Malta: Key information on the sailing area for a round-the-island cruise

Click here for the three-part feature ‘Around Malta’:

• ​Part 1: From picture-perfect scenery to expensive marinas – the north coast
• Part 2: Limited space in paradise – Comino and the west coast
• Part 3: Into the Ring of Bastions – Valletta

​Location, climate & best time of year

Malta lies in the centre of the Mediterranean, around 60 nautical miles south of Sicily and off the coast of Africa. The Republic comprises the main island of Malta, Gozo and Comino, as well as a number of smaller rocky islets. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The most pleasant times for sailing are May to June and September to October – fewer tourists, more moderate temperatures and generally steady winds (NW–NE). It is often very hot in high summer, whilst in winter there are occasional storms from the NW.

Travelling to Malta

Direct flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Malta International Airport (MLA), operated by airlines including Lufthansa, Air Malta, Ryanair and Eurowings.

Approach under sail from Sicily: From Licata or Marina di Ragusa, it is around 55–60 nautical miles to Malta (Marsaxlokk or Grand Harbour). During the season, there are often thermal north-westerly to north-easterly winds; in spring and autumn, watch out for periods of strong north-westerly winds. At night, the brightly lit coastline is visible from a distance.

Guide to Malta

“Coastal Guide to Italy: Ventimiglia – Brindisi, including Sardinia, Sicily and Malta” by Rod Heinkell, Delius Klasing Publishers – detailed harbour maps, anchorages, nautical information. ISBN: 978-3-667-12243-8, 69.90 euros, 500 pages with 847 photographs and illustrations.

Alternatively, in English: “777 – Pilot Book Sicily and Malta”, ISBN: 9788862000536, 69 euros, hansenautic.de

Registration

Yachts from the EU are not required to report to customs and immigration on entry or exit. However, Valletta Port Control would like to be notified on channel 16/12 when the vessel reaches the 10-mile zone. For yachts from non-EU countries, on the other hand, customs clearance is mandatory.