Surfing in Malta – Full Guide to Seasons, Spots and More

Surfing in Malta is possible during winter when north or northwest swells hit the island, with the best conditions found between November and March. Popular spots like Ghajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay offer short but punchy rides when the wind and swell align, though consistent surf is rare and highly dependent on local weather systems.

Like Italy’s Sicily before it, Malta gets some good exposure to the western swell channels of the Mediterranean. They aren’t as good as the Atlantic. No question about that. But there’s still something to be said for the midwinter winds that can roll in here.

They can push in half-decent sets of chest-to-head high waves which hit this rocky island to create all sorts of shapes.

The main center of surfing in Malta is at Ghanj Thuffiha on Malta Island. That’s the home of the only surf school in the country and a place that gets some surprisingly good consistency in the off season.

Adventurous types shouldn’t be shy about heading away from the mainstay locations. Locals readily admit that Malta is still very undiscovered surf territory, with points, coves, and shorebreaks that definitely work but have yet to be ridden.

My advice would be: Never plan a surf trip to Malta. Come on holiday and enjoy what the island(s) have to offer – which is A LOT – and catch some surf if it happens to be about.

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Surfing in Malta at a glance

What will I find in this guide to surfing in Malta?

Where to surf in Malta?

Because you’re almost entirely reliant on wind swell here, it really depends on where the gusts are blowing.

That said, the western side of the main island is generally the better for surf because that gets the biggest hit of wind in winter, plus the geography is right – it’s bigger, more open sandy bays.

Where to stay (when surfing) in Malta?

The way I see it, the best play in Malta is to visit in the right season (see below) and make sure you get a place to stay near Ghanj Thuffiha, the main surf bay on the island.

There’s a surf school in the area, so if some swell does magically appear then you can hire a board and get a sesh in.

• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands – This is nicely close to the waves of both the beach right below and nearby Ghanj Thuffiha (Malta’s surf capital). What’s more, you’ll have a sprawling suite, hot tubs on the balcony, and a super-stylish hotel bar-bistro to get stuck into once you’re done.
• Luxury House of Character Golden Bay/Manikata – Self-catering option with loads of style, proper Maltese architecture, and good proximity to the west-coast waves. Great option for families as it sleeps up to 5 people.
• Boho Hostel – We include this as a bit of a left-of-field choice. It’s basically our fav hostel in the area of the capital. It’s cheap and often filled with active people who would likely be happy to join you on a surf excursion if you planned it. Just a hunch but give it a go – could be a good bet for a solo traveler and the very least is a fun stay in St Julians, Valletta’s party area.

I’d highly reccomend staying at least a night or two in the capital of Valletta before you head out to the surf. It’s pretty amazing and has some of the best works by my personal fav painter, a certain Carravaggio.

Surf hire and surf schools in Malta

• Malta Surf School – Based at Ghajn Tuffieha, one of the island’s most reliable breaks. They offer group and private lessons for beginners and improvers, with ISA-certified instructors and a flexible schedule that tracks local conditions. Their rental quiver includes soft tops and standard shortboards, and they’re usually happy to offer local advice on when and where to paddle out.
• Surfing Malta – Operates out of Golden Bay, one of the busier, more touristy areas. They’re mainly for SUP tours and kayaking.

Both schools are seasonal and run sessions only when there’s a surfable swell, typically between November and March. If you’re hoping to score waves in Malta, it’s best to reach out ahead of time to check availability and forecast.

When to surf in Malta?

The best time to surf in Malta is during the winter months from November to March, when north and northwest swells reach the island. Conditions are most reliable after storms, with offshore easterly winds offering clean waves at spots like Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay.

Don’t bother planning a trip to go surfing in Malta if it’s the summer. That’s the time for lazing on the beaches and drinking wines in the shadow of Valletta’s castles, not waves.

Late autumn brings the first swells of real note. They come with low-pressure systems that get dragged into the central Mediterranean. Things get progressively bigger throughout the colder season and hit a peak in the months of March and April, when the transition winds kick in, blowing south and west.

The good news is that the top surf season here is opposite to the main tourist season, so you should find pretty empty beaches and cheaper hotels.