How to Do a Beach Day in Malta (Without Getting Roasted)

The May weather in Malta is absolutely stunning, but if you aren’t careful, that Mediterranean sun will catch you completely off guard. We all love the idea of a classic beach day, but nobody wants to spend the rest of their holiday turning the color of a lobster and hiding under a towel. If you are the type of traveler who loves the coast but prefers to skip the intense midday glare, you don't have to miss out on the island's best waters. You just need to change your beach strategy to match the season.

Instead of heading to a wide-open, completely exposed sandy beach like Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay during the peak hours of noon, try planning a late afternoon trip instead. By 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, the massive crowds have started to thin out, the breeze kicks up, and the sun begins to back off. The sand stays beautifully warm from the daytime heat, but you can actually relax on the shoreline without feeling like you are baking in an oven. It is hands down the most peaceful time to go for a swim.

Another fantastic option for shade-seekers is to explore the rugged, rocky inlets around St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra early in the morning. Because of the way the limestone cliffs and coastal rocks curve around the coast, they naturally block the direct glare of the sun for the first few hours of the day. This gives you a perfect, naturally shaded window to slip into the crystal-clear water for a refreshing dip before the heat really sets in.

When the midday sun does reach its peak, that’s your cue to head back toward base. You can easily retreat to the hotel and grab a quiet spot under one of our wide poolside umbrellas here at Bella Vista with a chilled drink, or even head down to our indoor pool area for a peaceful, completely shaded afternoon swim. It’s all about pacing your day so you can enjoy the very best of Malta's coastline entirely on your own terms, staying cool and comfortable from morning till night.