Seek solitudeHowever, there’s plenty going on in Malta itself if you want it. Inject some life into your evenings at Msida Marina, a sheltered site close to an array of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a pint of Cisk, the local brew.
If you’re not an experienced yachtie, you can hire a professional skipper for a part, or for the whole charter, from local firm Nautica.
Novices can learn to sail in Malta, too, by enrolling on a RYA course at Adira Sailing School in the north-western village of Mellieha.
An unmissable event in the Maltease sailing calendar is Rolex Middle Sea Race. It is a 607-mile yacht race between Malta and Sicily that started in the mid-1960s by two Englishmen living in Malta. Bag yourself a good viewing position either from Manoel Island or Valletta for the start of the race. When the cannon fires it’s a truly memorable sight with dozens of yachts under sail, gliding silently out of Valletta’s ancient Marsamxett Harbour.
Charter a Beneteau Cyclades 43.4 for 4 people from £499 a day (with skipper) or for £4,030 a week with Nautica.
