The truth is that Malta is a holiday island. We have moved with the times and we have created beaches out of nothing, most notably in Bugibba, St George’s Bay and to a lesser extent Pretty Bay.

Mellieha Bay is a summer hive of activity for locals and tourists alike. Armier Bay has become a commercial beach resort and the rocky beaches are also serviced by numerous bars, kiosks and lidos. This is all well and good. We have, as we have said, moved with the times and made them into resorts that tourists and locals alike flock to in the summer months. In short, we have accepted that the coastline has been developed for our enjoyment.

But there are other places that should not be touched. Golden Bay has been restored to a more natural form and Ghajn Tuffieha has largely remained unspoilt over the years (aside from a collapsing hotel on the cliffside).

But there are other spots in Malta that should simply not be touched. A perfect example is Fomm ir-Rih, which lies in the limits of Mgarr. Fomm ir-Rih roughly translates to the mouth of the wind. It is exhilarating to go on an energetic walk in winter and to brave the gusts of winds that churn up the sea into a magnificent spectacle of nature. It takes a good hike to get there and the natural untouched beauty of it is indeed something to behold. Part of the magic of the spot is the fact that you actually have to work hard to get there. The stunning view once you are atop the cliff that overlooks the bay is the reward you get for your efforts. There should be no efforts to made to improve access to it. In doing so, the spot would be ruined forever. This is not the only spot which should remain untouched. Slugs Bay in Mellieha and Selmun Bay are two others. Their charm lies in the fact that they are, to an extent, hidden. Those who have the fortitude to embark on the trek to get there are rewarded by an afternoon in a quiet secluded spot where they can relax, away from the hubbub that you normally have to face when going to the beach for the day.

Malta is already struggling to balance development with conservation. Our countryside is eaten away bit by bit every year, slowly but surely. No one is against sustainable development. But it is becoming abundantly clear that people want pristine spots to remain as they are, untouched and unspoilt in their natural beauty.

In the case of Fomm ir-Rih, the Mgarr local council has already implored the government to leave things well alone. It is not as if that part of the island does not have beach spots. Gnejna is a stone’s throw away. Progress is progress, but we should leave untouched beauty spots well alone. They are to be enjoyed as they are. Improving access to them will only lead to their eventual commercialisation and ruin.