THE MALTESE ISLANDS , , , AND ST PAUL'S ISLET The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the center of the Mediterranean 93 km south of and 288 km north of Africa. The Maltese archipelago, consists of mainly three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. The archipelago is named after Malta which is the largest island of the group. MALTA

Malta is an advanced economy. The country is a member of the and enjoys sunny weather nearly all the year. San Ġiljan is a town in the Central Region of Malta. It is known for tourism- oriented businesses, such as hotels, restaurants and nightclubs which are centred mainly in an area known as . Spinola bay Malta is about 316 km2 with population of over 400,000 inhabitants. , is the capital city of Malta.

Valletta Marina is situated in picturesque Kalkara Creek in the heart of Malta’s .

Kalkara Marina Marsascala is an ancient fishing village, with a picturesque bay and a good restaurants, located in the southeast corner of the island. Marsascala Facing Northeast this is a little known unspoiled anchorage with clean clear waters for bathing. Ideal for leisurely days at anchor or overnight stays. Good holding ground. Il Hofra l-Kbira is a fishing village in the South part of Malta famous for its fish market, colorful boats and fish restaurants. Marsaxlokk The Blue Grotto is a fantastic cave system with fantastic light reflections inside and a beautiful large arch opposite the island of Filfla. Blue Grotto Filfla is a small, mostly barren, uninhabited islet 5 km (3.1 miles) south of Malta, and is the most southerly point of the Maltese Archipelago. Filfla Gnejna Bay is a sandy beach with limestone cliff perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Re commended for anchoring. No services, good holding ground. Gnejna Bay village is a set of wooden houses. This village was created in 1980 to serve as a set and location for the musical Popeye. Today, it's open to the public. Popeye Village Għajn Tuffieħa is one of Malta's most beautiful beaches. Almost untouched by man, with natural beauty all around you. Soft sandy bottom, good mooring. Għajn Tuffieħa Facing N/NE Selmun Bay is a lovely small sandy bay. A great place to escape the crowds. Soft sandy bottom. Good holding. Selmun Bay St. Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on the island on his way to Rome to be prosecuted. Good anchoring protected from N/NW. St Paul's Island Comino covers only 3.5 km2. The island is situated in between of Gozo and Malta. Comino is named after the cumin herb that once flourished on the Island. Comino The Blue Lagoon with its crystal clear turquoise water, compared with bounty paradises in the tropics. Ideal for over night anchoring. Blue Lagoon Crystal lagoon is a lovely bay. It is fringed by steep cliffs and therefore accessed only by boats. Sea is crystal clear and the bottom is good holding ground. Crystal Lagoon Elephant Rock is a sea natural arch eroded through Upper Coralline limestone. It is located on the east side of Comino Island Elephant Rock Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. Its landscape is spectacular with many green hills, rocky cliffs and caves. Gozo The harbour is also used by local fishing boats, day tripper boats, plus the drive on passenger ferries running between Gozo and Malta. Mgarr Marina This is a long and narrow waterway leading to a beach at its extremity. Very good holding ground. Excellent for swimming. Mgarr ix-Xini Facing W/SW. This is a very picturesque bay. A number of good restaurants and bars surround the bay. Small sandy beach. Good anchorage. bay Entrance to the bay is facing North. Good holding ground. Beautiful clean sea. Very peaceful. Recommended for overnight stay. The Azure Window is Gozo’s iconic flat-topped natural limestone arch over the sea at Dwejra. It can be seen from the shore or from a boat. Azure Window A very scenic inlet too narrow to access by yacht but anchoring outside and visiting by tender one will find a small bay at its extremity. Wied il-Ghasri This is Gozo's, and arguably Malta's, best beach. A wide stretch of red sand, it is often referred to locally as “Ramla il- Ħamra” – the Red Sandy Beach! Ramla Bay This is a beautiful little bay situated behind a large rock, which is ideal for day trips. Good anchorage. Quite close to shelter in Mgarr Harbour Gebel tal-Halfa