Sandy beach · Malta · Mellieħa

Armier Bay

Bajja tal-Armier

Armier Bay is a quiet double cove of sandy beach on Malta's far north coast, a short drive from the Gozo ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa. Less visited than Mellieħa Bay, it is popular with Maltese families who prefer a lower-key atmosphere.

Quick Facts

Type
Double sandy cove
Length
approx. 450 m (two coves combined)
Access
Easy by car; no reliable year-round bus
Lifeguard
Seasonal (not guaranteed)
Facilities
Seasonal kiosk, toilets, parking
Nearest town
Mellieħa (5 km)
Distance to Gozo ferry
3 km from Ċirkewwa
Island
Malta

What is Armier Bay like?

Armier Bay is two adjacent sandy coves separated by a small rocky headland — Armier and Little Armier. Both have fine sand and calm, shallow water suitable for young children. The surrounding area is characterised by traditional Maltese summer residence chalets (variously termed holiday houses or 'villas'), giving the area a distinctly local feel. There is no large commercial development.

Getting to Armier Bay

By car from Mellieħa, follow the signs toward Marfa and continue past the Gozo ferry road toward the coast (15 minutes). From Ċirkewwa ferry terminal it is only 5 minutes by car. There is no reliable year-round bus service; summer-only routes sometimes operate. Parking is available at the beach.

Armier Bay and the Gozo ferry

Armier's proximity to the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr Gozo ferry makes it a convenient stop. Visitors catching a morning ferry to Gozo can spend the previous evening or morning at Armier Bay before boarding, or combine a Gozo day trip with an afternoon at Armier on the return.

Facilities

Beach kioskPublic toiletsCar parking

No lifeguard — swim at your own risk.

Best for

  • families
  • quiet sandy swimming
  • Gozo ferry proximity
  • off-peak visits

Avoid if

  • wanting full tourist facilities
  • visiting in winter (seasonal kiosk only)

Getting there

No year-round direct bus. By car: 15 minutes from Mellieħa or 5 minutes from Ċirkewwa ferry terminal. Parking at the beach.

Hotels near Armier Bay

Closest hotels sorted by straight-line GPS distance from Armier Bay:

All hotels near Armier Bay, sorted by distance →

Nearest locality

Mellieħa — city guide →

Frequently asked questions

How far is Armier Bay from the Gozo ferry?↓

About 3 km from Ċirkewwa ferry terminal — approximately 5 minutes by car. This makes Armier Bay a convenient stop before or after taking the ferry to Gozo.

Is Armier Bay better than Mellieħa Bay?↓

Armier is quieter and less developed than Mellieħa Bay, with a more local atmosphere. Mellieħa Bay has full facilities, lifeguards, watersports and bus access. Armier is better for those wanting a quieter option with similar sandy water; Mellieħa Bay is better for those wanting facilities and easy transport.

Are there restaurants at Armier Bay?↓

A seasonal kiosk operates at Armier Bay in summer. For a full meal, Mellieħa village (5 km) and Marfa (2 km) have restaurants and cafés.

Sources: OpenStreetMap (ODbL) · Malta Tourism Authority · OSM snapshot 2026-06-08 · Last updated 2026-06-14

GPS data: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)