A cruise around the Maltese archipelago combines the grandeur of Valletta’s fortress walls with the crystal-clear lagoons of Comino. Popular yacht destinations in Malta include a week-long exploration of Gozo’s rocky grottoes and the secluded coves of the southern coast. The short crossings between the islands make this destination ideal for a relaxing family vacation surrounded by architectural landmarks.
Malta offers a unique sailing experience surrounded by knightly bastions and sheer cliffs. When choosing the best yacht charter destinations in Malta, skippers tend to opt for the deep-water Grand Harbour or Mellieha Bay, where the absence of tides makes it easier to calculate anchor chain length. The sailing season here runs from April to November, when water temperatures remain above 20°C, and the northwest wind provides a smooth passage between the islands without heavy swells.
Sailors appreciate the archipelago for the opportunity to call at the Mqarr marina on the island of Gozo or the modern port of Msida, located just a stone’s throw from the historic districts. Short crossings of 10-15 miles make the sailing season comfortable for families wishing to combine a vacation in the lagoons with a cultural itinerary. Available charter boats range from keelboats to catamarans, whose shallow draft enables access to the low anchorages near Comino Island.
Travel season
Summer
Sailing season
Summer
Available Marinas
10
Charter Boats
29
Worth knowing
Capital:
Valletta
Telephone code:
+356
Language:
Maltese, English
Timezone:
UTC+1
Currency:
EUR
Why Choose Malta for Your Next Yacht Charter
Malta stands out among Mediterranean regions for its compact size: travel between key locations takes no more than 2 hours. This sailing destination in Malta allows skippers to move from mooring near the walls of Valletta to swimming in wild lagoons in a single day. Deep natural harbors provide safe mooring even during strong Grigori winds.
The island of Comino is considered one of the best places to sail in Malta, thanks to the crystal-clear water and sandy bottom in the area of Santa Maria Bay. Skippers choose these anchorages for overnight stays at anchor away from coastal infrastructure, where the absence of tides provides the vessel’s stability. The view of the limestone cliffs from the water in the glow of sunset creates a sense of complete seclusion.
Using Boatscribe simplifies the yacht search process by enabling you to compare specific features and prices without visiting dozens of websites. Users enter the number of guests and their desired budget to receive a list of yachts available in Malta, complete with real photos and technical descriptions.
The archipelago’s geographical location offers the opportunity for a quick trip to Sicily, which is just 60 miles away across the open sea. Sailing around Malta is appealing due to the absence of complex currents and dangerous shoals on the main tourist routes. The illuminated knightly bastions look much more imposing from the deck, revealing the true power of the fortifications of old Europe.
Yachts for Rent to Visit Top Destinations in Malta
When planning a trip around the archipelago, it’s best to choose a boat type suited to specific yacht charter routes in Malta. For anchoring in the shallow bays of Comino Island, it’s advisable to book catamarans, which can get close to the shore due to their low draft. Sailing monohulls are in demand for trips to Gozo, where a steady northwest wind helps maintain a consistent speed. If the goal is to visit the historic marinas of Valletta, this is the best place to bareboat charter in Malta for motor yachts, which can quickly move between points of interest.
The archipelago offers a fleet for every purpose: from recreational cruises to ceremonial outings in the waters of Bolshaya Gavan. Local charter services let you pick a vessel that meets your specific requirements for range and service.
The nature of the trip determines the crew composition. Self-navigation is ideal for practicing sailing skills in narrow straits, whereas hiring a professional crew provides maximum comfort during the voyage.
Sailing yachts. Handling the rigging on a sailing yacht requires active participation, turning a short trip to the island of Gozo into a full-fledged sailing experience.
Catamarans. A wide deck and two hulls make catamarans popular for family cruises, ensuring stability when moored in open lagoons.
Motor yachts. A powerful motor yacht enables you to quickly change scenery, visiting several remote coves in a single day without worrying about wind direction.
Gulets. The size of a wooden gulet enables a wedding yacht rental in Malta with a full-scale banquet on deck against the backdrop of medieval forts.
Houseboats. Choosing a houseboat is ideal in wave-protected harbors, where the priority is maximum cabin space and comfort comparable to a shore-based hotel.
For couples planning a honeymoon yacht charter in Malta, renting a boat opens up access to the rugged cliffs of the southern coast. A secluded dinner on deck under the starry sky creates an atmosphere that cannot be found in city restaurants.
Extended sailing trips reveal the archipelago’s full potential, while hourly boat rentals are ideal for a quick swim in the Blue Lagoon.
Popular Docks and Anchorages in Malta
The Maltese archipelago offers a choice between monumental harbors within the old town and secluded rocky coves. Grand Harbour Marina is a core charter boat destination in Malta, featuring deep berths within the bastions. The forts of St. Angelo and Ricasoli at the harbor entrance serve as landmarks.
Msida Marina is popular for its protection from the Grigori storm winds. For many captains, a yacht rental in Malta begins at these pontoons deep within the bay. Entering the bay requires attention to traffic, and the lighthouses on the breakwaters help precisely determine the boundaries of the fairway when returning from Gozo.
The anchorage in the Blue Lagoon attracts skippers with its sandy bottom and crystal-clear water. During the season, boats arrive here at dawn, using the Tower of St. Mary as a landmark. It is required to avoid the shallow waters between Comino and Cominotto, where heavy boat traffic hinders safe maneuvering and relaxation at anchor.
Mjarri-ish-Shini Bay on Gozo offers shelter within a narrow gorge, sheltered from northern gusts. This anchorage is suitable for overnight stays near the high cliffs, where a watchtower serves as a landmark. Skippers proceed into the bay at slow speed until the depth sounder indicates a safe depth of seven meters.
Charter Boat Routes & Itineraries in Malta
A route starting from the Kalkara Marina enables visiting Malta’s top sailing destinations in a week, beginning at the bastions of Valletta. The route heads north to the island of Comino, where anchoring in the Crystal Lagoon provides access to hidden caves. Next, head to M'garr on Gozo, one of Malta’s top sailing destinations, thanks to the calm waters of Ramla Bay. A convenient way to end the voyage is in the south of the archipelago, anchoring off the rocky cliffs of Marsaxlokk.
Best Bareboat Destinations in Malta
The Maltese archipelago attracts skippers with its lack of tides and the ease of visual navigation. When choosing the best bareboat destinations in Malta, captains benefit from short crossings and the ability to take shelter in deep harbors should the wind shift. Clearly marked fairways make it easy to navigate the sea with confidence, even without a hired crew.
The east coast, with the bays of St. Julian’s and Marsascala, is ideal for those just starting in yachting. This is one of the best bareboat charter destinations in Malta, as the absence of currents makes for a forgiving environment. The calm waters give beginners the chance to comfortably practice anchoring in sheltered and picturesque coves.
Skippers with solid experience navigating local winds choose to cross to the island of Gozo via the Comino Channel. Independent navigation here is rewarded with access to wild lagoons closed to mass tourism. You just need to time your entry into the narrow coves carefully when the wind picks up to enjoy the seclusion among the cliffs.
A full circumnavigation of the archipelago, ending at the southern Dingli Cliffs, is suitable for pros prepared for the lack of shelter along the way. Sailing in this area requires maneuvering skills in rough seas near high cliffs, but offers unique views of monumental forts. This is a challenge for those who can accurately predict weather windows far from ports.
Best Places to Go Sailing in Malta
The Maltese archipelago offers a unique sailing experience surrounded by knightly bastions and crystal-clear lagoons, where historical landmarks stand side by side with untamed nature. Valletta’s architecture is best appreciated from the sea, against which its bastions were originally built for protection. Grand Harbour is considered the best place to go sailing in Malta, as the grandeur of the 16th-century forts can only be fully appreciated from the water.
The island of Comino is often called the best sailing destination in Malta thanks to the Blue Lagoon, where the water resembles a crystal-clear tropical pool. Tourists choose this spot for the chance to anchor above the white sand for snorkeling. Due to the high concentration of minerals, the sea here appears denser and more vibrant, creating a unique visual effect at depth.
Gozo’s coastline impresses with its sheer cliffs and Dweira Bay, which hides an inland lake within a ring of cliffs. A sailing trip to these shores lets you explore deep grottoes that served as a refuge for fishermen during storms. This is the perfect location for those seeking solitude and wishing to admire the whimsical stone arches sculpted by the sea over centuries.
The southern part of the archipelago is famous for the Blue Grotto and Marsashlok Harbor, where traditional boats with eyes on their sides still moor. A yacht trip offers the chance to discover hidden coves among the Hagar Qim rocks, completely inaccessible on foot. The tranquility of these coves enables you to soak in the authentic Maltese atmosphere and enjoy a meal of fresh catch right on the ship’s deck.
Tips for First-Time Sailors in Malta
When planning your first cruise in Maltese waters, keep in mind the compact size of the archipelago and choose a catamaran for its stability and spacious cabins. The ideal starting point for a yachting trip in Malta is the northern waters, where the crossings between Gozo and Comino take very little time. When taking over the boat, it is required to thoroughly check the condition of the anchor chain, as a secure hold on the local rocky terrain provides safety while spending the night in open bays.
Your gear should include closed-toe shoes with light-colored soles and spare gloves for handling lines, which wear out quickly in salt water. The white coastal cliffs strongly reflect the sun’s rays, so SPF protection is required even in a cool breeze to prevent sunburn. The boat’s autonomy is maintained by regularly refilling the water tanks at the Mjar marina, and having polarized sunglasses will help the skipper clearly distinguish the edges of underwater reefs.
Skipper Requirements for Yacht Charters in Malta
To operate a yacht in Maltese waters, the skipper must hold an ICC certificate or an equivalent international certification confirming the right to navigate in the Mediterranean Sea. To legally explore the best bareboat sailing destinations in Malta, the skipper must be at least 18 years old, and a VHF license is required to operate the onboard radio. Charter agencies carefully review the logbook, verifying experience with mooring in crowded marinas and navigating the vessel in winds exceeding force 4.
The country’s legislation requires the person in charge on board to comply with traffic separation rules in the Grand Harbour area, where traffic is coordinated by shore-based services. If you plan to charter a boat in Malta without hiring a professional, the skipper must carry the originals of all licenses and an insurance policy in case of a check by the maritime police. There are always doubts about qualifications: you can always hire a captain or an entire crew who will take responsibility for navigation.
The archipelago enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with dry summers and predictable wind patterns. The main yachting season in Malta runs from April through October, guaranteeing plenty of sunshine.
Sailing during these months relies on thermal breezes, which die down in the evening, providing a peaceful night’s sleep in the bays. When planning sailing yacht holidays in Malta, skippers appreciate the absence of tides.
Kalkara. A deep harbor in a historic bay, sheltered from the swell of the open sea by powerful breakwaters and high banks. Its location within the estuary provides conditions for safe mooring during sudden changes in pressure.
Ta’ Xbiex. The most sheltered section of Marsamxett Bay, where pontoons are situated in natural shelter from the Grigori wind. The deep-water area allows large sailing yachts to maneuver without the risk of running aground near the city limits.
Valletta. A premium mooring at the foot of the bastions, where the coastline’s configuration blocks the main swell from the northwest. Water depths at the piers are at their maximum here, making maneuvering easy for long-keeled vessels even in windy weather.
The winter months bring unstable weather fronts and a sudden increase in northeasterly winds, creating dangerous choppy conditions at the harbor entrance. During this time, navigation is limited to short trips into sheltered waters protected by the forts.
