Malta is the largest of the Maltese Islands. There are actually 5 islands, but only 3 are inhabited. They sit in the Mediterranean, approximately 50 miles off the southern coast of Italy and enjoy warm summers with light to moderate winds. It’s a sailor paradise but that doesn’t mean you need to sail.
You can rent a motorboat in Malta and take the effort out of seeing these islands. You should note, you’ll need a license to rent a motorboat over 30hp without a skipper.
There is no doubt that this is the best way to see the island.
Before you rent a motorboat in Malta it’s worth spending a little time on the island. Specifically, you’ll want to visit Mdina, known as the Silent City. It’s in the middle of the island at the top of a hill and was the first capital of the island. While it’s no longer the capital it is still inhabited. You need to walk through the huge main gate and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This city remains largely the same as when it was built and is a real treat to explore
It’s also worth spending some time looking around the current capital city, Valletta. You’ll find a bustling city, full of narrow streets and an array of restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutique shops. Its situation is impressive, on a piece of land that stretches out into the water but is still shielded on both sides. On the one side is Marsamxett harbor with Manoel Island in the middle, on the other is the Grand Harbor, the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean. Three other towns sit on the edge of this harbor!
Leaving Valletta on your motorboat you can head northwest toward Comino and Gozo or southeast around the bottom of Malta.
Both directions have great sites and experiences to offer, and, if you have enough time, you’ll want to see it all.
Top sites include the Blue Grotto on the southern coast. It’s an entwining set of sea caverns with deep blue water that you’ll just want to dive straight in.
You’ll also want to take a look at the Hypogeum in Paola. It’s a pre-historic underground temple with the remains of over 7,000 people and the only one of its kind in the world!
The southeastern coast is also home to the more traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk where the boats all have eyes painted on them. Visiting on a Sunday is recommended to enjoy the ambiance of the local market.
You can choose to motor back along the coast of the island past Valetta again, or you may prefer to circumnavigate the island. There’ s not many towns on the southwestern side of the island but the scenery is truly stunning.
At the northern tip of Malta, you’ll find Mellieha Bay and Popeye Village. The beach is long and sandy with plenty of facilities to give you a break from the boat. Popeye Village was originally a film set created in 1979 for the movie. It’s incredibly colorful and a fantastic tourist attraction.
From here it’s a quick cruise to Comino, the smallest of the islands. There are no cars on this island, it’s simply a beach and sea lovers paradise. The crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Make sure you check out Blue Lagoon Bay, it’s as fantastic as its name suggests.
You’ll also want to motor on to Gozo, the second largest island, and visit the spot where the Azure Window used to stand. It collapsed during a storm but the spot is still enchanting and it’s a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
You’ll find it’s easy to rent a motorboat in Malta, just take a look and choose the size boat that you prefer and contact our excellent customer service team. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure your well-maintained and equipped motorboat is waiting for you to have the experience of a lifetime.