The coolers come out as early as 9am.
On weekends, many Maltese families flock to the beach bright and early to secure their front row spot close enough to the water’s edge to make sure no one obstructs their view. But, getting such an early start means packing a full day’s worth of food that is usually enough to help you survive a weekend. This is what a typical menu looks like.
8am – Bicca hobz
Getting there so early – possibly after a 40-minute drive to Mellieha Bay – means you've probably had a light breakfast, if at all. And after carrying chairs, coolers, beach bags, floaties and toys for the kids, you must be famished already. Time to bring out the hobz biz-zejt – half a ftira will do at this point.
10am – A light snack
After a refreshing swim and an hour or so lounging on a sun bed, what else to do? Bring out a snack, of course. Too early for timpana, but just the right time for something light. Rice salad, anyone?
Noon – Time for the big boy
You’ve been up since an ungodly hour, it’s noon, and you’re as relaxed as it gets by the sea. NOW is the right time to bring out the timpana. And anyway, what better place to carb load than at the beach? Pass the grated cheese, please.
1pm – Refreshments
After a morning of savoury food, a refreshing palate-cleanser is in order, and the best thing for that is summer fruit. This generally includes an assortment of melon, watermelon, peaches, nectarines, grapes and any other sweet and ripe goodness the fruit van had to offer that morning.
3pm – Tea time
Tea or coffee time comes early when you’ve up since 6am. Not that the heat has subsided or anything, but who can say no to a hot cup of coffee or tea straight from a thermos that’s been brewing for over 8 hours? And don’t forget the biscuits!
5pm – Ice-cream!
If ice-cream doesn’t feature somewhere in your day at the beach, then, what the hell? That creamy chocolate-and-vanilla mix tal-magna is the best thing ever after a day in the sun, but really, any ice-cream will do, as long as there’s a flake to top it all off.
7pm – the family BBQ
This is usually the time when those family members who hate the sun join you at the beach for the rest of the evening. Hungry or not, the idea of a beach BBQ will work up your appetite eventually. You've probably already had all the sauces lined up in your cooler JUST in case.