10 Best Anchorage Spots in Malta for Sailors: A Complete Guide by Sailing School Malta

Malta is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful bays, coves, and natural harbours—safe, scenic, and ideal for anchoring during your Malta sailing adventure. Whether you’re completing an RYA Day Skipper course, joining a Mile Builder, or chartering a yacht around Malta, knowing the best anchorage spots can elevate your experience from good to unforgettable. This guide covers ten of the best anchorages across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, explaining why each one is perfect for sailors of all levels.

Understanding Malta’s Coastline: What Makes an Anchorage Great?

Before exploring the top anchorages, it’s helpful to understand why Malta is such an exceptional destination for sailors.

Sheltered Bays

•  Numerous natural inlets protected from various wind directions

Crystal-Clear Water

•  Excellent visibility for anchoring, swimming, and snorkelling

Predictable Wind Patterns

•  The Maestral, Sirocco, and Gregale help sailors choose safe anchorages—especially useful for Day Skipper and Yachtmaster students

Short Distances

•  Most bays are 20–60 minutes apart, making it easy to visit multiple anchorages in a single day

Blue Lagoon, Comino

Perhaps the most famous anchorage in Malta, known for turquoise waters and sandy seabeds.

•  Swimming, snorkelling, beginner-friendly anchoring

•  Relaxed summer cruising

•  Perfect stop during a Malta boat rental or sailing charter

Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Mgarr ix-Xini, Gozo

A narrow, dramatic fjord-like bay with excellent shelter from NW winds.

•  Calm overnights

•  Safe area for RYA training manoeuvres

•  Great for snorkelling with scenic cliffs

A peaceful alternative to Comino.

St. Paul’s Bay

A large bay offering multiple anchoring options depending on wind direction.

•  Easy to enter

•  Good holding in sand

•  Popular for Day Skipper pilotage practice

Perfect for early-morning departures.

Mellieha Bay

Malta’s largest sandy bay and one of the friendliest anchorages for new skippers.

•  Shallow, forgiving depths

•  Calm swimming areas

•  Restaurants and beaches within dinghy distance

Perfect for families on charter holidays.

Ramla Bay, Gozo

A scenic anchorage famous for its red sand and calm conditions.

•  Great for summer day trips

•  Excellent for snorkelling and paddleboarding

•  Ideal lunch-stop setting

Best visited in calm weather.

Paradise Bay

A small turquoise cove perfect for a peaceful afternoon stop.

•  Crystal-clear water

•  Great for man-overboard practice (off-peak)

•  Good protection from light southerly winds

A hidden gem near the Gozo ferry route.

Dwejra Bay, Gozo

A dramatic anchorage surrounded by cliffs and rock formations.

•  Perfect for photographers and adventurous sailors

•  A popular stop during Mile Builder routes

•  Only suitable in very calm weather

Visit on windless days due to exposure.

Sliema Creek

A convenient anchorage close to Malta’s urban coastline.

•  Easy access to marinas, shops, and restaurants

•  Great for night anchoring during RYA courses

•  Safe holding with protection from NW and NE winds

Very useful for training schedules.

Marsaxlokk Bay

A traditional fishing harbour with strong holding ground.

•  Ideal for practising anchoring etiquette around fishing vessels

•  Great shelter from westerly winds

•  Beautiful view of colourful Luzzu boats

A cultural highlight on any Malta sailing course.

St. Peter’s Pool

A vibrant rocky cove known for blue waters and adventurous swimming.

•  Calm-day anchoring

•  Swimming and cliff-jumping

•  Great for relaxed summer afternoons

Not suitable in Sirocco conditions.

Why Learn Anchoring Skills with Sailing School Malta?

Anchoring is an essential practical skill. During Day Skipper, Competent Crew, Yachtmaster preparation, and Mile Builder trips, students at Sailing School Malta gain hands-on anchoring experience in real Maltese bays.

•  Choosing safe spots in different wind conditions

•  Understanding seabed types (sand, weed, rock)

•  Laying, testing, and retrieving the anchor

•  Med-style anchoring techniques

•  Safe use of shorelines

•  Assessing shelter and planning overnight stays

Explore Malta’s Best Anchorages with Sailing School Malta

Whether you're completing an RYA sailing course, joining a Malta sailing adventure, or preparing for a Yachtmaster exam, the Maltese islands offer some of the most rewarding anchorages in the Mediterranean.