Malta welcomes its new “fourth island,” Noma Island, but have you ever wondered how it came to be? This 1,750 m² floating venue is scheduled to open (Noma Island – Malta ) in 2026 as a luxury destination in the Mediterranean, offering a unique leisure experience at sea.
“Unwanted on the Côte d’Azur, the floating beach Canua Island now sails towards Malta after being sold.” – Le Figaro
Canua Island, a large floating platform often described as a floating beach, has departed the French Riviera and is headed to Malta after years of controversy and political opposition.
What Canua Island Is
This 1,750 m² floating structure, built on a trimaran hull, was designed as a luxury leisure destination at sea, complete with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sun loungers, and even a suite. It could host up to 350 people and was promoted as a new type of floating tourist attraction, powered by biofuels and recycled materials.
Controversy on the French Riviera
Local residents, environmental associations, and many elected officials strongly opposed the project. Critics argued that it could damage marine biodiversity, especially seagrass beds, while creating noise, pollution, and unfair competition with traditional beach and restaurant businesses. Tens of thousands signed petitions against it, and several Côte d’Azur cities officially rejected its installation.
Its Time on the Côte d’Azur
After legal battles and administrative delays, the floating platform did operate temporarily in 2024. However, ongoing opposition and disputes made continued operation difficult. Ultimately, Canua Island was sold to an unnamed buyer. The structure is now leaving France for Malta, where its new operators plan to reopen or relaunch it in 2026 in a more welcoming environment. In short, the floating beach was politically blocked and unpopular on the Côte d’Azur. Its relocation to Malta allows it to continue its existence under new ownership.
Malta’s Noma Island
Malta’s Canua Island has recently been rebranded as Noma Island, a 1,750 m² floating venue positioned as a new addition to the country’s hospitality and tourism landscape. Anchored in the central Mediterranean, the project has been described by its developers as Malta’s “fourth island” due to its scale and offshore location.
The floating structure combines contemporary design with open sea surroundings and functions as a self-contained venue accessible by boat. Noma Island includes two main hospitality concepts: a beach club and a restaurant, both designed to offer panoramic sea views and outdoor leisure spaces.
Unlike traditional coastal venues, the platform operates offshore, creating a destination that differs from existing hospitality sites on the Maltese islands. The concept focuses on providing visitors with a leisure environment set directly on the sea.
The rebranding from Canua Island to Noma Island reflects a broader effort to expand Malta’s luxury tourism offerings and diversify the types of hospitality experiences available in the region.