Summer in Malta can get hot… melt-your-ice-cream-in-seconds hot. The locals are pretty used to the strain of the heat on our lives, but when visiting from countries with colder climates, breaks from the sun are definitely recommended! Here’s what we do when we’re out of the house and the heat gets too much.
Catch an afternoon movie
Going to the cinema is always fun - you get to watch a new release on a big screen while sat in a comfy chair devouring popcorn and slurping on a jumbo cola. And the best thing is… nobody can see you stuffing your face. Apart from the #slobgoals attached to this afternoon delight, a trip to the cinema also ensures a cool indoor area where you can cool down and rid yourself of the sun cream for at least a couple of hours.
Get some shopping done
There’s nothing like some good old-fashioned retail therapy when the rest of the world is baking outside. Head to your favourite shopping complex on the islands and make the most of the shelter while you’re there. Do a spot of shopping, grab a coffee or even sit and read on one of the snazzy massage chairs they’ve got propped up in every mall now.
Why not visit a museum or two?
Malta is blessed with so much culture - there’s not a village on our islands that doesn't feature a stunning chapel, quaint niche or majestic cathedral in or near the village square, all of which feature artworks by some interesting local artists and some who’d have settled here in their artistic lives. Meanwhile, heading to Valletta opens the floodgates to a world of art and culture. With our capital acting as the European Capital of Culture for 2018, local museums and galleries are open and ready to show off what they’ve got.
Have a light lunch in a cool place
The key word here is light. Eating a massive plate of food during the summer months in Malta is never a good idea, it does happen occasionally but there’s always a slight tinge of regret in your stomach when it does. Save your energy by eating light, head to a cool spot where you can unwind and fuel up for the afternoon. Take your time, there’s no rush; grab a juice while you’re waiting for the sun to take it easy.
Go deeper
Pretty obvious that the sun can’t get to you while you’re tucked under the sea’s surface, isn’t it? Well, booking a dive for the afternoon gets your adrenaline pumping and keeps your skin safe from the lobster-red look. Why not give this a shot during the sun’s peak hours? That way you’re filling your day with as much adventure as possible.
Avoiding the sun between noon and 4pm is always a good idea, but if you have to (or want to) explore during these hours, keep hydrated, wear a hat and keep your SPF topped up!