The 7 most beautiful anchorages in Malta

Three inhabited islands Malta, Gozo, Comino and other uninhabited islets - these are the Maltese archipelago between North Africa and Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it really is a paradise for sailors.

Sailing around Malta is an unforgettable experience, as Maltese waters offer an impressive variety of landscapes, historical sites and charming harbour towns. Discover some of Malta's most popular anchorages, such as Anchor Bay and St Paul's Bay harbour, which offer the perfect combination of picturesque surroundings and historical sites.

Malta, a small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, lies south of Sicily. With an area of only about 320 square kilometres, Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe. The islands are known for their stunning scenery, including picturesque beaches, crystal clear waters and a rich history dating back to ancient times. Malta is also known for its imposing fortifications, which date back to the time of the Crusaders and are now one of the main attractions for tourists. The capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a wealth of historical sights and cultural experiences. With a Mediterranean climate, a unique culture and a friendly population, Malta is a fascinating destination for visitors from all over the world.

What is the weather like in Malta?

Malta is known for its sunny and mild Mediterranean climate. The islands average over 300 days of sunshine per year, which means that there are usually more sunny days than rainy days. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures that can regularly reach over 30 degrees Celsius, while winters are mild and rarely drop below 10 degrees Celsius. The sunny weather makes Malta an ideal holiday destination for those who want to enjoy the sea and beach life.

TIP JACHTING.COM: Did you know that cloud reading is a good way to predict weather? You don't have to be a meteorologist to read the clouds and know what weather to expect. In the article on the different types of clouds, you will learn everything you need to know. 

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When is the best time to sail around Malta?

The best time to sail around Malta is in the summer months from June to September, when the weather is most stable and the water temperatures are pleasant. Temperatures are usually between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and there is little rain. The prevailing wind in Malta is the so-called Mistral, a north-westerly wind that usually blows between 10 and 20 knots and offers stable sailing conditions. However, there are also good sailing conditions in the low season, especially in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder and there are fewer tourists.

TIP JACHTING.COM: In the Mediterranean, different types of wind often occur, such as bora, sirocco, meltemi, tramontana, lebić, mistral and marin. How can you learn about these winds in advance and what impact do they have on shipping? Read more in our article The 7 most common winds that occur in the Mediterranean.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon on Comino Island

How do people speak on the islands?

Maltese and English are spoken in Malta. Maltese is the official language and is spoken by most residents. English is the second official language and is spoken by many Maltese as a second language, especially in business and academic settings. Some Maltese also speak Italian, which is widely spoken on the island as there is geographical proximity to Italy and many Italian tourists visit the island.

TIP JACHTING.COM: The Malta Archipelago is an excellent choice for a relaxing sailing trip with the family. Thanks to the numerous sandy beaches surrounding the islands, the archipelago is also suitable for young children. It also offers older children an excellent opportunity to improve their English skills during shore activities.

Why sail around Malta?

There are many reasons why sailing around Malta is an unforgettable experience. Maltese waters offer an impressive variety of landscapes, from picturesque bays and beaches to stunning cliffs and rock formations. There are many hidden coves and secluded anchorages accessible only by boat, offering a private and tranquil environment. Sailing around Malta also allows you to discover the rich history and culture of the islands, as there are many historical sites located along the coast, such as the ancient fortifications and the many charming harbour towns. All in all, sailing around Malta offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the islands from the water and make an unforgettable journey.

Malta has many popular anchorages that sailors love to visit. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Anchor Bay

Anchor Bay is a picturesque bay in the northwest of Malta known for its stunning scenery and clear blue waters. The bay is surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and is lined with a small beach promenade and a number of restaurants and bars serving fresh fish and traditional Maltese cuisine. A highlight of the bay is the picturesque fishing village located at the entrance to the bay, which served as the setting for the filming of "Popeye" with Robin Williams. The bay is well protected and provides a safe anchorage for boats of various sizes. Its proximity to other Maltese islands such as Comino and Gozo makes Anchor Bay an ideal base for sailing trips in the region. Anchor Bay is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the Maltese countryside and spend some time on the beach.

Anchor Bay

Anchor Bay in Malta

Who doesn't know the American musical comedy Popeye - The Sailor Who Strokes Hard?

Popeye Village is a former film set built for the movie "Popeye - The Sailor Who Strokes Hard". The village offers numerous attractions and activities, including boat trips, shows and interactive exhibitions. Visitors can also explore the village itself and enjoy the picturesque wooden houses and the translucent waters of the bay. Popeye Village is a popular destination for families and film fans who want to experience the atmosphere and setting of the movie. It is understandable why this place has become one of the most popular attractions in Malta.

Popeye Malta

Popeye Village in Anchor Bay

2. harbour St. Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay or Rdum il-Biez is a popular anchorage on the north coast of Malta. The harbour is named after St Paul who, according to tradition, was shipwrecked here in 60 AD. The bay offers protection from wind and waves and is therefore a popular port of call for sailors and boats of all kinds. There are numerous bays and beaches in the area, including the well-known Golden Bay Beach. The bay is also a good starting point for excursions to the surrounding area, including the historic town of Mdina and the village of Rabat. There are many restaurants and bars in the area where you can enjoy local specialities and fresh fish.

Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay Beach, also known as Golden Bay, is one of the most famous and popular beaches on the Maltese island of Malta. The beach is famous for its golden sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach is surrounded by hilly landscape, rocks and cliffs and also offers many walking trails and viewpoints with spectacular views of the coastline.

Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay Beach in Malta

TIP JACHTING.COM: If you are thinking about what other options there are to enhance your sailing experience, there are many options. For example, you could try water sports like snorkelling or kayaking, or explore islands and towns on foot or by bike. We've put together a compilation of the best activities for you to get the most out of your sailing holiday. 

3. Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino

Comino is a small island in the Maltese archipelago, located between Malta and Gozo. The island is known for its picturesque scenery, crystal clear waters and pristine beaches. One of the most popular attractions on Comino is the Blue Lagoon, a stunning bay with turquoise waters surrounded by rocks and cliffs. The island is also a paradise for divers and snorkellers, who can explore the variety of marine life and coral reefs in the area.

TIP JACHTING.COM: You can anchor in Blue Lagoon, but it can be very crowded in high season and it can be difficult to find a place to anchor. However, there are other quieter places on Comino where you can anchor, such as Santa Maria Bay or Crystal Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Comino

Blue Lagoon on Comino

4. natural harbour in Valleta Grand Harbour

Sailors should also visit Grand Harbour because it is one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and has a rich history. The port of the capital Valletta is located on the south-east coast. It was an important base for merchant ships and war fleets in ancient times and the Middle Ages. Today, the harbour is mainly used by cruise ships, ferries and yachts. The Grand Harbour is surrounded by an impressive backdrop, which is characterised by the historic old town of Valletta and the adjacent fortifications.

TIP JACHTING.COM: Malta organises a variety of sailing events and regattas, including the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which takes place every October and is one of the most challenging sailing races in the world. The course follows the coasts of Sicily, Sardinia and Sicily back to Malta. The starting and finishing point of this race is usually just the Grand Harbour of Valletta.

Grand Harbour Valleta

Grand Harbour in Valleta

City walk in Valleta

The city of Valleta is one of the few European capitals that can be easily explored on foot in a single day. It has a population of about 6,500 inhabitants. In the city, you will find numerous sights such as the Grand Master's Palace, St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, from which you have an impressive view of Valletta Harbour. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination because, among other things, it also offers numerous opportunities for boat trips and water sports activities.

5. bay in Gozo Mgarr ix-Xini

Mgarr ix-Xini is a picturesque bay on the Maltese island of Gozo. The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers an impressive view of the turquoise sea. The name Mgarr ix-Xini means "port of carving" and refers to the fact that in the past wood was shipped from here. Today the bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals who swim, dive and snorkel here. There is also a small restaurant and bar on the beach serving fresh seafood and other local specialities. Mgarr ix-Xini has also been the filming location for several movies and TV shows, including "By the Sea" with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

TIP JACHTING.COM: Sailing offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world. Discover the 50 most breathtaking snorkelling and diving spots around the globe.

Mgarr ix-Xini on Gozo

Mgarr ix-Xini Bay on Gozo

6. fishing village Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village on the south coast of Malta and a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the traditional side of the island. At the very back of Marsaxlokk Bay, you can easily moor up at numerous mooring buoys. The place is known for its picturesque harbour full of colourful fishing boats gleaming in the sun, as well as its cosy restaurants and cafés serving fresh fish and seafood. Every Sunday, the famous Marsaxlokk market also takes place here, with locals and tourists meandering through the narrow streets in search of fresh fruit and vegetables, local specialities and souvenirs. Marsaxlokk is a place that holds the charm and culture of Malta and offers a special experience for every visitor.

Marsaxlokk in Malta

Fishing Village Marsaxlokk in Malta

7. blue grotto - another highlight of Malta

The Blue Grotto is one of the absolute highlights of Malta and a must for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the island first hand. The cave is located on the south coast of Malta and is known for its crystal clear waters and impressive cave formations. When you visit the grotto, you can hire a boat to enter the caves and marvel at the water and rock formations up close. The bright blue colours created by the sunlight illuminating the walls of the grotto are particularly impressive. The Blue Grotto is also a popular place for divers and snorkellers who want to explore the unique underwater world. Whether you are a nature lover or a water sports enthusiast, a visit to the Blue Grotto will definitely delight you. There are several options for anchoring near the Blue Grotto. Most boats usually anchor in the bay of Wied iż-Żurrieq, which is about one kilometre west of the Blue Grotto. This bay is a popular place for boats as there is plenty of space and the water is usually relatively calm.

Blue Grotto Malta

Blue Grotto in Malta

These are just some of the most popular anchorages in Malta, but there are many more to discover. Discover the beauty of the islands from the water and soak up the Maltese sun and scenery.

Anchor Bay

Přístav v zátoce svatého Pavla

Modrá laguna na ostrově Comino

přírodní přístav Grand Harbour ve Valletě

Mgarr ix-Xini Bay na ostrově Gozo

Rybářská vesnice Marsaxlokk

Jeskyně Blue Grotto

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FAQ: The most beautiful anchorages in Malta