Dog Friendly Beaches
2. Xatt is-Sajjieda Marsaxlokk
3. Tigne Point – Under the Tigne Pedestrian Bridge
5. Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq – Behind Splash and Fun
9. Marsascala – St Thomas Bay (Munxar side)
10. Ċirkewwa -Ir-Ramla ta’Wied Musa
12. Birżebbuġia – Near Sailing Club
13. Gozo – Trejqet Mgarr ix-Xini – Ghajnsielem (Ras il-Ħobż)
14. Gozo -Mġarr – Il-Bajja ta’ Gorgun
15. Gozo- San Lawrenz – Il-Bajja tad-Dwejra
16. Gozo – Żebbuġ – Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar
Where else can dogs swim?
Besides these 16 beaches, dogs are also permitted to swim in any non-designated bathing area.
Who decides whether a beach is dog-friendly or not?
The decision to declare a beach dog-friendly lies with The Environmental Health Directorate and the Superintendence of Public Health upon suggestions made by the Animal Welfare Directorate.
Which law regulates dog-friendly beaches?
The prohibition of dogs from beaches is related to water quality and bathing water profiles which is regulated by SL465.09 Art 19. This is based on scientific research as well as WHO guidelines which show that bacteria from dog waste affect the classification and quality of bathing water and in turn put people’s health at risk.
Blue Flag Beaches
During the summer months dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches. These beaches are considered the best high-quality beaches according to the International Blue Flag eco-label for Sustainable Development. In the summer they are demarcated with a blue flag. Malta usually qualifies to have around 10 to 12 Blue Flagged Beaches every year.
Sandy Beaches
Except for Mġiebaħ Beach (which is an official dog-friendly beach) dogs are NOT allowed on any sandy beach, at any time of year. This ban applies to dogs on the sand and in the water of any sandy beach in Malta and Gozo at any time. This is down to the fact that any dog waste on sand is easily absorbed by the sand and people, especially children playing on the sand, can easily come in contact with it.
Rocky Beaches
Dogs are allowed on all rocky beaches (except Blue Flag ones) all year round. But if a rocky beach is an official bathing area, dogs are not allowed in the sea. There are 87 Official Bathing Areas in Malta and Gozo. Bathing areas are not beaches and are also different to swimming zones. One beach can have several bathing areas (eg. Għadira Bay in Mellieħa has 5 bathing areas) . These areas are from where water samples are collected by the WRAU and EHD to certify the quality and safety of the water. Dogs are not allowed to swim in any of these bathing zones, but they are allowed to stay on the rocks. Owners are still obliged to keep their dogs on a leash and to clean up after their dogs. Swimming zones can be found in bathing areas and non-bathing areas – these are demarcated with buoys during the summer months, so that boats cannot enter the bay which ensures swimmers’ safety.
What can happen if you break the law ?
Breaching SL465.09 the first time could land you a fine of between €232 and €4658 and/or not less than six months imprisonment. On second conviction the fine goes up to a minimum of €465 and a maximum of €11,646 and/or not less than two years imprisonment.
