloping into a 20-m chasm. This is densely populated with mainly common two-banded seabream, red mullet, barred hogfish and Mediterranean slipper lobster. As you approach the last area, Alegranza, a marked increase in coastal marine life becomes evident. Large crabs and limpets can be seen from the boat. Diving in these waters is a privilege, especially since the Marine Reserve came into being. To dive there, you need you first apply to the Canary Island government for the relevant permits.

One surprising feature of these underwater seascapes are the large colonies of sea-whip where the current is strong. They latch onto the rock and catch the nutrition that flows to them through the water. The ban on commercial fishing in this restricted area enables fish to reproduce freely, enriching these waters in quantity and variety. Such species as the wrass, which has disappeared in other areas, is prolific here, as is red mullet, eagerly searching for food on the more sandy seabeds.

Come along and dive in the depths of La Graciosa in the Chinijo Archipelago off Lanzarote. Check out our flights here.

Text and photos by Turismo Lanzarote

Hiking, cycling, surfing, mountain biking, kayaking... on this Canary island you can practise all the sports you want.