Malta might not have an abundance of long sandy beaches, but what it does have are small, turquoise coves that are so tucked away you might miss them. Some are not just hidden, but also really tricky to reach. Here’s a look at some of Malta's best-hidden bays: San Blas Bay (Gozo): Gozo, Malta’s sister island, is home to San Blas Bay. The road down is incredibly steep, and unless you're used to off-roading in a Jeep, driving down is not advised. There used to be a Jeep service, but that's been gone for about two years now. Walking down is doable, but prepare yourself for a challenging hike back up! San Blas is a small, peaceful bay with a cozy local restaurant that serves mainly seafood, perfect for those arriving by boat. There are a few sunbeds in summer, but space is limited. Hondoq ir-Rummien (Gozo): Another Gozo gem, Hondoq ir-Rummien, sits along the channel between the islands. You can catch a boat from here to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The bay has a charming food truck-turned-restaurant and a mix of a pebble beach and a plateau. There's also a quiet, hard-to-reach lagoon just around the corner. This lagoon is boat-free in summer and totally deserted in winter. Wied il-Għasri (Gozo): This bay on Gozo is a hidden gem, nestled between towering cliffs, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling. The beach is pebbly, making walking a bit challenging, and the stones continue into the water, so water shoes are a must. This peaceful valley is accessed via a staircase—going down is fine, but be prepared for a tough climb back up. The sheltered bay makes it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling, even on windy days. If you're looking to explore Gozo’s lesser-known spots, this bay should be on your list. It may be hard to reach, but it's worth it! Wied il-Mgarr ix-Xini (Gozo): A stunning inlet at the end of a sea gorge on Gozo. The twisting sea inlet makes for a great hiking spot, but it’s a tough trek, only for seasoned walkers. In the bay itself, kayaking is fantastic, and as the bay forks before reaching the open sea, the water turns a stunning blue, perfect for snorkeling. Kalanka Bay (Malta): Located near the famous St Peter’s Pool on Malta’s main island, Kalanka is just as beautiful, but far less known. With a rocky plateau for diving into crystal-clear waters, it’s a hidden gem that most tourists miss. Public transport won’t get you here, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Slugs Bay (Malta): Tucked away near Mellieha Bay, Slugs Bay is virtually unknown. To find it, you’ll need to take a right turn just past the Red Tower, and drive straight ahead. At the end of the peninsula, you'll spot Slugs Bay on your right. It’s a tiny, tranquil spot, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. Exploring these hidden bays is much more rewarding than following the crowds. Want to spot them from the sea? Book a boat trip around the Maltese islands! Book it here.