Gnejna Bay

Tucked into the folds of Malta’s northwest coast, Gnejna Bay Beach lies a little way south of Golden Bay. Having the same deep orange sand and clear blue waters, the beach is around 100 metres long and deep enough for a few rows of sun loungers – which can be rented alongside umbrellas.

Much less visited by travellers than nearby beaches, it’s one of the more peaceful places on this part of the island to feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on bare skin or take to the shallows for a swim. It’s also possible to hit the waves on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with rentals available from the beach.

Pronounced ‘je-nay-na’, the bay is easily reached by road from Mgarr (home of the prehistoric Ta’Haghrat Temples), although there’s no direct route from the Ta’Lippija (Gnejna) defensive watch tower built, by the Knights of Malta in the 1600s.

One of the best ways of reaching Gnejna Bay is on foot, with coastal footpaths linking it to Golden Bay Beach, Ghajn Tuffieha and Fomm Ir-Rih Bay. Watched over by the Fourteen Soldiers rock formation and a handful of fishermen’s huts, it is otherwise surrounded by limestone bedrock slopes. The far right of the beach is sometimes used by nude bathers, although it is officially illegal in the country.

There are public toilets a short walk away, and a refreshment van appears during high season. At this time of year, the sea is generally divided into different zones so all beachgoers can enjoy the waters safely.