Seven Natural Maltese Landmarks Not to Miss
Malta is known for its fortresses and baroque streets, but step outside the cities and you'll find dramatic cliffs, hidden lagoons, and calm woodland that show a wilder side of the islands. These seven natural spots are essential stops if you want to balance history with fresh air, sea views, and swimming.
1. Blue Grotto (Żurrieq, Southern Malta)
On Malta's south coast near the village of Żurrieq, the Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves where sunlight hits the white seabed and makes the water glow electric blue. Small traditional boats run short tours that weave through arches and caverns, giving you the best angles for photos.
Best time to visit: Morning, roughly 9:00–11:00, when the sun is high enough to light up the caves.
Good for: Short coastal stop, photography, combining with Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples.
The area also has a clifftop viewpoint above the arch where you can look down over the open sea.
2. Dingli Cliffs
Rising to about 253 metres above sea level, Dingli Cliffs form the highest point in Malta and one of its most spectacular viewpoints. From the cliff edge, you look out over the open Mediterranean with almost no development in sight.
Walking paths run parallel to the cliffs, ideal for easy hikes and sunset strolls.
On clear evenings, this is one of the best places on the island to watch the sun drop into the sea.
Nearby sites include Verdala Palace and Buskett Gardens, making a good half‑day loop inland.
Pack a light jacket in winter—winds can be strong up here even on sunny days.
3. Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Between Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon on tiny Comino is the islands' most famous swimming spot. Shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water over pale sand and rock gives it a tropical look, especially on calm summer days.
Reachable by frequent boat services from Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo).
Perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking, with good visibility and sheltered coves.
Very popular in peak summer—arrive early or visit shoulder season (May–June, September–October) for fewer crowds.
There are basic kiosks and sunbed rentals, but the island remains mostly undeveloped, so bring water and sun protection.
4. Golden Bay
On Malta's north‑west coast, Golden Bay is one of the island's best sandy beaches. Its wide curve of golden sand and easy access make it a favourite for both locals and visitors.
Family‑friendly, with lifeguards in season, beach kiosks, and nearby cafés.
Popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and jet skis in summer months.
Along with neighbouring Għajn Tuffieħa, it offers some of the island's most beautiful sunsets, with steps and paths leading to viewpoints.
It's a great place to end a day of exploring the north before heading back towards St. Paul's Bay or Sliema.
5. Inland Sea (Gozo)
On Gozo's rugged west coast at Dwejra, the Inland Sea is a small, sheltered lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean by a narrow tunnel through the cliffs. Traditional boats take you through the tunnel to sea caves and dramatic rock formations outside.
Calm, shallow waters inside the lagoon make it suitable for swimming on good days.
Surrounded by steep rock walls, it has a unique enclosed feel unlike typical beaches.
It sits next to the former site of the Azure Window, so you can see how the landscape has changed over time.
The area is also popular with divers thanks to underwater caves and clear visibility.
6. Ramla Bay (Gozo)
On Gozo's north coast, Ramla Bay is famous for its unusual reddish‑orange sand and relatively wild feel. Backed by dunes and fields rather than heavy development, it feels more natural than many mainland beaches.
The red-gold sand and blue water make for striking photos, especially from above.
Calypso Cave, a viewpoint in the cliffs, looks down over the bay and is linked in legend to Homer's Odyssey.
It's often less crowded than Malta's main beaches outside peak weekends.
Facilities are present but low‑key, so it's easy to spend a relaxed, unhurried day here.
7. Buskett Gardens
Inland near Dingli, Buskett Gardens is one of the few true woodland areas in Malta and a welcome change from rocky coastline. Planted originally as hunting grounds by the Knights of St John, it's now a shady public green space.
Tree‑lined paths, picnic spots, and terraced orchards make it ideal for cooler walks, especially in spring and autumn.
It's a known habitat for various bird species, particularly during migration seasons.
The area also hosts events, including outdoor gatherings and occasional wine or cultural festivals.
Buskett pairs well with a visit to Dingli Cliffs or Verdala Palace for a different side of Malta's landscape.
Conservation Note: After the Azure Window
The collapse of the Azure Window in 2017 became international news and symbolised how fragile Malta's coastal formations can be. Cliffs erode, arches fall, and lagoons change over time—reminders to tread lightly, stick to marked paths, and respect safety barriers.
Responsible visiting helps ensure that sites like Dingli, Dwejra, and the Blue Grotto remain intact for future travellers.
Planning Your Nature-Focused Visit
To get the most out of Malta's natural landmarks:
Best season: May–October for reliable swimming; March–April and October–November are excellent for hiking with cooler temperatures.
Transport: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to link cliffs, beaches, and rural spots in one day; buses reach many areas but take longer.
Gear: Bring snorkelling gear, water shoes for rocky entries, and plenty of water on hotter days.
Sun protection: Essential even outside summer—Mediterranean UV can be strong year‑round.
These seven landmarks show just how varied Malta's nature can be, from towering cliffs and red‑sand bays to hidden lagoons and quiet woodland. They're the perfect counterbalance to Valletta's streets and Mdina's walls—and proof the islands offer far more than history alone.
