Paradise Bay is a small cove at Ċirkewwa on the north‑west coast, a beach-and-lido setup that trades wilderness for comfort and views. If you want an easy day with facilities on the water’s edge and wide views of Gozo and Comino, this is your corner of the island.
It suits couples, families and groups who like a base they can settle into, rather than hiking over headlands to find a patch of rock. The lido brings order to a compact bay, so if you prefer raw coastline and no infrastructure, point yourself to golden bay ghajn tuffieha instead. If you want a swim, a reliable lounger and a cold drink within arm’s reach, Paradise Bay delivers.
How to get there Paradise Bay sits at Ċirkewwa on the outskirts of Mellieħa, the last beach before the Gozo ferries. Driving is simplest, and once you reach the ferry area you are minutes from the bay. Without a car, it is an easy hop from the same corner that serves boats across to Comino for the blue lagoon comino and the Gozo channel for a gozo day trip.
Location and map This is the north‑western coast of Malta, exposed to the channel but tucked enough to stay swimmable on most summer days. The lido and resort sit on the water's edge at Cirkewwa, and the setting looks straight across the channel with views of Gozo and Comino. It feels out on the tip of the island, which is why it is calmer here than the busier sands further south in Mellieħa Bay.
Parking If you are driving, on-site parking is available beside the lido and resort. Arrive earlier on peak summer weekends to make it an easy slide-in rather than a loop to wait.
Prices and fees You pay for comfort rather than access, because the bay itself is a natural cove. Sunbed and umbrella hire is available through the lido, and sunbeds are reservable if you want certainty. If you plan to stay the night, the attached Paradise Bay Resort lists Economy Sea View rooms from EUR 45 per night (from), Standard Sea View from EUR 50 per night (from), Superior Sea View on a top floor from EUR 59 per night (from), Junior Suites from EUR 68 per night (from) and Two Interconnecting Rooms from EUR 88 per night (from).
Opening hours There is no gate on the sea, so swimmers are on their own timeline. Food and drink follow venue times, with the restaurant serving breakfast and lunch and the bar service running through the daytime.
What to expect on-site The tone is beach club rather than wild bay. There is a beach shop for last‑minute sunscreen and inflatables, parasols and sunbed hire lined up on sunbathing terraces, and showers to rinse off. Watersports are available, so when the wind drops kayak hire is available and stand-up paddle hire is available. A fully licensed bar takes care of chilled drinks, and the kitchen covers breakfast and lunch with canapés and cocktails during service.
Staying at the resort adds another layer of ease. Guests get several pools to rotate between, a private sandy beach for gentle paddling, and a fully equipped gym if you did not sweat enough in the sun. Divers are spoiled, because there is a fully-equipped Dive Centre and Malta’s signature shore dives at Ċirkewwa are minutes away, see our guide to cirkewwa diving. Inside the resort you will also find Cockerel Bar, Il-Merill Restaurant and Porto Lounge, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel keeps everyone’s maps and messages alive.
Nearby restaurants and bars You are at the far end of the island, so the on-site options matter. The lido’s kitchen keeps it casual by day, and inside the resort you have Cockerel Bar for drinks, Il-Merill Restaurant for sit‑down meals and Porto Lounge for something more relaxed. If you want a change of scene later, loop back towards Mellieħa for a broader choice, or make a dusk run to popeye village for a photo and a snack before dinner inland.
Nearby attractions and activities This is an easy launch point for the channel. Boats for the blue lagoon comino and the crystal lagoon go from this end of Malta, and a fast hop puts you on Gozo for the victoria cittadella or the red sands of ramla bay. If you are staying on Malta, nearby options include mellieha bay for a bigger sweep of sand, or the sunset headlands over at golden bay ghajn tuffieha. If you dive, Ċirkewwa’s shore entries, wrecks and reefs are a highlight, see cirkewwa diving.
What to bring and wear Pack swimwear that dries fast, a light cover‑up for the breeze that picks up in the afternoon, and reef‑safe sunscreen. If you plan to paddle or step off rocks, simple water shoes make life easier. Everything else can be picked up at the beach shop if you forget it.
Common misconceptions People mix up Paradise Bay with the Blue Lagoon, but the Blue Lagoon is a boat ride away on Comino, not here. Others expect a huge public beach, whereas the draw is the lido, the terraces and the resort setup. If you want an empty bay to yourself, you will be happier at off‑track coves or at dusk on the headlands, then come back here when you want comfort and a guaranteed chair.
If you are building a wider north‑island day, pair the morning here with an inland stroll at mdina rabat or a late ferry loop and a stroll on Gozo before an evening back in valletta. History fans planning ahead can also work in the hagar qim and mnajdra temples on a different day, and maritime types should not miss a grand harbour cruise when you are back in the capital.
Common questions
Is the beach sandy?
At the resort side there is a private sandy beach, which suits families and anyone who prefers an easy wade into the water. The lido also uses terraces and platforms for sunbathing.
Are facilities like showers and lockers available?
Showers are available at the lido, along with a beach shop for bits you forgot. Sunbeds are reservable if you want to lock in shade and a spot.
Can I rent kayaks or paddleboards here?
Yes, kayak hire is available and stand-up paddle hire is available. It is a sheltered corner of the channel so it is a good place to potter close to shore on calm days.
Is there food and drink on site?
There is a fully licensed bar and a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, plus snacks and canapés and cocktails during service. Resort guests also have a choice of Cockerel Bar, Il-Merill Restaurant and Porto Lounge.
Is there Wi‑Fi?
Resort guests have complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Last checked: 29 October 2026. Prices, opening hours and timetables change, verify anything time-sensitive before you travel. Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
