The Mediterranean diet should consist of ample local fruit and vegetables - organic always being the preferred choice - small amounts of grain, very little meat and a whole lot of fish! The Med is blessed with an abundance of fish that ensure the ecosystem we all depend on functions properly.
Fishing in Malta has been around for ages, and for years was carried out in a highly sustainable manner. Nowadays, trawlers and fish farms add to the mismanagement of our oceans and Malta is no different. We sport these terrible ideologies but there is a way of going back to basics, hitting your roots and getting a few chill moments to relax while you’re at it. Maybe catch those fishies yourself? Here are a few spots to consider:
Sliema
If you live in the central area, Sliema is probably the best spot for you. Just off the pier next to Tigne Point, there always seems to be a bunch of fishermen who look like they know what they’re doing; they catch a few fish, sit back with a beer in their hands and look out at the Valletta skyline while dinner’s on its way.
Misra Battery
The Mista Battery Point is gorgeous - the widespread sea that sits before you reduces stress by the minute. You can seriously feel your muscles unclenching as you stare! Get yourself a comfortable chair, a cooler to store your haul and let the sea motion do its thing.
Marsaxlokk
Top location for anything fish related, Marsaxlokk is a beautiful spot to hit the fishing habits once more, and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere can keep you going for ages. It won’t quite matter if the fish take their time: the crowds are pleasant, the breeze just right and, if all else fails, book a table on the promenade and hope the fishermen were a little luckier.
Mgarr Harbour
Gozo bound? Mgarr Harbour it is! Watch the ferry go by, enjoy the fact that you’re not waiting in the dreadful queue and, of course, take some company with you. Your doggo will have a blast once that fish is caught - man’s best friend through and through!
Birzebbuga
Yet another fishing village that deserves a visit when the season hits. The vibe in Birzebbuga is pretty relaxed - you have the typical Maltesisms going on, where children ride down the promenade in their bicycles, older men and women chat and a spot of fishing is attempted to make the evening somewhat greater.
Offshore
If the fish ain’t biting by the shore, you have only one option…grab that fishing boat and head out to sea. An offshore fishing trip is fantastic! You’d best start your journey in the early hours of the morning to ensure you’re not out at sea during peak sun hours.
The sea is bountiful, full of life and mystery, but, unfortunately, also full of plastic and even worse, microplastic! If we want to live off the earth as we have done for centuries, our environmental footprint needs to disappear entirely, not only diminish - we’ve come to a point where the pieces of plastic in the ocean are outnumbering the fish. So unless you plan to fish for plastic bags on your next fishing adventure, make a difference today and say no to single use plastic!