Discover Malta’s Blue Horizons

Valletta is the capital of Malta and a 16th-century fortress city built by the Knights of Saint John after the 1565 Great Siege — the entire walled town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city sits on a small peninsula between two deep natural harbours, the Grand Harbour (east) and Marsamxett (west), both rated among the best natural harbours in the Mediterranean since classical times. The main charter base is Grand Harbour Marina at Vittoriosa across the bay (250 berths plus megayacht infrastructure), with the smaller Msida Marina in Marsamxett. The Old Town's grid of palaces, the 16th-century Saint John's Co-Cathedral, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlook the working bay. Charter routes south reach the islands of Comino (Blue Lagoon, 90 minutes) and Gozo (the larger sister island, Citadella fortress, Azure Window remains). Season runs April through October.

Island Bay (Maltese Il-Bajja tal-Gżejjer) sits on the southern coast of Malta near Marsaxlokk — a small turquoise cove named for the rocky islet that sits 200 metres offshore at the centre of the bay entrance. The cove is sheltered from north and east winds and offers safe anchoring in 5-8 metres of sand for day stops. The islet itself is a low limestone rock about 50 metres long, with no vegetation and steep sides into 12-15 metres of clear water — a popular snorkel and dive destination, with reef fish concentrated along the windward side. The mainland cove has a small pebble beach and no village development. The neighbouring Saint Peter's Pool natural swimming basin sits 1 kilometre east on the same coast. Island Bay is 30 minutes from Valletta Grand Harbour by sail. Season runs April through October.

Ġnejna Bay (Maltese Bajja tal-Ġnejna, \"Bay of the Little Garden\") sits on the northwest coast of Malta, between the larger Mġarr and Golden Bay — a small sheltered cove distinguished by its rare orange-red sand beach. The sand colour comes from oxidised iron content in the surrounding upper coralline limestone cliffs, weathered into the bay over millions of years; the orange-red sand is the most-photographed of the few non-white Malta beaches. The bay is about 150 metres wide with depths of 4-7 metres over sand, suitable for safe day anchoring in summer-prevailing northerly winds. The surrounding rural Mġarr area is mostly farmland (Maltese wine country) with a small village at the head of the bay 800 metres inland. The neighbouring Golden Bay sits 2 kilometres north with a similarly-coloured sand beach. Ġnejna Bay is 90 minutes from Valletta by sail. Season runs April through October.

Comino is the smallest of the three main Maltese islands, sitting in the 4-kilometre channel between Malta and Gozo — a 3.5-square-kilometre uninhabited rocky islet (only a single hotel and four caretakers live year-round). The defining feature is the Blue Lagoon on the southwest coast — a 200-metre-wide turquoise channel between Comino and the small offshore Cominotto islet, with shallow sandy seabed (1-3 metres) and white-rock cliffs that give the water a luminous turquoise colour. The Blue Lagoon is reachable only by boat and holds 60+ mooring buoys for day visitors. The neighbouring Crystal Lagoon on the north side is a similar shallow inlet with cave snorkel sites. The island holds the 17th-century Saint Mary's Tower Knights of Malta watchtower. Comino is 30 minutes from Valletta by sail. Season runs April through October.

Gozo (Maltese Għawdex) is the second-largest Maltese island, 5 kilometres northwest of Malta — a 67-square-kilometre island with about 32,000 residents, distinguished from the main Malta island by being slower-paced, greener (more agriculture, less urban density), and holding a stronger Maltese-language native culture. The main town is Victoria (Rabat) in the centre, with the medieval walled Cittadella citadel on a small hill — a 1,500-year-old defensive site rebuilt by the Knights of Malta in the 16th century. The ferry port is Mġarr on the south coast. Gozo holds three of Malta's most-rated swim sites: Ramla Bay (red-sand beach), Wied il-Mielaħ arch (cliff-cut natural arch), and the former Azure Window at Dwejra (collapsed in 2017, replaced by underwater Coral Gardens dive site). Gozo is 30 minutes from Valletta by sail. Season runs April through October.

The Perfect Ending to Your Journey

As your unforgettable adventure draws to a close, return to the majestic city of Valletta, where it all began. Reflect on the breathtaking sights, serene waters, and cherished moments that have defined your journey. Wander through Valletta’s historic streets one last time or simply admire the Grand Harbor’s timeless beauty.

Whether you choose to explore more of this enchanting city or enjoy a final evening indulging in a rooftop Michelin-star dining experience, Valletta ensures your voyage ends on a high note. Let the memories of Malta’s charm and Adriatic magic stay with you forever.