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Sailing in Malta

Sail Malta

Maritime history at the crossroads of the Med

Malta sits at the heart of the Mediterranean — a compact archipelago of three islands with 7,000 years of maritime history. The Grand Harbour in Valletta is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Gozo is rural and unspoiled. Comino's Blue Lagoon has the clearest water you've ever seen. And Malta has more sunshine hours than anywhere else in Europe.

Season

April – November (peak: June–September)

Charter bases

Valletta (Grand Harbour Marina), Msida, Mġarr (Gozo)

Avg. wind

10–20 kn (NW Gregale and Majjistral)

Water temp

16–27°C

Fly into

Malta (MLA) — well connected to all of Europe

Why Sail Malta

  • One of the longest sailing seasons in the Med — April through November
  • The Blue Lagoon (Comino) — unreal turquoise water in a sheltered cove
  • Valletta's Grand Harbour — sailing into 500 years of history
  • Compact cruising — everything is close, ideal for shorter charters
  • English-speaking with excellent maritime infrastructure

Popular Routes

Malta → Comino → Gozo → South Coast Cliffs

3–5 days

The classic Maltese circuit. Sail from Valletta to Comino's Blue Lagoon (arrive early to beat the tour boats). Cross to Gozo for the night — Mġarr harbour is charming. Explore Gozo's dramatic west coast, then round Malta's south coast with its towering cliffs and sea caves.

Blue Lagoon, CominoMġarr harbour, GozoDwejra Bay (former Azure Window)Dingli Cliffs from the water

Valletta → St Paul's Bay → Mellieħa → Comino → Valletta

2–3 days

A short break charter, perfect for a long weekend. Hug Malta's north coast, stopping at St Paul's Bay and the sandy beaches of Mellieħa. Cross to Comino for the Blue Lagoon, then return to Valletta. Short passages — nothing more than 8 nm.

Grand Harbour departureSt Paul's IslandsMellieħa BayCrystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon

Sailing Conditions

Wind

The Majjistral (NW) is the prevailing summer wind, 10–18 kn. The Gregale (NE) can bring stronger winds and is harder to shelter from. The Xlokk (SE, sirocco) brings humid, hazy conditions and swell from Africa. Malta is exposed — there's no island chain to hide behind.

Sea State

Can be rougher than you'd expect for such a small area. NW swell wraps around both ends of Malta. The channel between Malta and Gozo can be choppy. Comino offers good shelter in the right conditions.

Tides

Negligible.

Navigation

Straightforward but watch for high-speed ferry traffic between Malta and Gozo. Some restricted military zones on the south coast. Harbours are well-lit and easy to enter at night.

Practical Info

DocumentsICC or equivalent license. Malta Transport is the maritime authority — they can request documentation checks.
CurrencyEuro (€).
LanguageMaltese and English (both official). Everyone speaks English fluently.
ProvisioningExcellent on Malta — major supermarkets, fresh markets in Valletta and Marsaxlokk. Gozo has smaller shops. Provision on the main island before heading to Comino.
MarinasGrand Harbour Marina is world-class (and priced accordingly). Msida Marina is the main leisure marina. Mġarr Marina on Gozo is smaller but well-equipped. Berths are limited — book ahead in summer.

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Charter in Malta

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