Paradise Bay Beach Malta: Local Guide & What to Expect

Paradise Bay Beach Malta: Local Guide & What to Expect

Last Updated: 4th September 2026

Paradise Bay is a small sandy beach at Malta's northern end, known for its clear water, sheltered setting and views across the channel. It is very popular with both locals and tourists, especially during summer. It is an excellent choice if you want a proper sandy beach with sunbeds, food, and nearby facilities, but it has one important drawback: you need to descend about 100 steps to reach it, and the limited space can feel busy during the busiest summer weeks.

The beach sits below high cliffs, giving it a more enclosed feel than Malta's larger sandy bays. We have visited and swum here many times, and we enjoy the setting most, particularly the views across the channel to Gozo and Comino.

Paradise Bay is close to Ċirkewwa at the far northern tip of Malta. Paradise Bay Resort overlooks the surrounding area, while the Gozo ferry terminal is only a short distance beyond it, making this one of the easiest beaches to recognise when exploring this part of the island.

On This Page

• Our Local Perspective on Paradise Bay
• Is Paradise Bay Beach Right for You?
• Swimming at Paradise Bay
• Facilities, Sunbeds and Paradise Bay Lido
• Best Time to Visit Paradise Bay
• How to Get to Paradise Bay
• Accessibility and the Steps to the Beach
• Where to Stay Near Paradise Bay
• Things to Do and Beaches Nearby

Paradise Bay shoreline and kayaks

Our Local Perspective on Paradise Bay

We have visited and swum at Paradise Bay many times, and from a local point of view, its biggest appeal is that it offers a proper sandy beach, clear water, and useful facilities in one compact bay. It feels more enclosed than Malta's larger beaches, and the views towards Gozo and Comino make the setting particularly attractive.

Another thing we like about Paradise Bay is how tucked away it feels. Once you are down at the beach, surrounded by the cliffs and the sea, it can feel surprisingly quiet and removed from everyday life, despite being close to the busy Ċirkewwa area.

Paradise Bay is very popular with both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months. Because the sandy area is relatively small, it can feel busy much sooner than a larger beach such as Mellieħa Bay. If we are planning a summer beach day here, we prefer to arrive earlier rather than risk finding the best spots already taken.

We mainly recommend Paradise Bay to visitors who want a scenic sandy beach with a lido, food, and nearby facilities, and who don't mind the staircase down to the bay. If you prefer a much larger stretch of sand, easier step-free access or more room to spread out, another beach may suit you better.

Is Paradise Bay Beach Right for You?

Paradise Bay is a good choice if you want a small sandy beach with clear water, beautiful scenery, and useful nearby facilities. It is particularly convenient for visitors who prefer sunbeds, food, and a lido on site rather than bringing everything they need for the day.

Paradise Bay Is Best For

• Visitors looking for a proper sandy beach in northern Malta.
• Couples, families and groups who want facilities and food close to the beach.
• Swimmers who prefer a smaller bay to a long, open stretch of coastline.
• Visitors who value views towards Gozo and Comino and a more enclosed setting.
• Anyone happy to arrive earlier during busy summer periods to make the most of the beach.

Things to Consider Before Visiting

• Paradise Bay is relatively small, so it can become crowded during peak summer days.
• Reaching the beach involves around 100 steps, which makes it unsuitable for anyone who cannot comfortably manage a long staircase.
• The climb back up can feel demanding after spending several hours in the sun.
• If you prefer a much larger sandy beach, very easy access or plenty of space to spread out, Paradise Bay may not be the best fit.

Swimming at Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay has a sandy shoreline and a sandy entry into the sea, which makes it easier to get into the water than at many of Malta's rocky swimming spots. The bay is relatively compact, with rocky sides and cliffs surrounding much of the beach.

From our experience swimming here, one of Paradise Bay's main attractions is the clear water and enclosed cove setting. It is a pleasant bay for a normal swim close to shore, while the rocky edges around the bay can also appeal to visitors interested in snorkelling.

During the peak summer months, you will also often see pleasure boats anchored around the wider bay, which adds to the lively summer atmosphere. They remain outside the designated swimmers' area, which is marked off to separate bathers from boat traffic.

Do not assume the sea is calm just because the beach sits inside a cove. Conditions can change from day to day, so always assess the sea when you arrive and follow any safety information or flags displayed at the beach.

Swimming Safety at Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay is an officially monitored bathing site, but normal sea-safety precautions still apply. Check conditions when you arrive and follow any warning flags, signs, or instructions from beach staff where displayed. Do not assume lifeguard coverage will always be available, especially outside the main summer period.

Facilities at Paradise Bay

Although Paradise Bay feels relatively secluded, you do not need to treat it like a remote beach with no services. Paradise Bay Lido provides the most practical facilities beside the sandy beach.

You can currently find:

• Toilets and showers.
• Sunbeds, parasols and sunbathing terraces.
• Food and drinks from the beachside Lido.
• A small beach shop for useful beach items.
• Watersports and equipment hire during the operating season.

Many of these services are connected to the Lido and can be seasonal, so visitors outside the main beach season should not assume every facility will operate the same way as in summer.

Paradise Bay Lido terraces

Paradise Bay Lido and Sunbeds

Paradise Bay Lido sits directly beside the beach and provides much of what makes the bay convenient for a full day by the sea. You can hire sunbeds and umbrellas either on the sandy beach or on the Lido's sunbathing terraces overlooking the bay.

If you want a spot on one of the terraces, you can reserve sunbeds online in advance. The booking system lets you choose your preferred terrace area and available spot. From our experience, the sunbeds are numbered, which makes it easy to know exactly where you will be sitting. During peak summer, these terrace spaces can fill quickly, so booking ahead is worthwhile if you particularly want this option.

Another useful feature of the terraces is the food and drink service. From our recent experience, you can scan the QR code at your sunbed, view the menu and place an order from the terrace. Because your position is identified, staff can bring drinks to where you are sitting.

If you prefer to stay on the sandy beach, you can arrange your sunbeds and umbrella at the Lido beach shop. Once you pay, an attendant brings them to your chosen spot on the sand. You can also hire an umbrella on its own if you do not need a sunbed.

For current terrace availability, reservations and seasonal information, check the official Paradise Bay Lido website.

Food and Drinks at Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay Lido has its own beachfront restaurant and bar, so you do not need to bring all your food and drinks for a day at the beach. The restaurant offers a good variety of meals, including breakfast and lunch options, lighter dishes and drinks.

From our experience, the restaurant is popular with locals and visitors, particularly during the summer months. We find it a convenient place to stop for a proper meal without leaving the bay.

You can also sit at the tables near the bar, order drinks and food, and enjoy very good views across Paradise Bay. This makes it useful even if you only want a drink or a break from the beach rather than a full restaurant meal.

Menus, dining arrangements and operating times can change with the season, so check the official Paradise Bay Lido website for the current menu or table reservations.

Watersports at Paradise Bay

If you want to do more than swim and sunbathe, Paradise Bay Lido currently offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire.

From our experience, hiring a kayak is a particularly enjoyable way to explore Paradise Bay. You can paddle around the bay and along parts of the rocky coastline, giving you a completely different view of the cliffs, clear water, and surrounding coast than you get from the beach.

Watersports are available during the Lido's operating season and are not offered year-round. Availability can also depend on the weather and sea conditions. From our experience, we launch the kayaks from the sandy shore outside the rope and buoy line marking the protected swimming area, keeping them separate from swimmers as they leave and return to the beach.

Best Time to Visit Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably between the busy summer months and the quieter winter period. The beach itself does not depend on the Lido being open, so you can still come here for the scenery, coastline and a walk by the bay outside the main beach season.

Paradise Bay in Summer

Summer is when Paradise Bay is at its liveliest. The beach is popular with both locals and tourists, and because the sandy area is relatively small, it can fill up quickly on busy days. If we are visiting during peak summer, we prefer to arrive earlier in the day, especially if we plan to spend several hours there.

This is also when Paradise Bay feels most like a fully serviced beach, with the seasonal Lido, sunbeds, food and watersports playing a bigger part in the experience.

Paradise Bay Outside Summer

Outside the main summer period, Paradise Bay is generally much quieter and can be particularly enjoyable if you want to see the bay and enjoy the scenery without peak-season crowds. The beach remains accessible even when the seasonal Lido and other beach services are not operating.

If you plan to swim in winter, take extra care. From our local experience, the sea can be rougher and currents stronger during the winter months, so judge conditions carefully before entering the water and avoid swimming when the sea does not look safe.

Busy summer at Paradise Bay

How to Get to Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay is at the northern end of Malta, in the Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa area, close to the Gozo ferry terminal. If you are already exploring northern Malta, the beach is relatively straightforward to reach by car or bus.

One important thing to know before arriving is that the road and parking area are above the beach, not directly beside the sand. Once you reach Paradise Bay, you still need to descend the long staircase to the bay, which we cover separately in the accessibility section below.

By Car and Parking

Paradise Bay is straightforward to reach by car. From Mellieħa, continue north past Mellieħa Bay towards Ċirkewwa and follow the signs for Paradise Bay. The road towards the beach leads onto Triq il-Latnija, where you continue towards the parking area above the bay.

A large parking area is close to the top of the beach steps. During peak summer, the car park can fill up early, especially at weekends and on the busiest August days when Malta is experiencing peak visitor numbers. Arriving earlier in the day is a good idea if you want to avoid struggling for a space.

From the car park, you continue to Paradise Bay on foot down the staircase.

If you are hiring a car during your holiday, see our guide to driving in Malta for practical advice before getting on the road.

By Bus

You can reach Paradise Bay by public transport on Route 101, which stops at the Paradise bus stop near the beach access.

If you are travelling from Valletta, take Route 41, 42 or X300 to Ċirkewwa, then change to Route 101 for Paradise Bay. For the return journey, take Route 101 back to Ċirkewwa, then change for Valletta.

• Nearest stop: Paradise
• Bus to the bay: 101
• From Valletta: 41, 42 or X300 to Ċirkewwa, then 101

Bus routes, departure times and temporary diversions can change, so check the Malta Public Transport Journey Planner before travelling, particularly if you need to make a connection.

Accessibility and the Steps to Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay is reached by a staircase of around 100 steps from the road and parking area down to the beach. For most visitors, the walk down and back up is manageable, and many people use the beach throughout summer.

The part you are more likely to notice is the climb back up after spending several hours at the beach, particularly on a hot day or if you are carrying chairs, bags or other beach equipment. Taking it at a comfortable pace is usually all you need.

There is no step-free route to the beach, so Paradise Bay is not suitable for wheelchair users and may be difficult for anyone with significant mobility problems. A pushchair can also be inconvenient because of the staircase.

Paradise Bay Map

Use the map below to see Paradise Bay Beach, nearby parking and access areas, the bus stop, and other useful points around the bay. This can be especially helpful before you arrive, since the road and parking area sit above the beach rather than directly beside the sand.

Where to Stay Near Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay is in one of the quieter parts of northern Malta, so nearby accommodation is mainly resort-style, with fewer hotels, apartments, restaurants, and nightlife within walking distance. Staying here can work well if your priority is the sea, northern beaches, and easy access to Gozo and Comino, but it feels quite different from staying in one of Malta's busier resort towns.

Paradise Bay Resort

Paradise Bay Resort is the most obvious nearby option. It is in the Ċirkewwa area overlooking the surrounding coastline, with views towards Gozo and Comino.

The resort has indoor and outdoor pools, a private hotel beach, restaurants, and other resort facilities. This private beach is separate from the public Paradise Bay Beach covered in this guide, so staying at the hotel does not mean the main Paradise Bay staircase is the only way to reach the sea.

For visitors interested in diving, the resort also works with an established diving school.

Boats beyond Paradise Bay swimmers

Riviera Spa Resort

Riviera Spa Resort is another resort option in the wider Marfa area. One key difference is that it is now an adults-only resort for guests aged 16 and over, so it suits couples and adult travellers more than families with younger children.

Is Paradise Bay a Good Area to Stay?

We would consider this part of Malta if you want a quieter coastal holiday and easy access to the north of the island, especially if beaches, Gozo, or Comino are high on your list.

The trade-off is location. You are a long way from Malta's main urban areas, so this is less convenient if you want to spend most evenings around Valletta, Sliema or St Julian's.

For a broader choice of shops, restaurants and accommodation while still staying in northern Malta, Mellieħa village is a more practical base. You can then visit Paradise Bay as a beach day rather than basing the whole holiday beside it.

Things to Do and Beaches Nearby

Paradise Bay is at Malta's far northern end, so if you are travelling here by car, it can make sense to combine the visit with another beach or attraction in the same part of the island. It is also useful to know your alternatives if you arrive during summer and find the small bay busier than you expected.

Other Beaches to Consider

• Mellieħa Bay is the obvious choice if you want a much larger sandy beach, easier access, and more room to spread out.
• Armier Bay and Little Armier are further around Malta's northern coastline and offer a different, more local beach atmosphere.
• Golden Bay is another larger sandy option with good facilities and plenty of space compared with Paradise Bay.
• Għajn Tuffieħa is a good choice if you prefer a more natural setting and dramatic coastal scenery, although it also involves a long staircase down to the beach.

For more ideas around the islands, see our guide to the best beaches in Malta and Gozo.

Red Tower

If you want to combine your beach day with something historical, St Agatha's Tower, better known as the Red Tower, is a worthwhile stop in the Mellieħa area. The seventeenth-century watchtower sits on the Marfa Ridge and offers wide views across northern Malta towards Gozo and Comino.

The tower is open to visitors on selected days and times, so check the current opening arrangements before you go.

BBQs and Camping

If you are planning a BBQ or any form of camping at Paradise Bay, check the current rules before you go, rather than assuming normal beach use also allows these activities.

Current Malta Ranger Unit guidance says the Local Council regulates BBQs in Mellieħa and may require a permit, while camping in the locality is restricted to designated camping areas at Aħrax. Paradise Bay is not listed as a designated camping area.

For the latest requirements, check the Malta Ranger Unit guidance on BBQs and fires or contact Mellieħa Local Council before making plans.

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We are Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals who enjoy exploring the island and sharing practical advice with visitors. Our guides combine local knowledge with first-hand visits to Malta's towns, beaches, attractions and accommodation areas. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook for more Malta tips, photos and videos.

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