Marina

Grand Harbour Marina, Birgu - Malta.

Birgu is the foremost maritime city of Malta which has been the centre of seafaring activity on the island for over 1000 years. In the Middle Ages, the harbour provided services such as dry-docks, storage facilities and above all a safe haven where merchants from the maritime cities of Genoa and Spain called to trade and take on supplies. All this happened under the protection of the castle that was built on the head of the Birgu promontory.

Today, one can visit and experience many of the sites associated with various historical events that happened around Birgu. For example, the modern yacht marina is based just off the Birgu waterfront, which is made up of extraordinary buildings associated with the naval squadron of the Knights of St John. Fort St Angelo still stands proudly at the entrance to Dockyard Creek, witness to nearly one thousand years of history and numerous battles. The old naval bakery today hosts the Malta Maritime Museum where one can admire unique artefacts on display, each shedding light on the links between humans and the sea. The narrow and winding streets of the walled town are charming in themselves and one can stumble across architectural gems such as the Inquisitor’s Palace.

Following the departure of the Royal Navy, the recent construction of the ultra-modern yacht marina has given a new maritime function to this beautiful historic harbour. Yachts from all over the Mediterranean and beyond now call at this unique destination to make the most of its maritime pedigree and its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea.

It is from this lovely base that you can plan your own sailing. Visit the three islands of Gozo Comino and Cominotto with their pristine beaches and caves. Gozo is the second biggest island full of character and charm. One can either use the good marina at Mgarr Harbour or anchor in one of the beaches. Quiet compared to Malta, Gozo definitely is worth a visit ashore. Comino is excellent for swimming in the famous blue lagoon which also provides excellent shelter from all winds for anchoring at night. From here you can sail round the Maltese Islands returning for an evening dip in the pristine waters of the lagoon. In Malta the large Mellieha Bay facing NE makes for excellent anchoring with unlimited space (Mellieha Bay is safe even in a moderate NE wind). Alternative anchorages are Gnejna Bay only untenable in strong NW and Fomm ir rieh bay facing NW. The Maltese Islands are packed with 5000 years of history and pre history so it can even make sense to spend a few hours ashore visiting a few of the historical sites.

Kalkara Marina, Grand Harbour, Kalkara - Malta.

Set within the spectacular and world famous Grand Harbour complex, Kalkara Bay lies to the north if the historic walled town of Birgu. Since the Middle Ages it served as one of the ports for the medieval castle of St Angelo. Here, ships from various parts of the Mediterranean came to trade with merchants established in this bustling maritime town.

On one side of the bay one may admire the massive walls that form part of the unique harbour fortifications that are present in the area. The northern side of the bay is lined with traditional seaside villas built from honey-coloured limestone. Numerous buildings of importance can be found in the immediate vicinity of Kalkara. These include the Maritime Institute, the Malta Centre for Restoration (housed in the former Naval hospital) and the imposing Fort Ricasoli where most scenes of the film Gladiator were shot.

One of the latest additions to Kalkara is a small yacht marina - efficiently run by a family business with a long maritime tradition. The facilities include fully equipped pontoons with assisted mooring and 24 hour security. Although opened just over a year ago this marina has become one of the most sought after spots for both foreign and local boat owners.

From Kalkara, clients have the option to sail to bays in the south of the island or to make the passage north and if desired onto the island of Gozo. It is also an ideal departure point for the island of Sicily with customs and passport controls within easy reach. Its proximity to the airport make it an ideal spot for charters with minimal time spent on transfers. Once on their boat in Kalkara, clients will immediately get into the maritime spirit which will certainly add flavour to an enhanced experience of yachting in the Mediterranean.

Click on the images below to view more information about each yacht: