Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/556862
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST 2015 News 17 Time for summer paws Dog-friendly beaches No BBQs allowed MIRIAM DALLI NOTHING beats the summer in Malta, because even when those freak storms come and go, it's back on the sand and under the hot sun. But who better than us, loves the cool sea, the long runs on sandy beaches and a tail splish- splashing in the water? While not everyone must en- joy having dogs racing around a beach chasing balls or jump- ing up and down, fur all tangled up with sand, the dog-friendly beaches in Malta increased, al- lowing our four-legged buddies to pant happily away while they chase small waves. The official bathing zones for dogs can be found in Marsax- lokk, near the Hunters Tower, Marsascala bay, Zonqor Point, Rinella, Sliema – near Fortina Hotel – Bahar ic-Caghaq behind Splash and Fun, Imgiebah bay in Selmun, Torri l-Abjad and l-Ah- rax in Mellieha, Marsalforn near Xwejni Bay and Trejqet Mgarr ix-Xini. Let's get BBQin' You may hate the sand sticking everywhere but you can't deny the irresistible urge to enjoy – at least once – a breezy summery evening with family, friends or colleagues munching on grilled burgers and sausages. paws Dog-friendly beaches No BBQs allowed MIRIAM DALLI NOTHING beats the summer in Malta, because even when those freak storms come and go, it's back on the sand and under the hot sun. But who better than us, loves the cool sea, the long runs on sandy beaches and a tail splish- splashing in the water? While not everyone must en- joy having dogs racing around a beach chasing balls or jump- ing up and down, fur all tangled up with sand, the dog-friendly beaches in Malta increased, al- lowing our four-legged buddies to pant happily away while they chase small waves. The official bathing zones for dogs can be found in Marsax- lokk, near the Hunters Tower, Marsascala bay, Zonqor Point, Rinella, Sliema – near Fortina Hotel – Bahar ic-Caghaq behind Gnejna Bay St George's Bay Sliema, Fortina Torri l-Abjad l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha Mellieha Bay Selmun, l-Imgiebah Bugibba perched beach Bahar ic-Caghaq Pembroke St Julian's Bay Kalkara, Rinella Senglea Zonqor Point Marsaskala (Ta' Fajtata) Marsaxlokk Pretty Bay, Birzebbugia Trejqet Mgarr ix-Xini Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera) Xwejni Bay, Marsalforn Ramla l-Hamra Where to take your dog for a swim? And where are BBQs on beaches banned? Use our map to guide you INFOGRAPHIC BY MIRIAM DALLI People sometimes get confused on which beaches barbecues are actually allowed since regula- tions were amended over the past years. According to the Malta Tour- ism Authority, barbecues can be organised on all beaches around Malta and Gozo – with some exceptions including St George's Bay in St Julians and the Bugibba perched beaches where a beaches' code of conduct by the Malta Tourism Authority is applicable. Barbecues are out of the ques- tion in five other beaches managed by the Malta Tourism Authority: Mellieha Bay (on the sandy part), Ta' Fajtata in Marsascala, Pretty Bay in Birzebbuga, Riviera and Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo. Look out for by-laws enacted by local councils in Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga, Pembroke, Mel- lieha, Senglea, Xatt is-Sajjieda in St Julian's and Gnejna Bay. The by-laws vary according to locality but, generally speaking, they call for permits by the local council at a starting fee of €3 which can go up to €20, depending on the number of people attending. What should MaltaToday write about? Give us your ideas and photos by email to mdalli@mediatoday.com.mt SUMMER ON THE ROCK