In every sense, Malta is unique. Its history, language, size, and geographical location ensure that you will have a sailing holiday like no other when choosing Malta as your sailboat charter destination. Whether you like the hustle and bustle of a city or bays with nothing but cliffs around you, haute cuisine or fresh seafood, archaeological gems or natural beauty, Malta has it all.
So, could this small island be the perfect sailing destination? Keep reading to learn more about:
- Reasons why Malta holidays are necessary for every traveller
- The Best Charter Options
Dufour 365 | Skiros
Bavaria Cruiser 36 | Kiwi
Beneteau Cyclades 43.4 | Moonspirit
Why You Should Go on Sailing Holidays in Malta?
Undeniably, Malta has a lot to offer any sailor who values adventure. Here are reasons why sailing in Malta is necessary:
1.) From Valletta to Valletta
The country is made up of the island of Malta and a few smaller islands, most notably Gozo and Comino. The island state’s capital, Valletta, will likely be your charter's starting and end point, as the only airport is there, and all but two of the country’s 13 marinas can be found around the city.
A stroll through Valletta reveals the country’s history. There are many traces of the 150-year-long British rule over the islands, such as left-hand traffic, red letter boxes on street corners and numerous quintessentially English buildings.
They are next to the much older sandstone buildings with more Mediterranean architecture. Large churches bear witness to a rich religious past, and immense fortresses reflect the battle against outside invaders that raged here over the centuries. The entire city feels like an open-air museum.
Until British times, the Crusaders of St. John ruled for more than two hundred years. They are responsible for the most imposing buildings in the city. On land received from Emperor Charlemagne, they built the St. John co-cathedral. It is unparalleled in splendour.
An archaeology buff’s highlight will be the excavations in the Tarxien district. The 5000-year-old temples are among the oldest stone buildings in the world and prove how vital the archipelago was in prehistoric times. It’s no wonder: the country is at the crossroads of the western and eastern Mediterranean, which explains its unique history and culture.
2.) Celebrations Galore
What feels like one large city is an aggregation of neighbourhoods, each with its name and identity. They come to life during celebrations in honour of the local patron saint. It means that almost every weekend, there is a neighbourhood party somewhere with a parade and fireworks. It gives you a chance to mingle with the locals and taste a piece of their culture before or after your charter.
In neighbouring Mdina, a short bus ride away, you’ll imagine yourself in the Middle Ages when you visit the perfectly preserved fortress. From the high walls, you can look over half the island. The small land size, the large number of houses and churches and the absence of trees are striking. You will now be well prepared to explore the country’s coastline no matter where you are from, whether you’ve travelled to Malta from the UK or whichever destination.
3.) Clockwise or Counter Clockwise?
A week’s charter should be enough to complete a circumnavigation of Malta, including visits to the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino.
Let the weather forecast decide whether you will complete the circuit clockwise or counterclockwise. While a full tour enables you to take in the complete versatility of the islands, it means you’ll probably move each day and won’t have much time to linger in your favourite spot for more than a day.
If you want more flexibility, you can limit your movements and spend more time in Gozo and Comino, for example. The advantage of this more relaxed plan is that you can stay put if the weather is unfavourable or quickly move to another anchorage that offers better shelter. The next anchorage is never far away. Also, Malta Yacht Charters are comfortable.
4.) Good Food, Stunning Nature, Secluded Anchorages
Moving clockwise from Valetta, you will want to make Marsaxlokk a stop. The fishing town boasts a fleet of colourful luzzu, the country’s traditional fishing boats. You can anchor in the sheltered bay and enjoy fresh seafood in one of the town’s many fish restaurants, like Tartarun. Next, make your way to Blue Grotto Bay. You are now away from civilisation, surrounded by stunning caves that beckon to be explored. The largest is 40m deep, and the water is crystal clear.
Sail north at your own pace and pick one of the bays that offer good protection on Malta's northwest coast. Look for marine wildlife to port and the towering Dingli cliffs to starboard.
From an anchorage in the north, you are in an ideal position to visit the small island of Comino and anchor in the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool with azure-blue water. If it’s too crowded, don’t worry. There are two more anchorages close by. The island itself will give you a sense of tranquillity. With not much more than shrubs and cactuses, you can simply unwind.
Furthermore, at the north is Gozo, where you can head to the marina in Mgarr to do land-based activities like touring the island or relaxing at one of the picture-perfect beaches. You may also sail straight to perhaps the most spectacular bay of all: Dwejra. Overhanging cliffs surround the oval basin and give it an almost out-of-this-world feel.
Complete your circumnavigation via more secluded anchorages on Gozo, or head back to Malta for something different: world-class partying in one of the many clubs. Café del Mar in Bugibba, for example, can easily be reached from the anchorage.
5.) Long Season
The sailing season is long, thanks to Malta’s position in the very south of Europe. You will likely have good sailing in Malta weather from April to November.
Chartering a boat in the shoulder season means fewer crowds, yet those coming to party may prefer the summer months.
As distances are small and there are many sheltered anchorages, the area is suitable for sailors of different levels. Bear in mind that the marinas are concentrated in one place, so confidence with anchoring is a must. With so much to offer in terms of culture, nature, and even partying, Malta offers something for all types of sailors. It may indeed be the perfect destination for your next charter!
The Best Charter Options to Pick From While Cruising Malta By Boat
At Boataround, we offer the best Malta sailing charter; here are a few options to pick from:
Dufour 365 | Skiros
Bavaria Cruiser 36 | Kiwi
Beneteau Cyclades 43.4 | Moonspirit
Catamaran
Immerse yourself in unmatched comfort with our top-tier catamarans, available from €926 per day. Renowned for their spacious interiors and stable navigation, our catamarans ensure a smooth and comfortable journey along Malta's scenic coastline. Perfect for families or groups desiring ample space and a serene sailing experience.
While this option is quite pricey, you’ll have generous living space, making it fit for families.
Sailing Yacht
For those in search of a more budget-friendly sailing adventure, our sailing yachts are the perfect choice, with rates beginning at €247 per day. These yachts provide an authentic sailing experience, allowing you to explore the beauty of Malta and its capital, Valletta, from the unique vantage point of the sea.
Contact us today for the best services!
