If there’s one thing we know, it’s that Malta comes alive during the summer.
These photographs provide a fascinating glimpse at life in the Maltese Islands during the hot weather.
From children learning how to swim at San Gorg Lido to families splashing in the sea at Mellieha Bay, people in Malta and Gozo have long enjoyed getting outdoors and making the most of the glorious sunshine.
These Bay Retro photographs feature all manner of brilliant ways of cooling down in the heat over various summers from 1917 to 1971.
So if you’re already dreaming of summer 2019 in Malta, check out our gallery and see how people enjoyed the sunshine in the past.
Grand Harbour
Pupils from Verdala and Tal-Handaq Royal Naval Schools take part in a swimming gala off Fort Ricasoli in the 1950s.
Birzebbuga
A crowd gathers to see a swimming gala at Pretty Bay in Birzebbuga in 1936.
Ghajnsielem
Bathers enjoy a dip in the sea at Xatt l-Ahmar near Ghajnsielem in Gozo in the 1930s.
Mellieha Bay
Tents on the sand at Mellieha Bay in the 1950s when bathing was done in style.
Vittoriosa
Children cool off in the sea at Dockyard Creek in Vittoriosa in 1958
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is almost unrecognisable in this 1930s view, with the Ghajn Tuffieha barracks sitting above the beach
Marsalforn Bay
The tiny beach at Marsalforn with the original Hotel Calypso in the background.
Pretty Bay
Pretty Bay in Birzebbuga, when it was really pretty.
Xemxija Bay
A day out at the seaside at Daħlet Il-Fekruna near Xemxija in 1961.
Xlendi Bay
The picturesque Gozo seaside village of Xlendi in 1960 when it still had a sandy beach.
Gnejna Bay
A mother and her two daughters in amazing swimming costumes enjoy a sunny day at the beach at Gnejna Bay in 1926.
St Julian’s
Holidaymakers enjoy a dip in a hotel swimming pool next to the Dragonara Palace Casino in the 1960s.
Golden Bay
We love those square tents! Families enjoy a glorious day at Golden Bay beach in the 1960s.
Tigne Lido
Bathers soak up the Maltese sunshine at the Union Club’s private Tigne Lido in Sliema in the 1960s.
Sliema
A view of the ‘Sliema Ladies Bathing Club’ at Qui-Si-Sana in Sliema in the 1930s.
Mellieha Bay
The beach at Mellieha Bay was as popular in the 1950s as it is today
San Gorg Lido
British forces’ families enjoy the sun at the Officers’ Mess Lido at St George’s Barracks in 1967.
