Blue Flag Beaches in Malta 2026

The 2026 List for Malta and Gozo

In 2026, Malta and Gozo have 11 Blue Flag beaches: eight in Malta and three in Gozo. The award recognises beaches that meet international standards covering bathing water quality, environmental management, safety, information, and services.

Below is the current 2026 Blue Flag beach list for Malta and Gozo, along with a map and a clear explanation of what the certification means for visitors.

Last Updated: 12th September 2026

Golden Bay with swimmers, umbrellas and sandy shoreline.Summer crowds at Golden Bay

✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice from living in and exploring the Maltese Islands.

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Blue Flag Beaches in Malta and Gozo: 2026 List

There are eight Blue Flag beaches in Malta and three in Gozo for 2026. The list below shows the current awarded beaches on each island, with links to our individual beach guides where available.

Malta

Gozo

Looking for more places to swim on the island? See our wider guide to Gozo beaches, including sandy and rocky swimming spots beyond the three Blue Flag beaches.

Ramla Bay with sandy shoreline and boats offshore.Panoramic view across Ramla Bay

Map of Blue Flag Beaches in Malta and Gozo

Use the map below to see where the 11 Blue Flag beaches for 2026 are located across Malta and Gozo.

Visiting without a car? Our Malta beach bus route guide explains which buses and stops serve beaches around Malta and Gozo.

What Does a Blue Flag Beach Mean?

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised sustainability programme run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches displaying the flag must meet a range of requirements covering bathing water quality, environmental management, environmental education, accessibility, safety, and visitor services.

The requirements apply during the beach's designated Blue Flag award period, and participating sites must continue to meet the relevant standards while displaying the flag.

Blue Flag sign showing designated swimmers zone and times.Blue Flag swimming area information

How Many Blue Flag Beaches Are There Worldwide?

For 2026, the Blue Flag programme reports 4,371 beaches awarded worldwide. Including marinas and tourist boats, the programme includes 5,274 Blue Flag sites in total.

In Malta, Nature Trust–FEE Malta represents the Blue Flag programme as the national organisation. The Malta Tourism Authority also plays an important role in beach management, supporting and managing a number of beaches alongside other public bodies, local authorities, and private operators.

The Maltese Islands joined the Blue Flag Programme in 2006.

For 2026 and 2027, Blue Flag has introduced a temporary two-year award arrangement. Beaches awarded Blue Flag status in 2026 can retain it for the 2027 season, provided they continue to meet the required standards and pass the programme's annual monitoring and review. This is not an automatic renewal, and the award can still be withdrawn if they no longer meet the criteria.

What Blue Flag Certification Covers

Blue Flag beaches must meet a detailed set of standards and continue to comply with the requirements during their award period. The exact requirements can vary according to the beach and local conditions, but the main areas include:

  • Bathing water quality and cleanliness: Regular water-quality monitoring, pollution controls, beach cleanliness and appropriate waste management.
  • Environmental information and education: Information about the Blue Flag programme, local environments and responsible behaviour, together with environmental education activities.
  • Environmental and resource management: Measures covering issues such as waste, recycling, natural resources and responsible management of the beach environment.
  • Biodiversity and sensitive areas: Appropriate protection and management where beaches are close to important habitats, dunes or other environmentally sensitive areas.
  • Accessibility and visitor facilities: Appropriate sanitary facilities, information about available services and accessibility measures where required.
  • Safety and services: Suitable lifesaving or rescue arrangements, first-aid provision, emergency procedures and clear safety information appropriate to the beach.

Blue Flag certification does not mean that every awarded beach has exactly the same facilities. For more practical information about what you may find at local beaches, see our guide to beach facilities in Malta.

Good to know: A Blue Flag means a beach meets recognised standards, but it does not mean it is automatically the best beach for everyone or that sea conditions will be suitable for swimming every day. Always pay attention to current conditions, safety flags and local advice when you arrive.

If you are choosing where to spend a beach day rather than specifically looking for certified beaches, see our guide to the best beaches in Malta and Gozo.

You can also compare Malta's sandy beaches and rocky beaches if the type of shoreline matters more to you than Blue Flag status.

Blue Flag beaches guide for Malta and Gozo.
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Albert and Benjamin Magro, local Malta travel writers

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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