When it’s that time of year again for the annual lads’ holiday, no doubt you will be imagining escaping the ever-increasing reminder that winter is around the corner. Instead you will be thinking about enjoying a week in the sunshine with your mates, a few drinks and no responsibilities.
If relaxing and getting stuck into some serious sunbathing, a little water sport activity and perhaps a sampling of the local beverages is on your agenda, then the Maltese resort of Bugibba is high on my list of places to recommend.
Interesting Read: Malta: Country Profile
There is so much to do here and lots to keep everyone happy, but if you and the lads want an idea of how to spend a close to perfect day in the resort, look no further.
A Top Class Day for The Boys in Bugibba
A Morning Kayak
What better way to start the day than out in the sea? A quick 20-minute kayak across the bay and you are in a stunning spot a million miles from anywhere. From here you can moor up and swim, snorkel or just kick back and relax. Run by a friendly local, Bugibba Kayak Hire is a professional company that provides all the equipment and briefing information you need to enjoy your trip. You can spend as long as you like on the kayak, as you are free to do your own thing.
Kayaks cost €10.50 an hour for a double kayak if you fancy sharing with a mate, and €7.50 an hour for a single one.
To plan your kayak trip, take a look at these potential options.
EcoBikes
A great way to see the island, as well as being a great laugh, is to hire bikes. EcoBikes have a range of bikes on offer that can be rented for as little as €15 a day. The company also provides info on self-guided tours so you can plan your adventure in advance. If you don’t feel like planning it yourselves, then take a guided tour, which can be tailor made to suit your group.
Contact the company for more information.
Enjoy a Late Lunch
Head to the Whyte Bar for lunch, where you will be welcomed with open arms. Prices are cheap, staff are friendly, and there is always a lively buzz of activity here. This is a place you could easily spend the whole afternoon as there is usually something going on in terms of entertainment. Snack food and larger dishes are served, and the selection of drinks and cocktails is impressive.
Bugibba Perched Beach
For some serious relaxation in the afternoon and a great way to sleep off the lunchtime drinks, head to Bugibba Perched Beach. There are few sandy beaches in Malta and, despite being manmade, this is one of the best. It offers a great alternative to the hotel pool and there is a nice little snack and refreshment bar here too. For anyone with energy still to burn there are options for water sports. Hire masks and snorkels, or why not try your hand at paddleboarding or windsurfing?
Recommended read: An Intro to Paddle Boarding
Dragon’s Den
No lads’ holiday would be complete without a curry night, and this friendly pub does an exceptionally good one. Staff are really friendly, drinks are cheap and it is open until 1am. Karaoke starts at 8pm on a Tuesday night and there are regular quiz nights too, if you fancy joining in.
Located on Triq Il Pagell, just off the seafront, Dragon’s Den is right in the heart of Bugibba.
How To Get To Bugibba:
Malta Airport is the obvious arrival point for visitors to Bugibba and, with several budget airlines offering great value services, you have lots of choice. Thomas Cook and easyJet connect London Gatwick with Malta and Ryanair is the main budget carrier from Stansted. Flights can be picked up for £100 one way, particularly if you are looking to fly out of season, once the kids are back at school. The flight is a manageable 3 hours and gives plenty of time to enjoy a drink or two on the way!
On arrival, the best way to get to Bugibba, especially if there is a group of you, is with Shuttle Direct, the reliable and no fuss transfer company. For as little as £3 per person, based on a group of 5 people, you can enjoy the 30-minute transfer form the airport in comfort. Book in advance and you pay a fixed price and can expect to be met in the arrivals hall by your driver. You don’t have to think or worry about anything, except getting your holiday off to a great start of course!
Where to Stay:
Blue Sea Bugibba Hotel and Apartments – For any lads’ winter sun holiday, being close to the beach is a must and this complex is just that. The laidback atmosphere at the Blue Sea complements the simple rooms and apartments and resonates throughout. Jack’s Bar will serve you drinks and snacks while you chill out by the pool and, if you fancy dining in one night before hitting the pubs, the restaurant here serves up a daily feast in buffet style dishes.
There’s free Wi-Fi in the lobby, which is great news for lovers of posting selfies and updating their Facebook status.
White Dolphin Complex – Close to the beach and all the attractions in town, the White Dolphin Complex is a self-catering operation located only a 2-minute stroll from the famous sea fronts of Qawra and Bugibba. Self-catering is a great option if you are a group of lads wanting to maintain a little independence and need plenty of space to spread out. While there is entertainment on site, you are also very close to lots of local bars and a casino too.
Primera Hotel – A great choice for a boys’ getaway, Primera Hotel is only a short walk from the beach in Bugibba. With a rooftop pool onsite and a handy bar you don’t even have to leave the hotel to catch some rays and enjoy an afternoon beer or two. Apart from the bar outside, there is another inside the hotel, and every room has a minibar, so you are never far from refreshment! The Satellite TV is another bonus, especially if you need to catch up on the recent footie match.
About Shuttle Direct:
For seamless, efficient and reliable transfers between airports, ports, railway stations and hotels in Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct are the leading ‘go-to’ company. With the option to book in advance, organise a private or shared transfer, and pay a fixed price, we want to help get your holiday off to a great start.
