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Charter a yacht in Malta to sail over turquoise waters, discover stunning nature and experience a place full of history. Located between the island of Sicily and North Africa, it is a place shaped by different cultures, a tumultuous history and its strategically important position in the Mediterranean. The British might have only ruled Malta from 1800 until 1964, but the island has always been sought after by foreign invaders, including Napoleon Bonaparte. Visit the Ggantija Temples and the Grandmasters Palace to explore some remnants of the island's rich history and cultural heritage.
Of course no trip to Malta is complete without sunbathing on the beach and tasting the incredible local cuisine, but the island has so much more to offer. Tour unique historical sites, hike some of Southern Europe’s most picturesque trails and take in the view of magical sunsets.
When sailing in Malta, stopping by some of the most stunning beaches is a must! With more than 300 days of sunshine, you can be sure to catch a sunny day while vacationing here to enjoy visiting at least one of the best beaches.
Whether you are looking at discovering Malta’s marine wildlife while scuba diving in one of the stunning bays or while visiting the National Aquarium, you are sure to have a fun day out. Especially if you are travelling with kids, visiting the National Aquarium, 41 tanks full of different species will surely not disappoint.
If you are part of a group of friends coming to Malta you might think about a boat hire in Malta to discover all the most beautiful places to go scuba diving.
From Indian to Italian cuisine, experimental dining and more luxurious dinner experiences, Malta has it all! With a close proximity to Italy, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Italian food is particularly popular on the island.
Ibiza and Mykonos are THE most renown places to party in the Mediterranean, but Malta doesn’t have to hide when it comes to a fun nightlife. Exclusive clubs, luxurious bars and beach parties are just waiting for you to join.
With over 7.000 years of turbulent history, Malta is a fascinating place for history lovers from all around the world. Discovering the historical sites of Valletta is just one tiny part of the country’s rich history. Head out to the Ġgantija Temples which are part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ruins of the temple complex have stood strong since the Neolithic era and are older than the pyramids of Egypt. Stop by the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a beautiful view of the Mediterranean, a lovely fountain and stunning gardens. Built in the 1560s they are a testament to Maltese architecture.
If you want to step foot into Greek mythology and the ‘Odyssey’ in particular, you should visit Calypso Cave. It is said to be the place where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus a prisoner for seven long years after his ship sank during a violent storm. A famous tourist attraction in Malta, the cave had to be closed for now as there is a risk of it collapsing. It might not be as spectacular as seeing the cave from the inside, but for now you can still admire it from outside.
Sailing in Malta means perfect sailing conditions almost year-round. However, July and August are the most popular months of the year for tourists. It’s sunny, the weather is dry and the sea is usually quite calm. The average temperature during the summer months is 28-34 degrees with around 12 hours of sunshine per day in July. Although the yearly average only reaches 23 degrees, the water temperature regularly measures as the warmest in European waters.
You might enjoy visiting Malta in winter, but it is too cold to go for a swim. Usually, the winds and the rain pick up in the winter season as well. We would recommend sailing in Malta in this season only to experienced sailors as you will need to know how to maneuver a ship in unpredictable weather conditions and in strong winds.
Renting a boat in Malta doesn’t have to be expensive. On average a gulet costs only 25.00 EUR per person per night, meaning that you only need to spend around 168.75 EUR per person per week. Most hotel rooms would be pricier. If you’re looking at renting a motorboat or sailboat, you need to pay a little more. A sailboat costs 93 EUR per person per night on average, while a sailboat would cost you approximately 250.89 EUR per person per night. Depending on the amount of rooms, the size and age of the boat, as well as the month that you are booking your boat, the prices can vary.
Depending on the type of vacation you are planning in Malta, you should choose your boat accordingly. If you’re looking at a relaxed vacation sunbathing on board a boat, hopping from island to island to discover the most romantic hidden spots, you would choose a different boat than the one you would pick when planning a week-long party with your friends or sailing along the winds of the Mediterranean to deepen your sailing skills.
Pros of renting a catamaran in Malta
Chartering a catamaran in Malta is one of the best ways to discover the Maltese islands. With two hulls stabilizing the boat, it is a great boat for a relaxing sailing holiday. If you’re looking at hopping from island to island and from beach to beach, chasing sunsets and exploring unique rock formations in Malta, this is the perfect boat for you.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Malta
One of the downsides of renting a catamaran in Malta is the size. While two hulls might create more stability, it also means that it is much bigger than a sailboat and requires more space when anchoring at a port. This can make it a little bit more difficult to enter a port and can also come with higher costs than other types of water vehicles.
Pros of renting a sailboat in Malta
Renting a sailboat in Malta is cheaper than renting a motorboat. As you can use the wind as your engine, you don’t need to worry about filling up your tank with enough fuel every time you leave the marina. Located in the South of the Mediterranean and with access to the open water, Malta receives a good amount of wind that allows you to enjoy the sailing experience.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Malta
While Malta is generally blessed with winds that get your sailboat going, nature can be unpredictable at times and you might get stuck in the middle of a sailing adventure. If you’re only sailing for a week and want to discover as many places as possible, it might be a bummer to get stuck without being able to move.
Pros of renting a motorboat in Malta
Renting a motorboat might be the priciest option, but it also comes with a lot of comforts that you might not experience if you would rent another type of boat. As a luxury travel option, they are quite spacious with a lot of room inside and on deck. Another advantage is their shallow frame which allows you to anchor much closer to the shore than with another type of vessel.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Malta
The cost of renting a motorboat might be a turnoff for those travelling on a tight budget - especially with prices generally being relatively low in all of Malta compared to other tourist destinations. The high fuel costs are also a downside of renting a motorboat.
Renting a boat in Malta is easier than you think! The good news is that you don’t need a boat licence when renting a small boat. However, if you’re looking at renting a boat with more than 30hp, you do need a boat licence.
If you are a resident in Malta, irrespectively of whether you are Maltese or a foreigner, you are required to hold the Transport Malta Nautical Licence in order to operate a boat that is up to 24m in length and with 30hp or more.
An alternative is renting a boat with a skilled skipper. The beauty of this option is that you don’t need to worry about anything when it comes to operating the vehicle. Come on board and simply enjoy your vacation. Plus: A local skipper is able to show you all the most stunning spots that you might miss otherwise.
Do you plan a seven day sailing trip in Malta? Start your adventure in Valletta before heading out to Camino Island and the Blue Lagoon. The perfect place to anchor for the night is behind Cominotto. You will be protected and have a safe night on board your boat. After a good night’s sleep and delicious breakfast on deck, you will enjoy sailing around the island of Gozo. Here you should stop on some of the most beautiful hidden beaches and take a quick dip in the water before heading to San Blas where you will spend the night. Now that you have already discovered Gozo by boat and know the waters, jump on land for a long walk to discover the stunning nature and picturesque towns like Victoria or Gharb. Discover the western part of Malta which is less crowded the next day. Stop by Golden Bay for a perfect beach day before sailing further South to Blue Grotto and Filfla Island for a magical sunset. This is also the perfect spot to anchor for the night and start the morning with stunning views. From here you can go to St. Peter’s Pool for a unique experience. Sail to Valletta to explore the historical city and to enjoy local dishes, which are a great mix between Greek and Italian cuisine.
If you are looking at exploring Malta at your own pace and in less crowded areas, you might want to consider sailing around Gozo island in May or June. Less tourists and milder temperatures mean that you could find a beach that you get all to yourself.
An alternative route might mean that you start your adventure in Rome, the capital of Italy, and make your way down to Malta on a ferry before hiring a private yacht to discover Malta on your own terms.
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