There really is no better place to explore with a yacht than the peaceful Mediterranean Island of Malta. Situated just south of Sicily and to the North East of Tunisia, its crystal blue waters, year round good weather, and stunning coastline make it the perfect place to explore by yacht. So what are the top 7 places to visit in Malta with your yacht? Here are our top tips.
Comino
The small island of Comino is located between the islands of Malta and Gozo and measures just 3.5 sq km. With just three residents as well as a commuting priest and policeman, it is the least densely populated part of the country and instead serves as a popular tourist destination for visitors and locals alike.
Today it is home to Saint Mary’s Tower which dates back to 1416 and was designed to keep a look out for invading Turks or marauding pirates. There is also a small Roman Catholic chapel located above Santa Marija Bay as well as a hotel that caters to guests all year round. The crème de la crème of Comino is The Blue Lagoon- a stretch of cyan-blue waters located between Comino and the adjacent island of Cominotto, The Blue Lagoon is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Malta. The scenery here is beyond stunning and the crystal waters have to be seen to be believed. So picturesque are the vistas here that they have been used as locations in several Hollywood films such as Troy, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Swept Away. The area is popular with swimmers and sailors alike and the lagoon is often frequented by yachts and tour boats that pitch up for the day there.
The best time to experience The Blue Lagoon on your yacht is in the early evening as the days’ visitors head home. Anchor your yacht on the edge of the lagoon and enjoy front row seats as the sun descends beyond the horizon. As one of the most beautiful locations in the country, you have to add it to your must-sail list.
Delimara
In the south of Malta, well off the beaten track of the tourist is an area called Delimara. Located between the seaside towns of Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk and includes such gorgeous locations as St Peter’s Pool and Il-Kalanka.
This part of the island is much less busy that the north and central areas and it offers some of the most blissful locations and views that you could ever possibly imagine. The coastline here is full of hidden coves and bays that are perfect for anchoring up and indulging in a bit of swimming in the clear and clean waters. You can even take the dinghy across to Marsaxlokk and enjoy a sumptuous lunch of freshly caught fish and seafood in one of the many harbour side restaurants before heading back out to sea.
Ghar Lapsi
Ghar Lapsi is a small bay that is located on the northern side of Malta, a short distance from the town of Siggiewi. Flanked by the splendid Dingli Cliffs and a stones throw from the small island of Filfla, Ghar Lapsi is a wonderful place to sail.
The bay itself is stony and small but it offers a natural swimming pool with incredibly clear aquamarine waters which is popular with locals and tourists alike. The water is so clear around this area that it is extremely popular with underwater photographers and divers who spend the summer months exploring its hidden depths. Just 1km around the corner, you can reach The Blue Grotto which was used as a location for the film Troy, staring Brad Pitt.
Dwejra Bay
Dwejra is the location of the once famous Azure Window. Sadly, the window crumbled and fell into the watery depths below just over a year ago, but the area is still well worth a visit with your yacht. As a location in the first series of Game of Thrones, it is not hard to see how the areas natural beauty inspired Hollywood. The dramatic coastal formations have to be seen to be believed and you can navigate fungus rock, or even go for a swim in in the inland sea. The area is very popular with divers so you can either take your own kit, or get in touch with one of the numerous diving schools in the area. This is by far one of the most dramatic and stunning coastal areas of Gozo and it is the perfect place to spend a day in the sunshine on the boat.
The Grand Harbour
Otherwise known as the Port of Valletta, it is one of the largest and deepest natural harbours in the world and is bursting with history and incredible panoramic views. Flanked by the walled city of Valletta on one side, and then historic Three Cities on the other side, it offers sailors a truly dramatic location to drop anchor. You can sail into the Grand Harbour Marina and enjoy fresh seafood and local wine on the harbourside, or you can just sit and watch the cruise ships and ferries come and go as you take in the beauty of Valletta standing tall at the head of the peninsula.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay, located in the north of the country is one of the most popular beaches in Malta. With stunning swimming waters and glorious golden sand, it is home to 5 star hotels, bars, restaurants and a whole host of watersport activity providers. Dropping anchor at Golden Bay gives you not only stunning views, but it means you can avail yourself of all the fun and exciting activities that are going on at one of Malta’s most popular tourist destinations. If you are looking for a peaceful day of sailing, then perhaps Golden Bay isn’t the perfect location for you, but for those that are looking for a bit of excitement, it could be just the place.
Sliema
For those that want to combine the hustle and bustle of the city with the peace and quiet that being at sea brings, Sliema could be just the place. The shopping and entertainment centre of the island, its neighbouring St Julian’s is home to the countries finest restaurants and nightclubs that offer entertainment all day until the early hours of the morning. For those that are looking for a bit of glamour with their yachting experience, stopping in Sliema will give you access to all of the best establishments, as well as offering beautiful views of the towns, particularly in the evening when they are full of twinkling lights.
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