Take a dip on the cool side.
The Palace, Sliema / Facebook
A glorious infinity pool if ever there was one, the rooftop terrace at The Palace hotel in Sliema may not be very large, but it is nonetheless stunning. The crystal clear blue waters are the perfect place to contemplate the view of Valletta’s skyline, and its shallow depth means you never need to overexert yourself, if you don’t want to. A much-needed lazy day is guaranteed!
Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's / Facebook
This is a larger option should you want to swim some lengths, and its location by the sea means that the smell of open water is never far away. Situated on the grounds of the five-star hotel, the Westin Dragonara Resort, this lido is as glamourous as they get, which gives you the perfect excuse to don a slinky number, large sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat.
Surfside, Sliema / Facebook
The two jacuzzi size and style pools at Surfside, Sliema, are well-sought after, but it could also be their location which makes them so attractive. The sea is a stone’s throw away, so you can take a dip in salty water should the lido itself get a bit too crowded. And, with this lido attracting the young and trendy, it’s also the perfect place to do a little bit of people watching!
Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa, Attard / Facebook
If bucolic and calm is more your thing, the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa fits the bill. The area’s large footprint is split into several pools, each set beside the other, with a children’s pool close by, making this one of the best places for a family day out in summer. The lido’s restaurant, the Summer Kitchen, is known for its authentic food, prepared imaginatively, making lunch quite an event!
Cafe del Mar, Bugibba / Facebook
Café del Mar is squarely aimed at the footloose and fancy-free, with everything set up to maximise an (almost) adults only experience. Music, luxurious sunbeds (which are, literally, beds in some cases) and, of course, a cocktail or two make this a hedonistic experience – one you should try at least once (or twice) this summer!
Pearl Beach Club by Charles Grech
Touted as the new kid on the luxury-sitting-by-the-pool block, Pearl Beach Club on the Qui-si-sana beachfront in Sliema offers daily memberships of 20 euros a piece, or a seasonal option for 450 euros. A party-atmosphere reigns in the club on Saturdays (and no children are allowed), though Sundays offers a bit more of a chilled environment, appropriate for families or single gals and guys.
MedAsia Playa / Facebook
From the owners of MedAsia, the fusion restaurant on The Strand in Sliema, this beach lido integrates elements from Eastern cultures into a fundamentally Western experience. Two swimming pools, VIP areas and easy access to as much sushi as you can eat make this a favourite with the trendy crowd.
The Intercontinental Malta / Facebook
On the pricier end of the spectrum, the Sky Beach, part of The Intercontinental hotel in St Julian’s, offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, far from the noise and hectic tone of the streets below. The pool area is open from 9am – 7pm, which allows plenty of time to relax, unwind and grab another cocktail!