Malta as a Windsurfing Spot
Malta isn’t a top-tier international windsurfing destination, but it’s perfectly good for casual windsurfing, lessons, and intermediate sailing. The summer breezes are usually 10 to 18 knots, the water is warm from May through October, and the bays at Mellieha, St Thomas Bay, and the lagoon at Mistra all offer suitable conditions for different skill levels.
For dedicated windsurfers, Malta is more of a holiday destination than a training base. You’ll get good days. You won’t get the consistent strong winds of, say, Tarifa or Pozo. But the combination of warm water, scenic coastline, and decent infrastructure makes it a pleasant place to put in a few sessions on a beach holiday.
What’s Available for Windsurfer Rental in Malta
Windsurfer rental in Malta is offered by several beach kiosks and dedicated water sports centres. The kit ranges from beginner boards (large, stable freeride boards with small sails, suitable for first-timers) through intermediate freeride and freestyle gear, up to dedicated wave and freestyle setups for advanced sailors who want something specific.
The standard hire arrangement is hourly or daily. A board, a sail, a mast, a boom, and a harness if you want one. Wetsuits are usually offered as add-ons and worth taking in spring, autumn, or any windy day where the chill matters.
Hourly and Daily Hire
Hourly windsurfer hire runs €25 to €40 per hour for a beginner setup and €35 to €55 per hour for an intermediate or advanced setup. Daily rates are usually €80 to €150 depending on the gear. Multi-day packages over a week of hire offer better per-day pricing.
If you’re a regular windsurfer travelling with your own boom, harness, and personal kit, several centres will hire just the board and sail and discount accordingly.
Windsurf Lessons Malta
For first-timers, a 2-hour beginner lesson is the right starting point. Most instructors will have you sailing reasonably confidently in 4 to 6 hours of instruction split across two or three sessions. Group beginner lessons typically run €50 to €80 per person for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Private one-on-one lessons cost more but progress faster, usually €80 to €120 per hour.
Intermediate lessons (working on harness use, planing, beach starts) and advanced coaching (jibing, water starts, moving toward freestyle) are also available from the better-rated schools. These usually require booking ahead since the more experienced instructors aren’t always on site.
Best Spots
Mellieha Bay is the most popular windsurfing location in Malta. The bay is shallow and protected, the wind tends to be steady when the prevailing summer breeze fills in, and there’s a good rental kiosk on the beach. It’s an ideal teaching spot for beginners.
St Thomas Bay on the southeast coast is more challenging and more interesting. The bay is open to easterly winds and gets choppier and more rewarding when the breeze is up. There’s a small kiosk during summer and a dedicated club that runs occasional events.
Mistra Bay near Mellieha is a quieter alternative, less crowded than Mellieha Bay proper but with good wind in the right conditions.
For experienced sailors looking for stronger winds, Mizgha Bay near Cirkewwa and the more open coastline near Sliema can deliver the kind of conditions you’d hope for. Don’t expect a wave spot, but a good freeride day is often available.
Best Times of Year
The windiest months in Malta are March through May and September through November. Summer (June to August) is windier than people expect but the wind is usually a thermal afternoon breeze rather than a full-day system. Winter wind is variable and the water is too cold for casual windsurfing, but the genuine die-hards do go out.
For learning, June and September are the best months. The wind is steady, the water is warm, the rental kit is in good condition (not yet exhausted by peak summer use), and the schools are less booked.
Booking Notes
Most windsurfing rental and tuition can be booked walk-up at the beach kiosks during summer. For dedicated lessons or intermediate coaching with specific instructors, book ahead through the rental centres or via the fleet below. If you’re travelling specifically for windsurfing, get in touch and we can match you with operators who suit your level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a windsurfer in Malta?
Hourly windsurfer hire is €25 to €40 per hour for a beginner setup and €35 to €55 per hour for intermediate or advanced gear. Day rates run €80 to €150 depending on the kit. A 2-hour group beginner lesson is typically €50 to €80 per person; private one-on-one tuition runs €80 to €120 per hour.
Do I need experience or a licence to hire a windsurfer in Malta?
No licence is required. Rental centres will check that you can demonstrate basic competence before sending you out on intermediate or advanced gear — uphauling, simple tacks, and a basic return to shore. Complete beginners are pointed at a lesson before any hire. Most centres provide buoyancy aids as standard and wetsuits in cooler months.
Where are the best windsurfing spots in Malta?
Mellieha Bay is the most popular and the best beginner spot — shallow, sheltered, and with a steady summer breeze. St Thomas Bay on the southeast coast is more challenging and rewarding when the easterly fills in. Mistra Bay is a quieter alternative near Mellieha, and Mizgha Bay near Cirkewwa is worth a look for experienced sailors after stronger conditions.
When is the best time of year for windsurfing in Malta?
March to May and September to November are the windiest months. For warm-water learning, June and September are ideal — steady wind, warm sea, fresh rental kit, and shorter waits at the schools. Summer afternoons usually deliver a thermal breeze rather than a full-day system. Winter sailing is possible but the water is cold and conditions are variable.