Best Water Sports to Enjoy While on Vacation in Malta

Malta’s crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, mild year-round climate, and rugged coastline make it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer something more relaxing, Malta offers an exhilarating variety of experiences to fit every preference.

1. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Malta is world-renowned for its scuba diving, thanks to excellent visibility (often 40–50 meters), shipwrecks, underwater caves, and vibrant marine life—including groupers, octopi, and colorful parrotfish. Dive sites like the Blue Grotto, Wied iz-Zurrieq, and artificial reefs near St. Julian’s are especially popular. Snorkelling is equally compelling and visitor-friendly, especially in sheltered bays such as Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay, where sandy bottoms reveal seabass, sea urchins, and even stingrays.

2. Kayaking & Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Explore Malta’s dramatic coastline and hidden coves at a relaxed pace with kayaking or SUP. These sports are easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for experienced users. They provide a unique perspective on natural landmarks and clear waters. Beaches like Mellieħa Bay offer kayak rentals, and SUP is increasingly accessible across the island.

3. Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

For those seeking speed and challenge, Malta delivers thanks to steady winds and varied beachscapes. Mellieħa Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and Golden Bay are go-to spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Lessons and equipment rentals are widely available, catering to all skill levels.

4. Jet Skiing & Banana Boat Rides

If you’d rather go fast, hop on a jet ski for a safari-style outing—often offered around Comino and with views over the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, banana boat rides provide fun for families, offering laughter-filled moments as you skim across the waves together.

5. Sailing & Yacht Excursions

Malta’s deep-rooted maritime heritage shines through in its sailing options. From leisurely day sails to Comino and Gozo, to thrill-laden yacht trips, chartering a vessel gives you the freedom to discover secluded beaches and dramatic sea caves.

Why Choose Malta for Water Sports?

• Impressive visibility and warm waters enhance every aquatic experience.
• A wide variety of activities means there’s something suitable for all ages and preferences.
• Easy logistics—compact size means you can hop from dive site to windsurf point in no time.

From the adrenaline of jet skiing to the mindful tranquility of paddleboarding, Malta’s waters offer adventures as varied as the people who dive into them. Make the most of your Maltese getaway—because in Malta, the sea is your playground.

Secure your stay at 1926 La Galerie today and delight in the Sun and Sea you deserve. Book your stay at reservations@1926collection.com or + 365 2133 3570 for more information.

Best Beaches in Malta Worth Visiting: Sun, Sea, and Spectacular Scenery

Malta, a Mediterranean gem rich in history and culture, is equally renowned for its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re seeking vibrant beach life or secluded bays, Malta offers a variety of beaches to suit every taste. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches in Malta that are definitely worth visiting.

Golden Bay – For Stunning Sunsets and Family Fun

Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most popular beaches, located on the northwest coast of the island. Known for its soft golden sand and gentle waves, it’s ideal for families and casual swimmers. The beach is easily accessible and well-equipped with facilities, including sunbed rentals and waterfront restaurants. Golden Bay is also a prime spot for breathtaking sunsets, making it perfect for a relaxing evening by the sea.

Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay) – The Family Favorite

As Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay attracts visitors of all ages. Its shallow waters make it particularly family-friendly, ideal for children to swim safely. With numerous beach bars, water sports facilities, and convenient parking, this beach offers everything you need for a full day under the sun. Plus, its proximity to Mellieħa village adds cultural charm to your beach trip.

Paradise Bay – A Hidden Gem

Tucked away near the northern tip of Malta, Paradise Bay lives up to its name. This small, secluded beach boasts turquoise waters and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and travelers seeking a quieter beach experience. Accessible via a short walk down from the parking area, it offers a cozy beach bar and excellent conditions for snorkeling.

Ramla Bay – Gozo’s Red Sandy Treasure

Located on Malta’s sister island, Gozo, Ramla Bay stands out with its unique reddish-golden sand. Surrounded by lush hills and open countryside, it offers a more tranquil vibe compared to the busier beaches of Malta. Ramla Bay is a must-visit for those who want to explore beyond the main island and enjoy a picturesque day by the sea.

Blue Lagoon – A Slice of Paradise on Comino

Arguably the most famous beach spot in the Maltese Islands, the Blue Lagoon on Comino is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. This natural lagoon is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and capturing stunning photos. Although it gets crowded during peak season, the Blue Lagoon remains a must-see destination for anyone visiting Malta.

From bustling family beaches to quiet hideaways and stunning island lagoons, Malta’s coastline offers a wealth of options for beach lovers. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or scenic beauty, these beaches showcase the best of what Malta has to offer. Make sure to include a beach-hopping tour in your Maltese adventure — it’s the perfect way to experience the island’s sunny charm.

Secure your stay at 1926 La Galerie today and delight in the Sun, Sea, and Spectacular Scenery you deserve. Book your stay at reservations@1926collection.com or + 365 2133 3570 for more information.

Malta in Summer: Activities and sightseeing in Malta during summer

Malta in Summer is a blend of cultural exploration, seaside bliss, and vibrant island life. Here’s your guide to the best activities and sightseeing experiences to enjoy during the warm months:

1. Stroll Valletta’s Historic Streets

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage capital built by the Knights of St John, is one of Europe’s most compact cities—with stunning Baroque architecture, fortified bastions, and grand churches. Don’t miss St. John’s Co‑Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic harbor views.

2. Boat Trips to Comino & Gozo

Hop on a summer cruise to the magnetic Blue Lagoon on Comino for crystal‑clear waters, sea‑cave swims, and snorkelling. Most tours also include Gozo—home to the UNESCO Citadella and serene bays.

3. Sun & Sea at Malta’s Top Beaches

From family-friendly Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay to rugged St. Peter’s Pool and hidden coves, Malta’s beaches cater to all tastes. Early arrivals are key in summer to secure a prime spot.

4. Water Sports & Open‑Water Adventures

Dive or snorkel in Gozo’s underwater wrecks, kayak around coastal cliffs, jet‑ski in the turquoise bays, or kayak through the Three Cities—all perfect ways to beat the heat.

5. Culture, Festivals & Nightlife

Summer brings outdoor concerts, festa firework displays in towns across Malta (Malta International Fireworks Festival), and events like the Malta Jazz Festival in Valletta’s waterfront.

6. Local Craftsmanship & Markets

Visit Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to browse traditional Maltese lace, glassware, and artisanal souvenirs—perfect for picking up a unique memento

7. Historical Sights Beyond Valletta

Explore megalithic temples like Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, the silent city of Mdina, the underground Hypogeum, and charming towns like Mdina and Rabat for catacombs, medieval architecture, and tranquil walks

Tips for a Smooth Summer Visit

• Start early at hotspots like beaches and historical sites to avoid peak crowds
• Book cruises and festival tickets ahead—they fill quickly
• Stay hydrated and sun‑safe—midday heat can be intense, especially near the coast

With long sunlit days, warm seas, cultural festivals, and dramatic landscapes, Malta in summer offers something magical for every traveler. Ready to dive in?

Secure your stay at 1926 La Galerie today and delight in the activities you deserve. Book your stay at reservations@1926collection.com or + 365 2133 3570 for more information.

Valletta is Malta’s capital city and is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, as well as one of the youngest, having been founded a little over 450 years ago. It was built by the Order of St. John on a peninsula between two natural harbours (Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour), and named after the Grandmaster at the time – Jean de La Vallette. 

History

The Knights strategically chose Valletta’s location for its highly defensible position. So they used it to fortify Malta as a stronghold for Roman Catholicism. That being said, Valletta has very strong roots in Malta’s long and complex history. Interestingly, as opposed to most towns and cities in Malta who went through an ancient evolutionary process and changed over the centuries, Valletta was one of the first European cities to be constructed on an entirely new site. In fact, when thinking of visiting a place such as this, it is wise to read up on the city of Valletta to get a good context of what you are really walking into. 

As you can imagine, being that Valletta is the capital city of Malta, despite its small size, it is packed with a large variety of sites of great historical significance, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. In fact, it is safe to say that most of the historical landmarks exist predominantly in the capital, Valletta. So much so that the city of Valletta as a whole has been an officially listed UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980 for its historical and cultural value.

This makes this city the ideal place for any history buffs out there who really want to make the most of their holiday. In fact, a holiday in Malta would be great for those history buffs. We shall elaborate on a number of these famous historical sites below, making special emphasis on some of our favourite forts one should visit.

Fort St. Elmo

Constructed by the Order of St John in 1552, Fort St. Elmo is a famous star-shaped fort which was built very much in line with the most cutting edge of fortress design at the time. 

The fort played a crucial role in the Great Siege of 1565 as it was a war machine of a fort which was built in a strategically important location set to go up against the Ottoman attacks. 

This position now offers some great unobstructed panoramic views of the harbours and the surrounding towns and villages as well as experiencing its impressive grounds which include the spectacular architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne. 

Fort St. Angelo

For the past thousand years, Fort St. Angelo has been the fortress with the greatest potential of shaping Malta’s destiny. This is no surprise because it was widely known that whoever controlled this fort, essentially controlled the entirety of the Maltese Islands. This is because, being that it is strategically located on a hill at the end of the Birgu peninsula, this fort dominates the Grand Harbour. Hence, in the 1500s, the Order of St John named this military structure Fort St Angelo and turned it into their headquarters. When constructing this fort, the Knights remodelled the building and decided on the construction of a series of artillery platforms which brought about the introduction of the bastioned system of defence into the Maltese Islands. 

Similar to the great city of Valletta, 1926 La Galerie was very heavily inspired by La Vallette. So take this opportunity to take advantage of our wide range of stunning facilities. Contact us on reservations@1926collection.com to book or for more information.