Malta boasts a stunning coastline and warm climate all year round, which makes it a good destination for water sports. However, it's not an excellent spot for kitesurfers. Malta's beaches are quite small and rocky. They lack space to unfold and launch a kite. Additionally, kitesurfing is prohibited during the summer tourist season at most beaches. The island does, however, have a small community of kite surfers that ride the waves from October through May.
The wind conditions are also at their best during this time, as cold fronts bring strong northwest winds of 6 knots and more. The winds in Malta are rather gusty. Kitesurfers mostly use onshore wind. The main problem is that winds are unpredictable, so it's hard to plan a trip. Mellieha Bay is the favorite kitesurfing spot in Malta due to a vast bay with flat and shallow waters, but kiters have to bring their own equipment. There are no kitesurfing schools or rentals in Malta.
However, windsurfing is much more prevalent in Malta than kitesurfing. The most massive windsurfer crowds gather in Challis Rock near St. Julian’s, St Paul's Bay, Mellieha Bay, and St. Thomas Bay. Challis Rock is for experienced windsurfers only since the coast has many dangerous rocks. But it works well for pros, especially with a strong northwest wind. If you are learning windsurfing, the best area is Mellieha Bay that offers a sheltered and safe environment. St. Thomas Bay is a less crowded spot located on the south shore of Malta. There are many rentals and schools for windsurfing in Malta, mainly along the northern coast between Salina and Mellieha.
Practical info
When is the best time to go windsurfing in Malta?
Malta offers ideal windsurfing moments mainly from October through May, when the island is buffeted with strong northwest gusts. The winds may be erratic, but with cold fronts, windsurfers get an opportunity for strong winds of 6 knots or higher. During the tourist season, most beaches forbid windsurfing activities. Show more
Where are the best spots for kitesurfing in Malta?
Mellieha Bay is Malta's ideal spot for kitesurfing, with wide bays that provide flat and shallow waters that suit the sport. Unfortunately, there are no rentals or schools for kitesurfing in Malta, and during tourist season kitesurfing is banned. Malta's island offers a stunning coastline, but the beaches are smaller and rockier, which can make it harder to launch kites. Show more
Is it possible to rent kitesurfing equipment in Malta?
Regrettably, kitesurfing rentals are unavailable in Malta, and individuals should bring their own gear to enjoy the waters in Malta. In contrast, there are numerous schools and rentals with the equipment for windsurfing along the island's northern coast, between Mellieha and Salina. Show more
Which is the safest spot to learn windsurfing in Malta?
The Mellieha Bay area offers the perfect location for learning windsurfing in Malta, equipped with a secure haven with sheltered environmental conditions tailor-made for learners. A less crowded place for windsurfing beginners is St. Thomas Bay located on the southern coast of Malta. Show more
What are the wind conditions like in Malta for windsurfing?
Windsurfing conditions in Malta can be quite gusty and feature mainly onshore winds. The ideal months for windsurfing are from October to May, when cold fronts fetch strong northwest winds of six knots or more. The main windsurfing areas in Malta are Challis Rock near St. Julian’s, St Paul's Bay, Mellieha Bay, and St. Thomas Bay. While Challis Rock is for experienced windsurfers due to its hazardous rocks. Show more
