Malta
Three small islands at the centre of the Mediterranean, a 7,000-year history, and water that glows almost neon over the limestone shelf. A compact, characterful week aboard.
A cruising overview
Malta is the smallest charter ground in this guide and one of the most underrated. The Blue Lagoon between Comino and Cominotto is justly famous; the cliffs of western Gozo and the bays of southern Malta are quieter and equally beautiful.
Valletta — a UNESCO World Heritage city — provides the cultural counterpoint. Most charters board in Grand Harbour or Portomaso and circumnavigate the archipelago in three to four easy days, leaving time for inland excursions to Mdina or the Hypogeum.
May – October
Late May, June and September are ideal. August is warm but busy at the Blue Lagoon — anchor early or arrive late.
5–7 days
Minimum: 3 days
Recommended: 7 days Malta, Gozo & Comino
- Grand Harbour Marina, Valletta — historic harbour, full superyacht facilities
- Portomaso Marina — modern luxury base, St Julian's
- Msida Marina — central charter base
- Mgarr Harbour (Gozo) — small, picturesque base on Gozo
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 40–54ft
Pleasant for the Gozo passage — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau bareboat or skippered. From €2,500/week.
Catamarans 40–50ft
Ideal for shallow anchorages around Comino — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €5,500/week.
Motor Yachts 42–65ft
Best suited to Malta's short distances — Princess, Sunseeker, Sanlorenzo. From €10,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 75–140ft
Sanlorenzo, Benetti and Sunseeker — popular for combined Malta–Sicily itineraries. From €50,000/week.
What you'll remember
Valletta UNESCO World Heritage City
The historic capital with its Grand Harbour, Three Cities and waterfront fortifications — one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world.
Blue Lagoon, Comino
Anchor after the day-trip boats leave — incredible turquoise waters over white sand. Crystal Lagoon and hidden sea caves nearby.
Blue Grotto
Famous sea caves along Malta's dramatic western coastline, with luminous turquoise water inside the caverns.
Dwejra Bay & Blue Hole, Gozo
Wild beauty on Gozo's western coast — the famous Blue Hole for snorkelling and dramatic cliff scenery.
Ramla Bay, Gozo
Gozo's striking red-golden sand beach, surrounded by stunning scenery and spectacular sunsets.
Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Colourful harbour with traditional luzzu boats, authentic market atmosphere and excellent seafood.
Good questions, good answers
- How does Malta compare to Sicily?
- Malta is more compact, with stronger English-language infrastructure and shorter distances. Sicily offers wilder coastline and the Aeolian volcanoes. Many clients combine the two in a 10-day charter.
- Is the Blue Lagoon overcrowded?
- In July and August during the day, yes. The trick is to arrive before 10:00 or after 17:00 — most day-trip boats depart by 16:30.
- Can I sail from Malta to Sicily?
- Yes. The crossing to Pozzallo or Syracuse is around 60 nautical miles — a comfortable day sail. Combined Malta + Sicily + Aeolians is a 10–14 day route.
- When is the best season?
- June and September. May and October are quieter still but the sea is cooler.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.