Sliema

The long paved promenade running the whole coast from Tigné to St Julian's, flat and unbroken for several kilometres, with terrace cafes and a constant view of Valletta. It is one of Malta's best dog walks; leashed dogs are welcome throughout, best done early or in the evening in summer.

The flat rock shelf of Fond Għadir, where old rock-cut pools known as the Roman Baths are filled by the tide and the swell. With no sand, this is where dogs are tolerated on the flat rocks off-season; mind the slippery rock and the waves, and avoid the scorching stone on summer afternoons.

The redeveloped headland at the mouth of Marsamxett Harbour, with open squares, a waterfront and one of the finest head-on views of Valletta's fortifications. The outdoor plazas and promenade are freely walkable with a leashed dog, superb at sunset.

A small fort of the Order of Malta completed in 1795, one of the oldest polygonal forts in the world, guarding the harbour mouth at Tigné Point. Its outer surroundings can be visited with a leashed dog and round off an easy loop from the promenade.

A small seafront public garden (Ġnien l-Indipendenza), with palms, shaded benches and lawns, one of the few green spaces in this very built-up town. Leashed dogs are welcome, a valuable shaded break between stretches of the promenade.

The landing at the head of Marsamxett Harbour where the small passenger ferry crosses to Valletta, a scenic few-minute hop. Leashed dogs are allowed aboard, letting you reach the capital and its bastions without car or bus.