ALL OF MALTA’S BATHING SPOTS RATED ‘EXCELLENT’ FOR WATER QUALITY

If you're planning to go swimming at the beach this weekend, you can relax and cool off with confidence in the crystal clear sea.

All of Malta's beaches have been given full marks after passing EU water quality standards with flying colours.

Every bathing spot in Malta and Gozo was ranked 'excellent' by environmental health inspectors.

Each week, a number of samples are taken from every beach for testing to make sure the sea remains crystal clear, clean and safe for swimming.

In the north, Mellieha Bay, Mistra Bay, St Paul's Bay, Golden Bay, Riviera Bay and Anchor Bay all achieved full marks – as did St George's Bay, Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay and Sliema.

In Gozo, the stunning Ramla Bay was rated 'excellent' alongside Marsalforn Bay, Hondoq Bay, Xlendi Bay, and Dahlet Qorrot.

Unsurprisingly, the crystal clear waters of Comino's Blue Lagoon also passed with flying colours.

Malta's Environmental Health Department carries out tests weekly as part of its monitoring scheme.