Sailing around the picturesque Malta is a breathtaking and unique travel experience. Not only will you find yourself surrounded by some of the most historic, pristine, and crystalline waters in the Mediterranean, but you will also be able to pack plenty of activities and interesting visits into your boat trip itinerary on one of our beautiful sailing charters in Malta.
Whether you are planning a single day trip or a week’s boating vacation, Sailo has you covered for both your Malta boat hire, and all the insider information on where to sail your catamaran rental or yacht charter around the archipelago.
Best Beaches for Sailing in Malta
It’s not surprising that the number one attraction for tourists and boat trips in Malta is to visit the incredible beaches dotted all around the island’s coast. We’ve put together a whole guide detailing the best beaches for sailing in Malta, where you can easily anchor sailboat and motor yacht sailing charters for the day and enjoy the sandy shores.
Seaside Restaurants
After a day of sailing or a full morning on the water, you’re sure to work up an appetite which will lead you to one of the numerous restaurants scattered along Malta’s coastline. Traditional Maltese cuisine is rustic, seasonal, full of fresh produce, and Mediterranean in nature. Luckily, many of the best restaurants are located near the ocean, so you won’t have to stray far from your boat rental or yacht charter while dining in Malta!
Here are our top 5 recommendations:
1. Tarragon Restaurant: Church Street, St. Paul’s Bay
2. Caviar & Bull: Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay, San Ġiljan
3. Dinner in the Sky: Manoel Island, Il-Gżira
4. La Reggia: Marsaxlokk, Malta
5. Rubino: Old Bakery Street, Il-Belt Valletta
Secret Caves and Bays in Malta
When you're on a one os Sailo's sailing charters in Malta, your main priority is probably to discover some of the hidden and “off the beaten track” areas of the island. Sailing along the coastline is a much better way to do this than by any other method of transportation.
As well as providing you with the best range of sailing charters in Malta to choose from, at Sailo we also want to make sure you make it to the most special caves and bays.
Blue Grotto
On the southeast coast of the island you will find several sea caverns known collectively as the Blue Grotto. As you pass under the great arch, make sure to catch the blue water’s glittering reflection on the cave’s ceiling! Rock climbing and snorkeling are also popular activities to enjoy in this area.
Hamrija Bank
If you want to explore a reef without the busy hoards of tourists, head to Hamrija Bank. It’s the perfect spot to catch a sunset, and if you have a kayak with you, you can explore the nooks and crannies!
Dingli Cliffs
Located at the edge of the village of Dingli in the north of Malta, these cliffs represent one of the highest points in Malta, offering a panoramic view of over 250 feet above sea level. Our sailing charters along Malta's cosstline make it a truly breathtaking experience.
Calypso’s Cave
This famous, historic cove is located in Gozo, Malta’s neighboring island, and is well worth the visit. Calypso’s Cave overlooks red sand beaches, and is full of mythical and magical appeal. It is said to have been the cave where Odysseus fell in love with goddess-nymph Calypso in Homer’s The Odyssey.
Ghar Dalam
The Ghar Dalam cave is situated slightly inland, but still at an accessible distance from the shore. The lower caves are over 500,000 years old, and you can take part in guided tours of the caves’ Paleolithic art or take a stroll around the museum.
Port of Valletta
If you are planning a boat trip in Malta for more than one day, it is definitely worth harboring your yacht charter at the Port of Valletta for one night and exploring everything this part of the island has to offer.
Fort Saint Elmo is a star fort, best known for its role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Located on the edge of the shore, it’s perfectly poised for a visit. Fort St Angelo is another coastal historical gem and tourist favorite.
Continue your sightseeing in Valletta by visiting at the Manoel Theatre and the National War Museum, or anchor your boat rental near the Valletta Waterfront and stroll along the promenade.
Comino and Gozo
Interested in venturing further afield with one of our beautiful sailing charters in Malta? Why not sail to the neighboring islands of Comino and Gozo? From the infamous Blue Lagoon to multiple dive sites, our guide to sailing in Comino and Gozo from Malta covers all the top spots to explore by boat.
Coastal Highlights
Malta isn’t just about the beaches and seaside restaurants. The island offers multiple coastal highlights to explore while sailing around Malta. These include the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, located in Valletta, where you can enjoy a stunning overview of the Grand Harbour. The saluting battery is a highlight in itself!
Another historical coastline highlight is Hagar Qim, the megalithic temple complex, located near Blue Grotto on the lower west side of the island. Also worth a visit is Cirkewwa, the harbor in the north of Malta. It is located on the most northern part of the island, and this is where ferries depart when transporting visitors to Gozo.
Weekly Sailing Charters in Malta
If you want to make time for multiple explorations while sailing in Malta, we’d recommend looking into a week-long vacation aboard some of our most exclusive sailing charters in Malta. Our top picks include:
Explore all your sailboat and motor boat rentals options for a memorable sailing vacation in Malta!