Tucked into the far northern tip of Malta, a few minutes from the Gozo ferry, Paradise Bay is the kind of beach that looks like a postcard from the top of the cliff and feels like a small adventure by the time you reach the sand. It is a compact cove with clear, sheltered water, rocky sides that are good for snorkelling, and views across the channel towards Comino and Gozo.
It is also a beach with a catch: about 100 steps stand between the car park and the water. This guide covers what the bay is really like, how to get there, when to go and what to bring, so the climb back up never comes as a surprise.
Where Paradise Bay Is
Paradise Bay sits near Ċirkewwa, in the Mellieħa area, right at the end of the main road north. That makes it one of the easiest beaches to combine with a day trip to Gozo or Comino. If your ferry leaves in the afternoon, a morning swim here is a sensible way to use the time. The famous Blue Lagoon is just across the water, and the longer, flatter sands of Għadira Bay are a short drive back south if you prefer a beach without steps.
What the Beach Is Like
The beach is small and sandy, set in a sheltered cove with cliffs behind it and rocky edges on both sides. Because the sandy strip is short, it fills up quickly on summer weekends, and the best part of the day is early. The water is clear and usually calm in summer, and the rocks at either end are the place to put on a mask: you will see small fish, sea bream and the usual Mediterranean wrasse close to the shore.
The setting is the main attraction. There are no large buildings on the sand, just the cliffs, the sea and the island of Comino on the horizon.
The Steps: What to Expect
The only way down is a long flight of steps, around 100 of them, from the road and car park to the beach. There is no step-free route, so the beach is not suitable for wheelchairs and is hard work with a pushchair or heavy gear. Go down light, take plenty of water, and remember that the climb back up comes at the end of the day, when you are tired and sun-warmed.
Best Time to Visit
Season. May, June, September and October are the sweet spot: warm sea, fewer people and easy parking. In July and August the cove gets busy and the car park above can fill early.
Time of day. Arrive before 10:00 in summer for a quiet swim and a good spot on the sand. Late afternoon is pleasant too, when the heat eases and the light turns golden over the rocks.
Winter. The sea can be rougher, with stronger currents, and lifeguard cover is not guaranteed outside the main summer season. Treat it as a viewpoint and a walk rather than a swim, and always check the flags and signs when you arrive.
Things to Do
Swim and sunbathe. The sandy area is the easy option, with sunbeds and umbrellas arranged through the beach lido in season. Terrace sunbeds above the sand are also available at the lido, so ask on arrival about current prices and availability, as these change from year to year.
Snorkel the rocks. The rocky sides of the bay are the best snorkelling. Keep to the edges, stay aware of boats and swim with a partner.
Try kayaks or paddleboards. Seasonal hire is usually available at the beach. It is a calm way to see the cliffs from the water.
Dive nearby. The Ċirkewwa area is one of the best-known diving spots in Malta, and the nearby resort works with a diving school, so it is worth asking if you want a first dive.
Food, Drink and Facilities
The lido has a beachfront restaurant and bar, and on the terraces you can order from your sunbed using a QR code. There are toilets, showers and a small beach shop. Prices and opening hours vary by season, so check on the day rather than counting on a particular menu.
How to Get There
By car. Drive to Ċirkewwa and follow the signs for Paradise Bay (the car park is reached via Triq il-Latnija). The car park is large but can fill by mid-morning in July and August.
By bus. Route 101 stops at the Paradise stop near the beach. From Valletta, take route 41, 42 or X300 to Ċirkewwa and change to the 101. Check the timetable before you go, because evening services are limited.
Combine it with Gozo. The ferry terminal is minutes away, so Paradise Bay works well as a swim before or after a day on Gozo, or as a quiet alternative to a crowded Comino day. See our Comino guide for boat options.
Safety and Practical Tips
- Footwear: Wear sandals or trainers for the steps and rocks. Flip-flops are fine on the sand but not for the climb back.
- Shade: There is little natural shade on the sand, so bring sun protection and a hat.
- Cash and card: Bring both, and check what the lido accepts.
- Sea conditions: Look at the flags and signs on arrival. In an emergency call 112.
- Hotel guests: The hotel next to the bay has its own private beach area, separate from the public sand.
Is Paradise Bay Worth the Steps?
Yes, if you like a small, pretty cove, clear water and a setting that feels removed from the busy resorts, and if you go early. If steps are a problem or you want a long, flat sandy beach with lots of space, head to Golden Bay or Għadira Bay instead. You can see every beach on our Malta beaches guide, and the Malta This Week page shows the sea temperature and wind for the days ahead, so you can pick the right bay on the day.