Surfing in Malta is a unique experience that combines adventure, tranquility, and a chance to explore one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands. While it may not rival famous surf destinations like Hawaii or Indonesia, Malta offers consistent winter swells, uncrowded waves, and a welcoming surf community. Whether you’re a beginner searching for “surf lessons in Malta” or an experienced surfer seeking a fresh challenge, Malta’s charm and variety make it an exciting choice. Why Surf in Malta?
Malta may not appear on every surfer’s radar, but this small island packs plenty of surprises. With its strategic position in the Mediterranean, Malta benefits from winter low-pressure systems that bring in reliable swells. The waves here are wind-driven, creating a mix of beach breaks, reef breaks, and rocky points that offer something for all levels of surfers.
For adventurers searching for “hidden surf spots in Malta,” the island’s relatively undiscovered surf scene is a major draw. Hidden coves, uncharted reefs, and scenic shorelines offer endless opportunities to explore and ride uncrowded waves. Pair that with the island’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, and you have a surf destination unlike any other. The History of Surfing in Malta
Surfing in Malta traces its roots back to the 1960s when expatriates and adventurous travelers first brought their boards to this Mediterranean island. Drawn by the potential of Malta's coastline, they began exploring its waves, particularly during the winter months when Mediterranean swells reached their peak.
Fast forward to today, and the spirit of surfing in Malta is thriving, thanks in large part to the efforts of individuals and communities passionate about growing the sport. Among them is Valerio Cicconi, founder of Malta Surf School, who has played a pivotal role in shaping Malta’s surf culture. Through tireless dedication and a deep love for the ocean, Valerio and his team have worked to introduce the joy of surfing to locals and visitors alike.
Under Valerio’s guidance, Malta Surf School has become the heart of the island's surfing community. It’s not just about teaching people to catch their first wave—it’s about creating a welcoming environment where surfers of all levels come together to share stories, improve their skills, and foster lifelong friendships.
The school’s commitment to growing the sport is evident in its initiatives to explore Malta’s less-known surf spots, host community events, and promote a sense of camaraderie among surfers. Whether it’s connecting expats with locals, mentoring the next generation of surfers, or simply celebrating the joy of riding waves, Valerio and the Malta Surf School community embody the true spirit of surfing in Malta.
Today, the island’s surf culture remains relatively low-key yet undeniably passionate. Thanks to pioneers like Valerio and the surfers who share his vision, Malta is increasingly recognized as a destination where adventure, discovery, and friendship come together on the waves. Best Surfing Locations in Malta
Looking for the “top surfing spots in Malta”? Here’s an in-depth guide to the island’s best waves, suitable for surfers of every skill level: 1. Għajn Tuffieħa – The Heart of Malta's Surf Scene
(Home to Malta Surf School)
Overview:Nestled within one of Malta’s most scenic and tranquil bays, Għajn Tuffieħa is the true heart of the island’s surf scene. As home to Malta Surf School, this bay offers consistent waves throughout the year, with a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that makes it a perfect surf destination for all levels. Whether it's summer or winter, the bay’s signature right-hand and left-hand breaks provide a range of conditions, from small and mellow for beginners to more challenging waves for intermediate and advanced surfers.
This spot’s versatility makes it one of the best on the island for anyone looking to catch a wave.
Access Point:Getting to Għajn Tuffieħa is easy. Simply type "Malta Surf School" or "Singita" (the amazing restaurant nearby) into Google Maps for the perfect local guide. Singita is not only known for its Balinese-inspired vibe but also for its top-notch food, making it a great post-surf spot.
Locals affectionately call this area “Riviera” due to the abandoned hotel on the hill, which adds a touch of nostalgic charm.
The real name, however, is Għajn Tuffieħa, which can be tricky to pronounce at first!
Once you arrive, there’s a spacious car park at the top of the hill. Look over the fence, and you’ll spot a charming wooden swinging chair with a breathtaking view of the bay.
The stairs to the left of the swing lead down to both Malta Surf School and the nearby restaurant.
Skill Level:Għajn Tuffieħa caters to all levels of surfers, making it an ideal spot whether you're just starting out or looking for more advanced conditions.
On smaller days, the gentle waves are perfect for beginners, while on bigger days, the bay offers a fun challenge for intermediate and advanced surfers alike.
The variety of conditions means it’s always possible to find waves that suit your skill level.
Typical Crowd:During the summer months, the bay can get crowded with beachgoers, as it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. However, the surf area is clearly divided by buoys to separate it from the swimming and boating zones. To avoid trouble with lifeguards, always make sure you're surfing within the designated surf area during the busy summer season.
In contrast, the winter months and weekends see much fewer crowds, allowing for plenty of space to surf and enjoy the bay's natural beauty.
Surf Conditions:The best surf conditions at Għajn Tuffieħa come with a Southwest, West, or Northwest swell. This bay typically works well with onshore winds, and although offshore winds are rare, when they do occur, the waves can become surprisingly clean and long, particularly if the swell is around chest-high. Unfortunately, the bay doesn't handle very large swells well, but on those perfect days, you can experience some amazing, long rides.
Safety Tips:Għajn Tuffieħa is a sandy-bottom bay, making it ideal for beginner surfers, especially during calmer days. However, after a massive storm or when the sandbanks shift, stones may become exposed. It's best to avoid the extreme corners of the bay (left and right), where rocks are more prominent and currents can create rip tides. Always ask a local surfer or the instructors at Malta Surf School about the safest spots and any rip current locations before heading out into the water.
Key Tips:For beginner-friendly surf lessons, search and book your session with Malta Surf School. Alternatively, for more experienced surfers, you can rent a board and join the fun with the local surf community. The waves here are often very fun, and the local surfers foster an inclusive, good-vibes atmosphere in the water.
And if you're lucky enough to be around in the late afternoon, make sure to catch the famous Sunset—it's one of the most breathtaking views on the island.
Better yet, combine it with a sunset surf session for the ultimate experience! 2. Golden Bay (Famous but Overrated?)
Overview:Golden Bay is renowned for its picturesque setting and status as one of Malta’s most famous beaches. However, when it comes to surfing, this spot often leaves much to be desired. Exposed to southwest winds, Golden Bay is among the island’s most inconsistent surf spots. During winter storms, the waves can be powerful and challenging, offering a decent left-hand break for advanced surfers. In contrast, smaller swells during autumn might appeal to beginners, but true surfing opportunities here are rare.
While it boasts stunning surroundings, Golden Bay is less about reliable surf and more about being in the right place at the right time.
Skill Level:
Winter: Best suited for advanced surfers due to heavy waves and tricky conditions.
Autumn/Spring: Beginner-friendly when smaller, manageable swells roll in.
Key Tips:
The spot works best with South West winds, but if offshore winds align (a rarity), Golden Bay can produce surprisingly clean, glassy waves with chest-high barrels, particularly on the left side of the bay
The bay is easy to locate—simply type "Golden Bay" into Google Maps, and you’ll arrive at a large car park right by the beach.
Access Point:Golden Bay is highly accessible and features ample parking directly in front of the beach. However, during summer, the area becomes almost impossible to surf due to the high volume of tourists and designated water sports zones.
Safety Tips:
Winter Only: Surfing is best and safest during the winter months (November through February). Surfing in summer is not recommended, as lifeguards and police enforce strict rules against it due to the high density of beachgoers and swimmers.
Hotel Watersports Zones: Be cautious of the buoys and designated zones for the nearby Radisson Hotel’s water activities. Straying into these areas could lead to confrontations with lifeguards or other authorities.
Powerful Waves: In winter, the waves can be strong and occasionally deceptive. Advanced surfers should be prepared for challenging paddles and powerful swells.
Bottom Hazards: Golden Bay features a sandy bottom, but the consistency of the sandbanks depends on the swell. On bigger swells, the entrance can become rocky and tricky, making it more difficult to get in or out of the water. Pay attention to the conditions before entering, as the shoreline may change with the tides, affecting the safety of your entry and exit.
Final Note:Golden Bay is a hit-or-miss surf spot.
When conditions align, it can surprise even seasoned surfers with decent left-hand waves and the occasional clean barrel. However, patience is key—be prepared for long stretches of inconsistency. If you’re lucky enough to catch a good day, particularly in winter, Golden Bay can offer a memorable session in a truly stunning location.
3. Ghadira Bay (Mellieha Bay)
Overview:Situated in the northern east region of Malta, Ghadira Bay—commonly known as Mellieha Bay—is the largest sandy beach on the island. While it’s primarily a summer hotspot for sunbathers, the bay occasionally delivers surfable waves during winter when southwest winds align with East -NorthEast onshore patterns. Though waves here are rare, they can offer a fun ride, especially for beginners looking for a mellow spot to practice.
Skill Level:Ideal for beginners due to its gentle waves and forgiving sandy bottom.
Key Tips:
Weather Check: This spot relies heavily on specific wind patterns, so keep an eye on surf forecasts for east or East - North East winds, which create the best conditions.
Off-Season Fun: Winter is the time to visit for surfing since the bay is too crowded in summer to accommodate any wave action.
Access Point:Reaching Ghadira Bay is straightforward. Simply type "Ghadira Bay" into Google Maps, and it will guide you directly to the beach. The bay is well-equipped with parking spaces, though it’s much easier to find a spot in winter. In summer, parking becomes a challenge due to the influx of tourists, and surfing is not feasible due to the sheer number of visitors.
Safety Tips:
Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially in winter.
The fine sand in the area can blow into your eyes, so sunglasses are highly recommended.
Avoid Hazards: Watch out for numerous buoys scattered across the bay and keep an eye out for kite surfers, as this is one of the top kiteboarding locations in Malta.
Respect Shared Spaces: Given the bay’s popularity with other water sports enthusiasts, ensure you maintain safe distances and avoid collisions.
Final Note:Though not a consistent surf spot, Ghadira Bay’s rare waves combined with its accessible location make it worth checking out if the conditions align during Malta’s off-season.
4. Marleys Surf Spot: A Hidden Gem for Advanced Surfers
Overview:Marleys, located in the northeast of Malta, is one of the island's premier surf spots, favored by local surfers for its challenging conditions. This reef break comes alive with strong northeast winds and NE swells, producing fast, hollow waves over a sharp reef bottom. It’s a spot for seasoned surfers seeking adrenaline-packed rides.
Skill Level:This spot is tailored for intermediate to advanced surfers. The waves break quickly over a shallow reef, particularly in the middle and left sections. Surfers need to navigate strong currents, shallow areas, and the high risk of encountering sea urchins.
Typical Crowd:Marleys is a popular surf spot, especially when the conditions align perfectly. It tends to get crowded with local surfers, so be prepared to share the waves during peak swells.
Access Point:Finding Marleys is straightforward. Search for "Paparazzi Bahar Ic-Caghaq" on Google Maps. The surf spot is directly in front of the slipway near the restaurant.
Getting in: Enter the water via the slipway, but time your entry carefully between sets, as it can be slippery. Paddle toward the middle of the bay to avoid shallow sections.
Getting out: The safest exit point is the small sandy cove in the corner of the slipway. Avoid exiting through the middle, as the reef is extremely shallow and teeming with sea urchins.
Safety Tips:
Rocky Bottom: The reef is sharp and shallow, so exercise caution when entering or exiting the water.
Sea Urchins: Wear reef-safe surf booties to minimize the risk of stepping on sea urchins.
Rip Currents: Strong NE winds often generate rip currents. Always assess the conditions beforehand.
Buoys: Watch out for buoys during larger sets, as they can interfere with your leash.
Best Conditions:Marleys shines during NE swells paired with offshore winds. When the conditions are just right, it offers fast and powerful left-handers, with the potential for long rides. Local surfers cherish these rare days, so be ready for some friendly competition in the water.
Key Tips for Surfing Marleys:
Respect the locals and their knowledge of the break—they’ll often guide you on where to paddle in safely.
For an unforgettable experience, aim to visit on a glassy day with a solid NE swell—perfect for those looking to surf Malta’s challenging reef breaks.
By adding Marleys Surf Spot to your Malta surfing adventure, you’ll gain insight into the island’s most dynamic waves. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, this spot will undoubtedly test your skills and reward you with some of the best surfing experiences in Malta.
5. St. Thomas surf spot (the middle point) and Fajtata Surf spot – Southern Gem for SE Swells
Overview:Located in the southern part of Malta, St. Thomas Bay is a hidden gem for surfers seeking something different from the more popular northern spots. This bay works best with strong Southeast (SE) winds and swells, which can create surprisingly fun and surfable waves. While not as consistent as other surf spots on the island, when the conditions align, St. Thomas Bay offers two exciting experience for intermediate to advanced surfers who enjoy exploring lesser-known breaks.
Access Point to St. Thomas Bay is straightforward. Simply type “St. Thomas surf spot ” into Google Maps, and it will guide you to the bay. There is ample parking close to the water, making it convenient to bring your gear and scope out the waves. The area is also well-serviced by local amenities, including small eateries and cafés that are perfect for a post-surf snack and free public toilets. This spot is great for beginners that want to improve and start to surf a surf spot mix with reef , the bay is big there are waves on the inside and exactly in the line with the palm tree in the car park , to get is use the ladder and the holder on the side just down the ramp.
Access Point to Fajtata: Fajtata surf spot once you are at the carpark watch over the greenfence straight out to the orizon , on the left there are steps that take you down to a rockie flat area , becarefull can be slippery, there there is like a spliway/bracking water that waves breack exactly on front , fajtata surf spot is the only waves on front the wall , can brake left and right and the left one can create big barrel also over head, in the rare day.
Skill Level Fajtata :This spot is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its reliance on strong SE - Ne winds and Swell , which can create challenging and conditions. Beginners may find it less ideal because the waves can be fast and occasionally to close to the rocks and can make a barrel very close to the wall and very shallow water.
Typical Crowd:St. Thomas Bay is far less crowded than other surf spots in Malta.
The south of the island is generally quieter, so you’re likely to find the lineup uncrowded, even during peak surf times. However, the bay is popular among kite surfers, especially when the winds are strong, so be mindful of sharing the water.
Surf Conditions:The best surf conditions at St. Thomas Bay occur with a South East wind or North East wind or South East swell. This is the dominant factor in making the bay work, as it’s highly dependent on specific weather patterns. During SE storms, and North Weast or Weast wind the bay can deliver clean, fast waves that are a blast for experienced surfers. On calmer days, the waves may lack power and are better suited beginners and interemediate
Safety Tips:
The bottom is a mix of sand and rock, so take care when entering and exiting the water. the entrance can be smooth in both spot St thomas middle poitn follow the stairs and paddle tiny bit more wider from the rock just down the parking, for Fatjtata instead just timing properly and jump in from the breacking water, to go out paddle to the middle point.
Watch out for kite surfers, especially on windy days, as this bay is a hotspot for their activity.
Be cautious during strong storms, as the SE winds can sometimes create powerful rip currents. Always check conditions before heading out, and if in doubt, seek advice from locals or Malta Surf School.
Key Tips:While St. Thomas Bay isn’t a consistent wave magnet, its quiet charm and occasional solid waves make it worth the trip when SE conditions are strong. If you’re up for an adventure, bring your board, keep an eye on the forecast for SE winds, and enjoy this unique southern surf spot. It’s also a great place to practice your paddling or simply soak in the serene vibe of Malta’s southern coastline.
6. Playground: The Most Dangerous Waves in Malta
"Surf Coach Valerio from Malta Surf School gearing up to ride the challenging waves at the Playground surf spot."
"Surf Coach Valerio from Malta Surf School gearing up to ride the challenging waves at the Playground surf spot."
Skill Level:
Playground is exclusively for advanced and professional surfers. The waves break fast over a shallow reef, particularly in the middle and left sections. Surfers must contend with strong currents, shallow areas, and a high risk of encountering sea urchins, making this spot extremely challenging.
Typical Crowd:
This surf spot has long been a well-guarded secret, with perfect conditions known only to a few. It’s rarely crowded, and you’ll likely find just a handful of local surfers enjoying the break. If you manage to discover this hidden gem, be prepared to share the waves respectfully with those who know it best.
Access Point:
Playground’s location is a closely kept secret. Access depends on whether the local surfers choose to invite you. Respecting their privacy and the sanctity of the spot is crucial.
Getting In and Out:
Accessing and exiting this surf spot is particularly treacherous. While we can’t provide specific instructions, the reef, sharp rocks, and conditions make this one of the most dangerous places to surf in Malta. We recommend admiring this spot from afar or dreaming about it through photos—it’s not for the faint of heart.
Safety Tips:
- **Rocky Bottom:** The sharp, shallow reef makes caution essential when entering or exiting the water. Wearing a helmet is strongly advised.
- **Sea Urchins:** Reef-safe surf booties are a must to protect your feet.
- **Rip Currents:** Strong NE winds can generate powerful rip currents. Always assess the conditions before paddling out.
- **Falling Rocks:** Falling rocks are a genuine hazard in this area. Stay alert and mindful of your surroundings.
Best Conditions:
Playground works best with E or SE swells paired with offshore W or NW winds. When the conditions align perfectly, this spot offers fast, powerful left-handers with the potential for barreling waves. These rare days are cherished by locals, so be prepared for some friendly but competitive vibes in the lineup.
Key Tips for Surfing Playground:
- Respect the locals—they have an intimate knowledge of the break and can guide you on safe entry and exit points.
- For a truly unforgettable experience, aim for a glassy day with a solid E or SE swell.
By including Playground in your Malta surfing adventure, you’ll uncover one of the island’s most challenging yet rewarding spots. However, due to the dangers and out of respect for the local surfers, we at Malta Surf School do not take surfers to this location or provide guidance on how to access it.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best surf spots Malta has to offer. Remember, safety is key—always respect the local surf culture, assess the conditions before heading out, and never hesitate to ask for advice from experienced surfers.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to improve, we’re here to help you make the most of your surfing experience. If you need more information or wish to book a lesson, don’t hesitate to contact us at Malta Surf School. Surf safe, have fun, and enjoy the waves.
Aloha!
Surf Coach Valerio
Malta surf school
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