13 beaches receive Blue Flag eco-label
Internationally recognised certification reaffirms Malta’s commitment to sustainable tourism
Ten beaches in Malta and three in Gozo received the 2025 Blue Flag Certificate, a prestigious eco-label confirming their world-class standards in beach management, environmental education, safety, water quality and related services.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, Nature Trust – FEE Malta President Vincent Attard and Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) Chief Executive Officer Carlo Micallef announced the recipients of this eco-label, at Golden Bay, this week.
This internationally recognised certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is locally implemented by Nature Trust – FEE Malta. To qualify for the Blue Flag, each beach must meet and maintain over 30 strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
The 13 beaches awarded this year are:
- Mellieħa Bay, Mellieħa
- Golden Bay, Mellieħa
- Paradise Bay Resort Hotel beach, Mellieħa (privately-run beach)
- Għajn Tuffieħa, Mġarr
- Ħondoq Bay, Qala
- Fond Għadir, Sliema
- Fajtata Bay, Sliema
- St George’s Bay, St Julian’s
- The Westin Dragonara Resort beach, St Julian’s (privately-run beach)
- Buġibba Perched Beach, St Paul’s Bay
- Qawra Point, St Paul’s Bay
- Ramla Bay, Xagħra
- Marsalforn, Żebbuġ, Gozo
In addition, Xwejni Bay, in Żebbuġ, Gozo, was recognised as a Beach of Quality, confirming that it has achieved most of the applicable criteria and is close to attaining the Blue Flag status as well.
Except for the two privately-run hotel beaches, all Blue Flag coastal sites in Malta and Gozo are managed by the MTA and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning respectively.
The 10 beaches in Malta were presented with their Blue Flag for summer 2025 during this week’s event at Golden Bay. At the beginning of the presentation, Evie, a rescued turtle, was released back into the wild, after almost a year at the Nature Trust Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where it was treated for fishhook injuries. The family who had spotted the turtle in distress at sea last August also participated in the event.
“The Blue Flag is more than just a symbol – it reflects our deep-rooted commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our coastal areas while offering a safe, high-quality experience for locals and tourists alike,” Deputy Prime Minister Borg said, adding that, “this achievement demonstrates how different stakeholders can join forces to ensure that tourism and other coastal activities are optimised to provide a better quality experience, while prioritising environmental protection.”
Vincent Attard highlighted the rigorous criteria and environmental efforts behind the award, while Mr Micallef commended all workers, public entities and private companies involved in the management and operation of these coastal sites, for their dedication to elevating beach quality, safety and sustainability standards.
Photo: DOI/ODPM-MFT
