How many beaches to visit: I would visit
three to five beaches in Malta, because the islands are small and the real differences come down to just a few types: sandy bays, rock platforms and quiet Gozo coves. More than that and you spend your holiday on buses in traffic.
Which kind to prioritize: For a backpacker, rock platforms and free public coves give the most for the least. They cost nothing, need only a short walk and have clear water, though the entry can be rough and shade is rare. Sandy bays suit anyone who wants a lazy day, but sunbed and umbrella sets often run about €10 to 25 for two, so bring your own towel and a small umbrella. Gozo’s coves cost a little more in time because of the ferry and buses, yet they are the calmest, so choose them when you want quiet over convenience. …
read more 👉 How many beaches to visit: I would visit three to five beaches in Malta, because the islands are small and the real differences come down to just a few types: sandy bays, rock platforms and quiet Gozo coves. More than that and you spend your holiday on buses in traffic. Which kind to prioritize: For a backpacker, rock platforms and free public coves give the most for the least. They cost nothing, need only a short walk and have clear water, though the entry can be rough and shade is rare. Sandy bays suit anyone who wants a lazy day, but sunbed and umbrella sets often run about €10 to 25 for two, so bring your own towel and a small umbrella. Gozo’s coves cost a little more in time because of the ferry and buses, yet they are the calmest, so choose them when you want quiet over convenience. Budget: Plan roughly €25 to 45 a day for food, transport and swimming in shoulder season, and €35 to 60 in July and August when beds and meals rise. Per visit, a bus ticket is about €2 for a single ride or less with a card, a beach snack €5 to 10, and boat trips to island swimming spots €15 to 30. Entry to most public bays is free. Safety and culture: Look for red flags and ignore anyone who tells you the sea is calm when it isn’t, because currents and swell can rise quickly on exposed rocks. Wear water shoes for sea urchins and jellyfish, and put on sunscreen before 10am because the sun is strong. Topless sunbathing is not widely accepted, so cover up away from private clubs, and cover up when walking away from the water, since Malta is a Catholic country.