Summer is officially in full swing - the sun is shining, a daily dip in the sea is standard, and that unique BBQ smell is in the air!
Barbecues are one of those things no true Maltese person can live without - think pink sausages, smoky ribs, and juicy burgers. Whatever the meat, you’ve probably grilled it.
We BBQ in our gardens, on our roofs, and on boats, but nothing beats a beachside BBQ as the sun goes down.
Having said that, in a bid to protect Malta’s beaches, certain laws and regulations have been put in place that make barbecuing on a good number of local bays illegal.
Moreover, those bays that do allow BBQs may sometimes require BBQers to apply for a permit before hosting their outdoor cooking session. Local councils have made this process pretty straightforward as a permit application can be submitted online.
That being said, here are all the beaches around Malta and Gozo where you can BBQ:
1. Ghadira Bay
Gas BBQs are allowed on the rocky area between the two bays at this spot, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
2. Armier Bay
Both charcoal and gas BBQs are permitted at this Mellieha bay, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
3. Little Armier Bay
Just like its big brother, both gas and charcoal BBQs are permitted here, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
4. Mistra Bay
Both gas BBQs and charcoal BBQs are allowed at Mistra, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
5. Slugs Bay
Both gas BBQs and charcoal BBQs are allowed at this bay, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
6. Paradise Bay
Both gas BBQs and charcoal BBQs are allowed on the rocky areas of this bay, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
7. White Tower Bay
Both gas BBQs and charcoal BBQs are allowed at White Tower beach, although you will need to attain a permit from the local council beforehand.
8. Wied Il-Buni
Gas and charcoal BBQs are allowed at Wied Il-Buni from the nearby Bocci Club towards the Sailing Club and in Qajjenza from San Lucian Oil towards San Lucian Tower.
Only gas BBQs are allowed at Wied il-Buni from in front of the Public Convenience towards the Sailing Club and in Qajjenza from Ferretti Restaurant up to San Lucian Tower.
The permit will cost you €3 for a group of up to 20 people and €20 for a group of 21 people or more.
No BBQs are allowed on sandy beaches, so that rules out Pretty Bay, just in case you were wondering.
9. Anchor Bay
Both gas BBQs and charcoal BBQs are allowed at this beach.
10. Rinella Bay
The only bay in Kalkara that is BBQ Friendly is Rinella Bay. BBQs are only allowed on the bay’s cemented area, provided that you have a permit.
11. Bahar ic- Caghaq
BBQs are allowed at Bahar ic-Caghaq only after getting a permit. You can finish off your BBQ with a cheeky ice cream from Tony’s kiosk nearby.
12. Qui-Si-Sana
The bay just under the Qui-Si-Sana children's park is BBQ friendly.
13. St. Thomas Bay and Zonqor point
BBQs are allowed here provided that they aren’t too close to the nearby salt pans, are supported by a permit, and no waste is left behind.
14. Exiles
The rocky bay at Exiles is BBQ friendly.
15. Tigne Beach
Found just underneath The Point Shopping Mall, this rocky bay in Sliema is also BBQ friendly.
16. Fond Ghadir
Just between Surfside and Fortizza, this rocky beach is also BBQ friendly.
17. Ta Fra Ben
As long as you and your BBQ clan are 50 metres away from any restaurants, kiosks, or garages, no permits are needed to BBQ on the rocky bay of Qawra’s Ta’ Fra Ben.
18. Xghajra
The entirety of the bay is BBQ friendly, and no permit is needed!
19. Dahlet Qorrot
The small and secluded Dahlet Qorrot in Gozo offers the perfect BBQ-friendly cemented area.
20. Xatt l-Ahmar
Xatt l-Ahmar in Gozo is home to a number of tables and benches, making those BBQ sessions more convenient than ever. Just make sure to bin your charcoal once you’re done.
21. Hondoq ir-Rummien
BBQs are allowed on the rocky part of this charming Gozitan bay.
Which beach will you be hosting your next BBQ night at?
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