MALTA YACHT CHARTER GUIDE

WITH PERFECT WATER TEMPERATURES, COOL AUTUMN BREEZES AND EMPTY BEACHES, MALTA, AND THE SISTER ISLANDS OF GOZO AND COMINO, ARE THE PLACE TO HEAD FOR AN INDIAN SUMMER

Lying to the southwest of Italy, Malta is an ideal gateway to many of the popular cruising grounds in the Mediterranean. A pleasant year-round climate, deep natural harbors and extensive superyacht refit and repair facilities make Malta a popular choice as a homeport for many of the charter yachts that choose to stay in the Mediterranean throughout the winter season. Malta, and the sister islands of Gozo and Comino, have some of the clearest waters in the whole of the Mediterranean. The coastline stretches some 120 miles around the three islands, offering a range of deep-water harbors, picturesque fishing villages, secluded bays and ample cultural pursuits ashore.

CHARTER EXPERIENCE

The currents surrounding Malta, and the neighboring islands of Gozo and Comino, keep the waters in this part of the Mediterranean crystal clear, which makes them ideal for all manner of superyacht activities. The ocean floor abounds with shipwrecks that make for fantastic diving experiences, while for those looking to relax, swim and snorkel, the islands have plenty of sandy beaches. The coastline stretches some 120 miles around the three islands, offering a range of harbors and anchorages including one of the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbors, the deep-water port of Grand Harbour Marina, which is located right at the heart of the island by the Maltese capital of Valletta.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta is resplendent with ancient buildings including cathedrals, palazzos and fortifications from the period of the knights who were driven off the island by Napoleon in the late 18^th Century. Further cultural hotspots can be found in the ancient capital of Mdina. Known as the Silent City, the citadel is a testament to Malta’s long and often troubled history and abounds with historic sites.

Cruising around Malta, you will come across picturesque fishing villages, beautiful anchoring spots, grottos and secluded bays aplenty. For those looking to explore further, the island of Comino is a short sail away and offers protected anchorages, crystal clear waters and fantastic beaches. The sleepy island of Gozo is also worth circumnavigating before returning to Malta. The island remains relatively undeveloped and inland you will find remnants of monuments and forts spanning back over the past six millennia.

Location Highlights

Dine at The Harbour Club, Valletta
Savior cocktails at the Quarterdeck Bar, Valletta
Discover the ancient capital of Mdina, Malta
Explore a labyrinth of ancient catacombs, Malta
Comino’s Blue Lagoon is renowned for its incredibly clear blue waters
Discover tombstones of the famed Knights of Malta in Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
Enjoy traditional festivals throughout the summer
The Azure Window is one of Gozo’s greatest natural features
Savor fresh fish by the water’s edge at the family-run Ta’Karolina restaurant, Xlendi in Gozo
Discover Gozo’s Ggantija temples – reputed to be the world’s oldest freestanding buildings

Expert Advice

Malta, Gozo and Comino are the three main islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. The waters are crystal clear and warm, providing the perfect environment for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Malta is often described as an open-air museum, where you will wander the winding streets and be transported back in time with Renaissance cathedrals and baroque palaces. Comino is famed for its stunning waters and dive sites, while Gozo abounds with both natural and cultural phenomena, including the Inland Sea, the Fungus Rock and Calypso Cave.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

VALLETTA, MALTA

Embark in the deep-water port of Grand Harbour Marina. The stunning marina is located right at the heart of Malta’s capital. The waterfront has a backdrop of watchtowers, monuments and ancient merchant houses with bars and restaurants aplenty. The Harbour Club is a great place to view the marina and yachts as you enjoy dinner on the terrace. Alternatively, the Quarter Deck Bar is great for early evening drinks.

DAY 2

VALLETTA TO ISLAND BAY TO MARSAXLOKK (9 NAUTICAL MILES)

Cruise out of the harbor, passing a maze of palazzos and fortifications before you reach the open sea and head to the south of the island. After a leisurely lunch on board spend the afternoon anchored at Island Bay. Enjoy an afternoon of watersports before heading on to Marsaxlokk in the early evening.

DAY 3

MARSAXLOKK TO GOLDEN BAY (15 NAUTICAL MILES)

Stroll through the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and venture inland to explore the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. The underground necropolis was excavated around 2500BC and consists of a series of elliptical chambers to which access is gained from different tunnels. Back on board, take the tender, paddleboards or kayaks to explore the iridescent waters of the nearby Blue Grotto. Cruise on for a peaceful anchorage at Golden Bay.

DAY 4

GOLDEN BAY TO COMINO (6 NAUTICAL MILES)

Renowned as one of the best beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean, take an early morning dip in the clear waters that lap Golden Bay. Take a 20-minute car ride inland to the ancient capital of Mdina. Known as the Silent City, the citadel is testament to Malta’s long and often troubled history and abounds with historic sites including the Mdina Church and Dungeon, several museums and an underground labyrinth of ancient catacombs carved into the rock. Back on board, raise anchor and cruise north to Paradise Bay on the beautiful island of Comino.

DAYS 5 & 6

COMINO TO GOZO (12 NAUTICAL MILES)

With more than 30 miles of coastline to explore, Comino is famed for its aquamarine waters that are perfect for swimming. Take the tender to the Santa Marija Caves – a set of 10 caverns, many of which are interconnecting, with spectacular scuba diving opportunities. After lunch head to the charming island of Gozo. Known for its picturesque countryside and historic monuments, the island is just 25 square miles and can be explored by bicycle. Reward your efforts with a private wine tasting at the family-run vineyards Ta’Mena or Tal-Massar.

DAY 7

GOZO TO VALLETTA, MALTA (25 NAUTICAL MILES)

Spend a few days diving and snorkeling Gozo’s underwater world, rich in marine life, before cruising back towards Valletta, dropping anchor in beautiful little bays for a leisurely lunch or a dip in the warm waters wherever you please. Head on to Valletta for a final dinner on board.