Hidden away beneath the wild Selmun headland in Malta's far north, Imġiebaħ Bay (also spelt Mġiebaħ or Imgiebah) is one of the island's last truly remote sandy beaches. There's no bus, no kiosk and no road to the water — you leave the car up by Selmun and walk down a path of roughly 700 metres, dropping through open countryside until a crescent of soft reddish-gold sand opens up below you. The reward is a quiet, shallow bay with clear turquoise water that's ideal for a long swim or a snorkel along the rocky sides, and far fewer people than the big northern beaches. There are no facilities of any kind, so bring water, food, shade and everything you'll need — and take it all back out with you. The walk back up is the real workout, so leave a little energy (and time before sunset) for the climb.