Time for summer paws

Nothing beats the summer in Malta, because even when those freak storms come and go, it’s back on the sand and under the hot sun.

But who else also loves the cool sea, the long runs on sandy beaches and a tail splish-splashing in the water? 

While not everyone must enjoy having dogs racing around a beach chasing balls or jumping up and down, fur all tangled up with sand, the dog-friendly beaches in Malta increased, allowing our four-legged buddies to pant happily away while they chase small waves.

The official bathing zones for dogs can be found in Marsaxlokk, near the Hunters Tower, Marsascala bay, Zonqor Point, Rinella, Sliema – near Fortina Hotel – Bahar ic-Caghaq behind Splash and Fun, Imgiebah bay in Selmun, Torri l-Abjad and l-Ahrax in Mellieha, Marsalforn near Xwejni Bay and Trejqet Mgarr ix-Xini.

Let’s get BBQin’

You may hate the sand sticking everywhere but you can’t deny the irresistible urge to enjoy – at least once – a breezy summery evening with family, friends or colleagues munching on grilled burgers and sausages.

People sometimes get confused on which beaches barbecues are actually allowed since regulations were amended over the past years.

According to the Malta Tourism Authority, barbecues can be organised on all beaches around Malta and Gozo – with some exceptions including St George’s Bay in St Julians and the Bugibba perched beaches where a beaches’ code of conduct by the Malta Tourism Authority is applicable.

Barbecues are out of the question in five other beaches managed by the Malta Tourism Authority: Mellieha Bay (on the sandy part), Ta’ Fajtata in Marsascala, Pretty Bay in Birzebbuga, Riviera and Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo.

Look out for by-laws enacted by local councils in Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga, Pembroke, Mellieha, Senglea, Xatt is-Sajjieda in St Julian’s and Gnejna Bay. The by-laws vary according to locality but, generally speaking, they call for permits by the local council at a starting fee of €3 which can go up to €20, depending on the number of people attending.