Malta is the largest of the Maltese Islands which are situated in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and Sicily. They are independent but you’ll note traces of a variety of cultures, including North Africa.
When you first arrive on the island you’ll notice the hot summer sun, the wind blowing, and the deep blue color of the sea. This is the start of your adventure when you rent a sailboat in Malta.
In fact, Malta experiences winds all year round, mainly because there is no large landmass near enough to block the winds. This makes it a great place for sailors looking to test their skills or improve them. That’s part of the reason it’s become so popular to rent a sailboat in Malta.
Before you set sail it’s worth having a look at Valletta, the capital of Malta. In fact, the city was created by the Knights of Malta and follows a standard grid plan, its majesty reflects the opulence of major European cities in the 16th century.
You’ll need to check out Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace, both impressive buildings inside and out. It’s also a good idea to find the time to visit the UNESCO listed Tarxien Temples, an extremely well-preserved prehistoric cult site with four megalithic structures.
There are actually two harbors in Valletta, but both are easy to sail in or out of.
In fact, Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua all sit in the Grand Harbor, the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean spanning 3.6km. Sailing gently around is a fantastic experience and gives you great views of all these cities.
Leaving the harbor after you’ve rented a sailboat in Malta you’ll need to decide whether to head around the coast or check out the neighboring islands.
On the northern side of Malta, you’ll find numerous beaches with crystal clear waters, making them a great spot to unwind and snorkel through the water. The largest beach on this coast is Golden Bay which is almost completely hidden from land. But it can get very crowded in the summer months.
If you want a little more peace then move along the coast to the Riviera Bay, known as Ghajn Tuffieha, this is a more romantic spot and great for watching the sunset over the island.
You should also check out Anchor Bay, a little further north where you’ll find the Sweethaven Village, a multi-colored film set built for the Popeye movie in 1979! Surprisingly it’s still intact.
On the southeastern coast of Malta, you’ll find Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing villages which is potentially the most photogenic spot in the Med. If possible, its best to visit on a Sunday so that you can experience the market and purchase some intricate lace items made in the area. It’s also a great spot to sample the local cuisine.
Of course, you can also head away from the shores of Mata and take a look at the beach paradise that is Gozo. Here you’ll find a particularly varied and interesting seabed and some of the prettiest coves in the world.
Alternatively, sail to Comino and enjoy the peace, there are no cars on the smallest of the three inhabited island. With crystal clear waters you’ll spend more time off the boat than on it.
If you’re ready to rent a sailboat in Malta then take a look at Sailogy.com. You’ll find a selection of well-maintained sailboats just waiting to be taken to sea by you. Choose the style, number of berths, and size you prefer and then talk to our first-class customer service team. They’ll handle everything from there leaving you to enjoy exploring this archipelago.
