This is a safe dive. But stay alert to those around you in the water. Not all may be as it seems.

As we all head for water to escape the heat (36°C now in mid July and rising), we need to remember that water and water play are fantastic for cooling off, but that water also needs our respect, whether pool or sea.

We ran an advice piece on water safety and kids just two weeks ago. But what we’re talking about here is something different – how to recognise the signs of someone drowning. We are conditioned, probably by films, to think that people who are drowning wave their arms around, shout and look in distress in the water. If they are managing to wave and shout, then they are likely to be ‘in distress’ but not actually drowning; not at that point. Their noise will trigger our reaction, and lifeguards into action. But it’s those who are silent in the water we need to look out for…

Yesterday I read a blog post by a guy who has 19 years of US Navy and Coastguard service and writes on all aspects of water safety. He said that drowning doesn’t look like drowning. Because people who are drowning are usually silent, unable to shout as their remaining breaths are for gulping air not voice production, and their arms and hands will be underwater paddling downwards in an attempt to propel their bodies upwards. Because they are silent and their movements underwater, we are less likely to notice their plight.

The article is an eye opener, and led me elsewhere to read about another possibility – ‘delayed drowning‘ which can happen hours after a person has gulped water into their lungs. As island folk with sea and pools the mainstay of our summers, we need to recognise the signs drowning and delayed drowning.

Now, I don’t write ths to shock you, but more to make us all realise we need to at least be aware of the signs of drowning and delayed drowning. Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha beaches have life guards (10am – 6pm), but we leisure and pleasure swimmers are out there, and our alertness may save someone this summer.

So please click here and read the article I read. And let’s all hope for a safe summer in sea and pools.

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There's nothing like home sweet home for a BBQ!

It’s a Sunday evening in early July as I write this, which is an appropriate moment to tackle that great Maltese seasonal institution – a large, loud gathering of family and friends out for a beach BBQ.

Tomorrow morning, many a Maltese beach will bear the signs of this weekend’s nighttime invasion – litter, spent charcoal, chicken wings and detritus of all kinds will be left behind. While some litter, there are others who spend hours doing voluntary beach tidy-ups. It’s a never ending cycle of litter, tidy, litter… but perhaps we’ve reached the tipping point, or nearly.

The Beach BBQ’s Environmental Impact
Of course, it’s not solely the beach BBQ that contributes to beach littering, but here’s an anecdote on its polluting effect which isn’t all about litter.

A couple of hot July’s ago, I went out for an expensive, splash-out meal at a restaurant right next to a small bay. The establishment suggests guests arrive to catch the sunset views from the al fresco dining area. We did. And that was about the best bit of the evening, and the meal. I won’t do a hatchet job on the meal (which it deserved), but the evocative sundown drink was spoiled within around five minutes of our arrival by the chugging into action of a generator and the waft of petrol, followed by floodlights, shouting and general mayhem. The beach BBQ was in full swing.

Now, I like the idea of a beach BBQ, and went on a couple in the past. But we were responsible enough to keep noise to a minimum. The people I was with enjoyed chilling out in the mellow heat and listening to the waves, not music or generators and scoured their patch of beach meticulously using torches to ensure not a scrap of litter was left. If all nighttime BBQ-goers did this, then there’d be no need to…

Ban the Beach BBQ
Mellieha Local Council used by-laws to ban the BBQ last summer from Ghadira Bay, to some uproar. Some quarters saw it as another attack on popular ‘cultural’ pastimes. Not that the beach BBQ can be compared with the Ghanafest.

Ghadira Bay has a nature reserve behind it and is aiming for Blue Flag status as a beach with outstanding environmental and safety credentials. While the Blue Flag criteria don’t stipulate a ban on BBQs, Blue Flag status and barbecuing don’t sit happily together; the pollution the beach BBQ produces in Malta would make attaining and retaining Blue Flag status nearly impossible.

Two beaches in Malta now have the Blue Flag – Bugibba (this year) and St George’s Bay (awarded last year). Interestingly, both are ‘new’, man-made beaches and in built-up areas popular with tourists. They have no local tradition of BBQs.

Yet, the more rural, beauty spot beaches, which should have greater potential to reach Blue Flag standards aren’t yet quality enough; the BBQ culture must have something to do with that.

Conspicously, today, I noticed a row of temporary info boards on Golden Bay beach explaining Blue Flag and the local sealife and fauna and flora. The Malta Tourism Authority’s info boards nearby, also a new addition this year, clearly said BBQs were not allowed, neither was camping.

So, plans are afoot to make more of Malta’s beaches BBQ free in pursuit of that elusive Blue Flag status no doubt. I love the idea of footloose and fancy-free summer nights on the beach with a Barbie as much as the next man. But given our islands’ limited beach space, masses of beach goers and our enduring lack of self-discipline, the BBQ must stay at home. About time.

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Even when they swim like fish, you need to be vigilant

This article is aimed at giving you advice for a happy, safe holiday with kids on, in and around water in Malta this summer. Do take a moment to browse down. We’re rather like the flight attendant reminding you to listen to those safety instructions even if you’re a frequent flyer (or swimmer… in our case)!

Holidays are for relaxation, and nowhere more so than in Malta which promotes itself on its relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. However, as parents we can’t really relax when water and kids mix because…

Swimming pools pose the greatest risk of death and injury to children in a home or holiday setting. More British children drown on holiday abroad than in Britain itself, most of them in swimming pools. And if you take recent statistics from Algarve (Spain) and Greece, most drownings of young children are in pools, not the sea, despite the unpredictability of the sea and the crowds that beaches pull.

There is good news in all this though – research shows that most swimming pool drownings are preventable.

Swimming Pools & the Law
In 2008, a new European Union standard relating to the design and operation of swimming pools came into effect. It is a standard only, but both France and Spain have introduced laws based on it, and backed by hefty fines, to protect youngsters in both private and public pools. French law states that all privately-owned swimming pools should be equipped with a safety fence and gate with a self closing latch. This is not the case in Malta.

If you are renting a house with pool in Malta or Gozo this summer, do ask about pool safety equipment such as fences and gates if you have young children and are at all worried. Also, check about non-slip surfaces and ask if filters, reservoirs or infinity pools have sufficient safety barriers in place. Be aware that some houses for summer rentals have pools up close to the premises, or even fitted into courtyards; perhaps you can lock doors though this is rarely practical in summer heat.

Just be prepared to be vigilant. After all, however many safety devices are in place, accidents can happen so don’t rely 100% on anything other than your own eyes and presence of mind. If you really want to relax on holiday, swim with the kids!

Seaside / Poolside Safety Tips

Things to consider:
• Fencing round pools to avoid kids inadvertently wandering off to the swimming pool without adult supervision.
• Alarms that ring by the pool and in your house, as soon as wave action is detected, are also a good option.
• Another alternative is pool covers or shelters, though be aware that covers can hold enough water on top to pose a threat to toddlers.
• Be aware also of hidden dangers from drain or suction entrapments. Drains with broken, missing or faulty covers can entrap hair, the body, limbs, jewellery and clothing, or cause disembowelment/evisceration.
• Slippery surfaces. Nasty accidents can be avoided by wearing rubber swimming shoes, usually made out of wet-suit material. These can also protect little feet from sharp rocks and pebbles, sea urchins and other hazards by the sea.
• Swim Aids: armbands should be worn by young children at all times when in close proximity to pools or by the seaside. Modern versions are now available which do not have to be inflated. These swimming discs are quick and easy to put on, give your child better posture and more confidence in the water, and most importantly don’t puncture, so you have a lot less to worry about.
• Shade by the pool and even more so by the sea, is paramount in avoiding sunburn. Sea salt and sand mean sun block does not last as long at the beach, but these days you can find UV tents from most kids’ related outlets or online, which give the whole family a safe way to enjoy the sun.
• At the beach, avoid rough or choppy water. Be careful with inflatable boats and lilos, which can quickly and easily drift out to sea. Check the weather and the likelihood of jellyfish, before you head out.
• Have a medical or first aid kit with you to deal with jellyfish stings and accidents.
• Always have an adult present when kids are swimming. At gatherings, it is particularly important to appoint a strong swimmer to supervise kids by the pool or sea, to ensure there is a responsible adult watching at all times.

Additional reporting by Faye Camilleri Preziosi, who retails Delphin Disc armbands in Malta.
See also: Delphin website.

For more information on pool fencing in Malta, see: protectachildmalta.com

Photo: Anne Muscat Scerri.

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Sensual sand and surf. Find your patch of Maltese beach with our guide

Malta has a mainly rocky coastline, is largely urban, has a high density population and doesn’t have the geology or geography to serve up large stretches of golden sand. So, the questions are: does Malta have (enough) sandy beaches to cater for the summer boom? And where are they located?

When we rounded up the sandy beaches (list & map below), the small archipelago does, surprisingly, have a good range of sandy beaches, some man made granted, but on the whole tourists are catered for, wherever they’re staying. Most visitors seek sand, but some join the locals and are happy to swim off rock; OK for those who don’t have small kids at the bucket and spade age! Local councils taking in rocky coastlines and harbours have placed rails and ladders at safer points for us to plunge the depths with ease.

There seems to be enough sand to go round to accommodate 400,000+ Maltese and the swell of summer visitors. To give you an idea: in mid August last year, I went to Gozo’s Ramla Bay at 3pm and managed to plant myself right on the water’s edge. I doubt the same pole position would be possible on many an Italian concession beach! And in Malta, good sandy beaches are FREE! Unless you happen to want to hire a lounger or sunshade. You’ll need to leave some small change with the parkers though as well.

Some Beach Tips
When to arrive
Language students like arriving in droves on the beach in the midday sun. Maltese families tend to come and go very early or very late to sensibly avoid the searing heat, or to BBQ well into the evening (though some councils have banned beach BBQs this year). So adjust your timetable around the students or act like a local! If you can, it’s best to avoid sandy beaches at weekends in peak summer unless it’s actually the hustle and bustle of crowds you’re looking for.

Jellyfish
We’ve seen periods of jellyfish infestation, but usually their arrival is because of a north-westerly prevailing wind blowing them to shore. This year, we’ve had reports of an early ‘blooming’ of jellyfish but apparently sea turtle numbers are up and they feed on them – so fingers crossed! Take precautions – put kids in sleeved sunsuits (a good policy anyway) and have some sting relief or diluted vinegar with you. For more on jelly fish, awareness and burns, click here.

Beach facilities
In the main, Malta’s popular sandy beaches have seen some improvements in the past year or two: Golden Bay for instance has lifeguards (from around 10am), adequate rubbish bins and lifelines anchored on buoys to help swimmers when it’s rough seas. Ghajn Tuffieha has lifelines and a red flag system but no guards. This is reassuring. More could be done on many other beaches, but it’s a start.

Settings and Ambiance
The plus about Malta’s sandy beaches is that they are mostly found in natural settings in the countryside so don’t have the ugliness of built-up promenades behind them. It also means some have few facilities. So go prepared with enough sun cream, water, snacks and sting relief. Man-made beaches at St George’s Bay (Paceville), Pretty Bay and Buggiba are attractive in their own ways still, and have handy shops alongside. St George’s Bay has been awarded Blue Flag status.

Below, we list the main sandy beaches in Malta, Gozo and Comino. Click ‘Larger Map’ for locations and some details on each. We welcome your comments and experiences so we can post an honest low-down on each beach as the summer goes on.

View Malta Sandy Beach Guide in a larger map

Sandy Beaches listing

Links take you to full articles and ‘how to get there’ info.

Malta

Golden Bay
Ghajn Tuffieha
Gnejna Bay
Paradise Bay
Armier & Little Armier
Mellieha Bay
Mistra Bay
St George’s Bay
Pretty Bay, Birzebuggia

Gozo

Ramla Bay
Xlendi Bay

Comino

Blue Lagoon

Photo: Courtesy of Jes Darmanin

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Laid bare for all to see - millions of years of squashed sea molluscs

Malta is entirely composed of sedimentary rocks. This means that the geology of the islands is made of the compacted sediments of rocks deposited in a constantly changing Mediterranean over millions of years.

Effectively, all of the land comprising Maltese territory was formed underwater through the slow but steady layering of sediments of particles settling underwater. As is to be expected when viewing a series of layers, the ones at the bottom are the oldest with age gradually decreasing as one approaches the topmost layer. In the case of the Maltese rock layers, the oldest sediments of lower coralline limestone were deposited in the Mediterranean Sea around 35 million years ago while the most recent layers of upper coralline limestone were only formed a mere 7 million years ago.

Although in human terms these timeframes seem immense, the young age of Maltese rocks is placed into perspective when considering that the extinction of the dinosaurs took place 65.5 million years ago. This means that when the lower layers of rock comprising our archipelago were being laid, the dinosaurs had already been extinct for more than 30 million years.

The Maltese rock layers are neatly subdivided into five distinct types, starting from the bottom as follows:

• Lower Coralline Limestone
• Globigerina Limestone
• Blue Clay
• Greensand
• Upper Coralline Limestone

Both Coralline Limestones were formed in shallow waters and comprise the skeletal remains of algae, corals and molluscs. The Globigerina Limestone, source of Malta’s honey coloured stone used for construction was formed at a period when the sea became deeper and is mostly made of the microscopic remains of a single-celled animal called globigerina.

Lying above the globigerina layer, the blue clay layer originated on land, probably in Italy and was deposited as detritus from rivers draining water from the Italian landmass.

Following the period that led to the depositing of the blue clay in a relatively deep sea, a shallower period with strong surface currents led to the deposit of the greensand layer. In spite of the colour associated with its name, greensand is generally visible in those Maltese sandy beaches where there are clay slopes and where the sand has a reddish hue. Beaches such as Ghajn Tuffieha, Gnejna and Imgiebah in Malta and Ramla l-Hamra and San Blas in Gozo all feature reddish sand that has found its way into the sea by sliding off the clay slopes surrounding these beaches. With respect to colours: the chemicals comprising greensand turn red when exposed to the air through the process of oxidisation!

This short description is aimed at helping readers acquire a basic understanding of the geology of Malta. It is important to appreciate the marine origin of these islands, together with the fact that the very rock on which we stand is made of the remains of billions upon billions of dead marine creatures that were deposited at the bottom of the sea over a process spanning millions of years.

It also helps explain why Malta lacks natural resources such as metals and why our fossils generally comprise marine organisms rather than land animals or plants.

At a time when the impact of carbon-induced climate change is universally recognised, it is also relevant to ponder upon the fact that the entire landmass of the Maltese islands is comprised of carbonate rock implying that all the landmass we take so for granted consists of captured carbon dioxide which would otherwise have remained in the Earth’s atmosphere to the detriment of life as we know it!

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Wherever I pitch my tent is my home. The Maltese outwardbound.

For a nation with little outdoor space, the Maltese are ingenious about using what there is. We’ve a lot of flat dwellers in Malta as buildings go high-rise, and most people with terraced houses have only a small backyard big enough for gas bottles and a lemon tree. So balconies, roofs, the front door step and whatever other patch of concrete can be pressed into action is used to the hilt in the hot summer months to serve as a social space to meet friends in and a place to cool off on.

When Maltese urbanites get a whiff of real space – mostly early morning or late evening on the beach at this time of year – then we’ll take nearly everything but the kitchen sink to ensure we stake our claim on a patch of earth to last the whole day or night. Having spent quite a few hours at Golden Bay this summer, I’ve noticed some amazing apparatus disgorged from car boots and lugged beachwards. I’ve seen what looked like mini marquees erected with much familial bickering. And at Ghajn Tuffieha, I’ve witnessed a procession of cool boxes and BBQ sets being carried by families ressembling armies of ants crawling down those steps. I don’t think the aim is to travel light. People in Malta try their hardest to get a parking space right where they need to be, so the volume of gear probably doesn’t won’t worry them on arrival.

Now these little tents in the photo above, seen on Golden Bay mid morning last weekend, are those of the summer species of young, overnight camper. A Liddl bag of goodies, a BBQ, a simple frame tent, and a 20-minute drive to your destination and you’re all set up for a real outward-bound camping experience Malta style. If the BBQ fails, then there are quite conveniently four restaurants five minutes away. So don’t worry if someone forgets the firelighters or matches.

We’d really like to have more excitement, hardship and roughing it, really we would, but Malta has limited outdoors to camp out in. We’ve far too much rocky garrigue around for tent pegs to go in. The beach is a soft alternative, in more ways than one. And who can blame us? We like our home comforts…when we’re in our homeland. But that’s not to say we’re not intrepid travelers and adventurers elsewhere. See our posts on ‘Three men and a mountain‘, and ‘the Maltese are everywhere‘ for some evidence of that.

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Beautiful blobs that blight some Malta beaches - but only sometimes

My six-year-old son has barely been in the water this summer. Shame, as there’s little else kids can do for three months’ summer holiday on an island in the Med! He swam last summer. So why not this one?

Well, part of the reason is jellyfish. Earlier on this season, in June and at the start of July, several of Malta’s popular beaches had jellyfish infestation. He spent at least two stints on the beach scooping up some real whoppers, and burying them. That was enough to convince him that the seas around Malta are full of nasties – jellyfish, Portuguese men of war, and such like.

Of course, the truth is far from that. Apart from perhaps 2-3 jellyfish, no-go-swim days, but I’ve swum quite happily at Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha for around two months without incident, stings, or nasties. Jellyfish come and go, according to tide, winds, lunar pull, bloom rates, and so on. You may have a day with them (so go prepared with some vinegar or sting relief spray), but the next day on the beach could be fine. Generally, the jellyfish volumes are no worse this year than previous ones, and certainly not something to panic or throw a wobbly about.

My son is at the age of reasoning, and armed with a library of ‘ocean explorer’ and ‘predators of the sea’ type books, he knows now what he didn’t know at age two or four. So, it’s pools for him for a while, till he reasons it out.

Jellyfish trends: There seems to be no clear data on jellyfish volumes, but in certain parts of the world (off Namibia for example) scientists have discovered that jellyfish biomass outweighs that of fish. Their arrival is seasonal, and related to sea temperatures and availability of food, or the lack of their predators (sea turtles for instance). They do thrive in oxygen-poor waters so sea pollution worldwide may have helped their blooming.

Treating stings: there’s a lot of information on this. See Wikipedia for a full low-down. But to treat a minor injury from a jellyfish sting in Maltese waters, you’ll probably only need diluted vinegar or a sting relief. Make sure you protect yourself when removing any stuck tentacles. If in any doubt, and especially if treating a child, do seek medical assistance. The levels of toxicity vary according to jellyfish type, and we can all react differently to a sting. Golden Bay has a lifeguard who can assist; many other beaches have food kiosks nearby which can no doubt give you some vinegar. Ambulance service tel: 196.

Photo: Dragan Donkov

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Ghajn Tuffieha: a natural beach, that's unnaturally empty for Malta.

Just next to Golden Bay is Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (also known as Riviera) – which has always been my preferred of the two. The fact that there is a quite steep flight of steps to descend to get to the beach means that the location doesn’t attract the same volume of people as Golden Bay. However, since Ghajn Tuffieha is a lot smaller, in peak summer it gets crowded that much quicker. I also have the impression that the sandy area of the beach has shrunk considerably over the past few years, with the constant pounding of the waves making it even smaller than it was. In rougher weather, with larger waves, you’ll be hard pushed to find much sand at all!

Pros: Location-wise, I consider this to be the most beautiful sandy beach on the island of Malta (Gozo has my other favourite sandy beach, Ramla Bay). The fact that it is slightly less accessible gives the beach a particularly natural atmosphere. The Gaia Foundation runs the hillside behind as a ‘national park’ and they have made efforts to stop erosion by planing tamarisk trees and samphire. A derelict hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the beach adds to the beach’s more secluded atmosphere of the area. On less hot days, it is lovely to hike around the cliffs surrounding the bay and, in spring, the beach is surrounded by flowers and greenery which, sadly, all but dries up in the hot summer months. A watch tower from the time of the Knights stands on a cliff at one end of the bay; and a fascinating rock formation on the other. A walk further inside the beach towards the rocky section can provide some (relative) privacy which is hard to find on Maltese sandy beaches in summer. An ideal place to take a book to, lie down on the sand in, and just relax.

Cons: The undercurrents in this beach can be extremely strong. Therefore it is not advisable to swim here when the sea is rough. Some people have ignored this in the past and a few have even lost their lives. There is a flag system now, giving various info on swimming conditions, and a string of buoys and lifelines out in the bay. But unlike at Golden Bay, there are no lifeguards on duty. Then there are those STEPS! I know many people hate them (especially on the way back after a day at the beach). The sandy space on the beach is rather small. It is not the most suitable of beaches if you are accompanied by small children. You also have stones to negotiate to enter the water, and a few nasty underwater rock. So keep eyes peeled, especially with kids in tow. There is just one (largish) kiosk on the beach with patio seating, which is good for those looking for something a bit less intrusive. Those looking for more action, music and fun should probably look elsewhere.

Verdict: Good for those fit and active enough to walk down the steps to get to the beach! Ideal for couples seeking some seclusion; not ideal for families with young kids. Great for late afternoon-evening swims, BBQs, and sundown -so photographers, get that camera ready!

How to get there:
From Valletta: Buses 47 or 52 – every 30 mins from 6.00am till 7.30pm.
From Bugibba: Buses 70 or 652 – every 20 mins from 8.00am till 9.00pm (Winter till 7.10pm).

Map: it’s the middle bay on the map.

View Malta Sandy Beach Guide in a larger map

Photo: Andrew Galea Debono

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Pretty much an eyesore Bay. Nice sand, shame about the view.

This is the only sandy beach in the south of the island. Like St. George’s Bay, this is an artificially sandy beach – once upon a time it was a large rocky beach.

This rather sizeable beach is surrounded by the little town of Birzebbugia and would really live up to its name of ‘pretty’ if it were not for the huge Freeport right in front of it. In fact, it came into being as a result of the Freeport – probably a kind of recompense to the locals for the blot on the landscape.

Pros: Close for those living in the South or who are visiting some of the temples and other historical sites in the area. Easy access to all the necessary facilities available in town, including a couple of decent and cheap fish restaurants. There is a 5-a-side football pitch for those wishing to play some ball. Very close to the bus stop.

Cons: It has a very urban feel to it, being close to a road, town and huge Freeport. Much less beautiful than the options in the North.

Verdict: Hard to call this one. If you’re Maltese and not living in the South, I doubt you’d go out of your way to go to swim here. But I’ve met visitors who’ve spent happy times on Pretty Bay, hardly moving elsewhere. It is probably worth a stop if you’re touring the South (temples, fishing village of Marxalokk) or been to Playmobil with the kids and need a dip after.

How to get there:
From Valletta: Bus 11 – every 15 mins from 5.30am till 10.30pm.

View Malta Sandy Beach Guide in a larger map

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An August Sunday on Golden Bay - and still space at midday!

Golden Bay is the most developed and popular of a trio of sandy beaches in the north west of the island (the others are Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna).

Some of its pros can also be its cons – such as the large hotel, the Radisson Golden Sands, on a cliff overlooking the beach; some think it’s an eyesore, while others love the good value beach restaurant which is part of the complex.

Golden Bay has seen quite some visitor-friendly improvements this year, such as ample litter bins, a lifeguard, and a colour-coded flag system indicating for instance rough seas/dangerous swimming conditions, ‘pests’ (aka jellyfish), calm sea, currents and so on. Go early, and you’ll notice the beach is ploughed every morning to give fresh, smooth sand, and bins are emptied!

Pros: Facilities are at hand: you’ll find everything you need for a day’s stay, such as food kiosks, umbrella and deckchair rental and even a rather good restaurant close by. Public toilets in the car park. The bus stop is not too far off from the beach (a short downhill walk on your arrival – though in peak summer, perhaps a less pleasant 5 minute walk uphill at the end of a day at the beach). You can rent out jet skis and other water sports gear. It’s the only beach in Malta that has a lifeguard – overall, it’s one of the most kid-friendly beaches in Malta. And if you’re still hanging around by late evening, you’re likely to catch some very fine sunsets.

Cons: The five-star hotel dominates part of the sky-line and can be over-powering. It can also get very busy by late morning, as coachloads of young students are deposited on the beach. Fine if you’re one of them, but if not….it can get noisy – so it’s definitely not for those seeking a romantic day out away from the madding crowds. Sometimes, the beach hosts events like beach volleyball contests or chill out MTV gigs (both were held in early-mid July this year), which can take up quite some space and generate noisy music.

Verdict: Great amenities. Easy to get to if you have a car; kid-friendly; and always busy with the exception of the odd weekday – though the depth of the sandy beach means that you generally find space.

How to get there:
From Valletta: Buses 47 or 52 – every 30 mins from 6.00am till 7.30pm.
From Bugibba: Buses 70 or 652 – every 20 mins from 8.00am till 9.00pm (Winter till 7.10pm).
From Sliema: Bus 652 – every 30 mins from 8.45am till 6.15pm.

Parking: small carpark right next to beach which is already full peak summer by 08.30. Pay the resident parking guy a euro or two when you leave. Other on road parking but with a longer walk to the beach.

View Malta Sandy Beach Guide in a larger map

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