The weather is getting warmer and we can't wait to hit the beach! Malta's pretty bays look so beautiful at this time of year, still dressed in green with the sea a sparkling blue, fresh from the storms.

A post shared by Catalina C. (@catalina.cdn) on Apr 9, 2018 at 7:35am PDT

Hey there, beautiful!

Springtime at the beach in Malta can be lots of fun, as long as you don't let a handful of things put a damper on your sunshine soaking occasion. Before heading off to the bay, prepare yourself for these five likely situations, so you can smile your way to sandy heaven.

1. You are not alone

You may imagine pristine, desolate beaches in these early days of spring, and can’t wait to have the beach all to yourself. Actually, everyone else is thinking exactly the same thing. If when you get there on that gorgeous sunny weekend and the beach is anything but desolate, just smile your way through the volleyball players, the reggae picnic and the smooching couple in the far corner to your own sandy spot of paradise and enjoy.

2. Sunburn

The sun is deceivingly pleasant on the skin after a winter of cold and humidity, but beware! That tender white skin has not met a UV ray in months, and the experience of an onslaught will be an obvious shock. Do protect your skin with sunscreen, even on overcast days. If you don’t, you will almost certainly burn.

3. Seaweed

Sometimes, lots of it, and you'll find it caked on the beach where the waves have washed it up into soft little mounds. In the water, a swampy seaweed soup lies in wait, and if you’re squeamish, just avoid the trauma altogether. For the bolder, the swampy seaweed soup only lasts a few metres into the water, and then it is tickle-free! On the bright side, the experience of bouncy-walking on the soft dry seaweed mounds is quite unique.

4. Cold water

That’s it. You've made up your mind to have a swim, get to the edge and dip your toe in the enticing blue water. Big mistake! You’re almost certainly turning back. This is the time of year when sheer determination is required to approach cold water versus that cosy tingling warmth on your skin. The way to do it is to just jump in, or, if at the beach, run in like your life depended on it. Not an experience for the fainthearted, perhaps, but otherwise don’t worry: you’ll be glad you did it when the adrenaline kicks in.

5. Rain showers

It is spring, after all. Rain showers are characteristic of early spring, and if this happens while you’re at the beach, there's no need to pack up and leave. Have some plastic bags at the ready to protect your belongings from the waters of the heavens, and take to the ones on earth. Rain doesn’t bother you if you’re already immersed in the sea – make the most of the exciting experience of swimming in the rain!

Now you're prepared! Go forth and enjoy the pleasures of being on the beach on a Mediterranean island during spring - just make sure you have a good sense of humour!