Salina Holidays
Salina Holidays - An attractive resort on Malta’s north coast
Salina Bay takes its name from the ancient salt pans that lie at the head of this rocky inlet from the Mediterranean. In summer locals and visitors sunbathe on the flatter rocks and swim in the bay. A seafront promenade runs all the way from Salina to St Paul’s Bay taking in Malta’s main package holiday areas of Qawra and Bugibba.
Salina adjoins Qawra, popular with British holidaymakers on a budget, giving easy access to all its facilities: pubs, clubs, restaurants, even a classic car collection. And of course, the long rocky coast for summer swimming, and all sorts of water sports including scuba diving.
Salina is in the north of the island so it is also not far from Malta’s best sandy beaches and the Gozo ferry that takes just 25 minutes to get to Malta’s delightful little sister island. There are day trips too to Malta’s smallest inhabited island, Comino.
When to go
Summer is Salina’s liveliest time with the neighbouring resorts of Qawra and Bugibba in full swing and the weather ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Malta is a year-round destination, however, with some 300 days of sunshine a year. Sights and restaurants are open in all seasons so if you are not necessarily looking for a scorcher, the quieter off-peak months are a good bet for a bargain Salina holiday.
The weather in Salina
Summers are hot and dry with calm seas. Temperatures regularly peak above 30ºC in July and August and there is usually no rain. In June and September daytime highs reach the high twenties and sea stays warm enough for swimming throughout October (although you should avoid swimming off the rocks if it is windy). Even in January there is an average of five hours sunshine a day with temperatures regularly hitting the mid-teens.
Getting the best deal
The time for a bargain Salina holiday is outside the summer peak. In winter prices are a fraction of their summer highs (except over Christmas and New Year) and even spring and autumn can be dramatically cheaper. There may be good deals to be had on Salina package deals at any time of year however so check out our best deals below or take a look at our late specials here.
Airport and transport need to know
For a Salina holiday you fly into Malta International Airport, just three hours flying time from the UK. There are departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds-Bradford, Edinburgh and East Midlands Airport.
Malta’s airport is modern with few queues and readily available taxis, buses and hire cars. Taxi fares from the airport are regulated and the price to Salina should be about €25 (around £20). Confirm this with your driver before getting in. Other journeys are not regulated and should be negotiated before travelling.
Malta has a good bus system with a two-hour ticket costing just €2.20 (under £2). There is an express bus from the airport to Qawra (adjoining Salina) taking under three quarters of an hour.
Cars can be hired at the airport or through your hotel. Malta drives on the left like the UK but driving can be erratic.
The best beaches in Salina
Malta is in the middle of the Mediterranean so all three islands are surrounded by clear blue waters – perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The main island has a handful of good sandy beaches, mostly in the north of the island not far from Salina. And there are numerous small coves and miles of rocky coast where locals and visitors alike gather to sunbathe and swim throughout the summer.
Salina closest ‘beach’ is the long rocky waterfront that runs from here to St Paul’s Bay – very popular in summer. Sunbathers frequent the flat rocks and there is regular access to deep clear blue waters. The seafront is backed by a promenade and copious bars and eateries and even dodgems.
If you prefer a sandy beach with plenty of beach life, head one bay north to Mellieha Bay. This golden sandy beach, recently awarded blue flag status, is Malta’s longest at about 800m. The beach slopes gently into the water making this a good family beach and suitable for swimming early and late in the year too (when wind may make swimming from rocks dangerous). There are plenty of water sports facilities here, from sailing to water skiing and banana boating.
To get away from the crowds, take a trip across the narrow neck of the island to the opposite coast. Here, not far from the popular Golden Sands beach, you will find the more secluded Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. This attractive red sandy bay, a recent recipient of a blue flag, is kept relatively quiet by the long flight of stone steps down to the beach (and perhaps the proximity to a small – illegal – nudist beach). There is a little snack bar and a single outlet for water sports equipment and sun beds.
