Stretch out on the soft sand of the aptly named Golden Sands Beach on Golden Bay. Along with Mellieħa Bay, this is one of Malta’s most beloved beaches, for its fine granules which set it apart from the usual pebbly shorelines. The sea opens up in front of you here, framed by ragged cliffs, with the mysterious Ghajn Tuffieha tower just visible over scruffy hills.
Golden Bay is not quite within Mellieħa but very accessible from the township, as Malta is quite compact. Because it’s slightly out of the way, it rarely gets crowded. The people here are happy to just lie in the sun and enjoy the waves that form out in the distance and roll gently into the shore. However you travel here, enjoy the pretty countryside of Malta on your way.
Many of Malta’s beaches are either heavily developed for tourism, artificial or full of people, so Golden Bay is a retreat from the frenetic resort lifestyle. It looks now as it has looked throughout the thousands of years of civilization in Malta. Wind surfers and other watersports lovers in particular enjoy its serenity. Appreciate the beach’s features that have earned a Beach of Quality Award.
Go for a leisurely walk along the cliffs that hang over the blue water. Notice that the land behind is relatively unspoiled, apart from a large hotel. If you’re staying at the hotel you’ll have access to a private portion of the beach. Several cafés assure you won’t go hungry. Rent sunbeds and umbrellas from beachside kiosks.
The beach at Golden Bay truly shines in the rosy glow of a gorgeous sunset when the light fades over the horizon. Arrive by car and use the plentiful parking or by bus from Bugibba or Sliema. If you’d like to spend a night under the stars and hear the gentle waves as you fall asleep, put up a tent at the nearby Ghajn Tuffieha campsite.
