Malta
EuropeLevel of surfing
Beginner
Quality of surf
Average
Call code
356
Net code
mt
Area
316
Coastline
196 km
Climate
Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers
Hazards
Extreme Heat
Best Months
November - December
Population
402000
Currency
Maltese Lira (MTL) Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.37 (2006)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) DST CEST (UTC+2)
Special Requirements
Strict Religious Observance
surfing
atamari: Aerial View of Valletta, Malta; 2006
The striking island of Gozo to the north of Malta has many surfers interested. A collection of points, reefs and beaches offer excellent exposure to all swell activity within the Mediterranean.
The main timings for the sirocco and mistral swells and winds are in the Northern Hemisphere Autumn and Spring (March and November) This would probably be the best time to plan your Mediterranean surf trip, though sitting this far east in the sea will give you the best chance of catching any swell generated from favourable weather systems.
Another source of swell is the storm cells of the North Atlantic. Many of these cells descend along the Irish coastline and then outwards along the Atlantic Coast. Occasionally certain cells in Winter (Dec-Jan) can sweep across southern Spain and into the Med. This is a rare but notable event that can send swell hurtling in a 360 degree radius, lighting up points and reefs that see rideable surfing options maybe once or twice per year.
what to pack
Rich Niewiroski Jr.: 62 mm ultra-violet, fluorescent, and polarizing lens filters. Camera used was a Canon 400D; April 9, 2007
Trainers, loose clothing - everything for the warm weather. Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more.
As usual, bring all medical things u need with you, as in some remote parts of the country it can be difficult to get them. Bring your own toilet paper and anti-septic hand-showerstuff, because the toilets are not always very clean.
Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water. Pretty much everything can be bought nowadays. But again, travelling to the remote areas, better to bring everything with you.