Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026: Enjoy the buzz, unwind in Sliema
Malta’s biggest sailing event, and the perfect place to recover
Every October, Malta’s capital comes alive with sails, crews and crowds. The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 is here. The 47th edition starts on Saturday 17 October from Grand Harbour. For visitors who want a cosmopolitan day out and a peaceful place to rest afterwards, a spa hotel in Sliema is the ideal choice.
Why the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 is worth the trip
This is one of the Mediterranean’s great offshore classics. The course covers 606 nautical miles around Sicily and its islands. The crews include professionals and amateurs, and the start in Grand Harbour is a spectacle in its own right. The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 will bring sailors, fans and visitors from across Europe to Valletta’s historic waterfront.
Spend the day in the heart of the action
Valletta is at its most atmospheric during race week. Walk the old bastions, find a spot with a harbour view and watch the boats prepare. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a popular vantage point for the start. Afterwards, enjoy the city’s cafés, restaurants and lively streets. It’s a day of sea, sun and international energy.
Return to Sliema and slow down
Event days are exciting, and they’re also tiring. That’s why a hotel in Malta with a proper spa makes such a difference. Sliema is only a short ferry ride across the water from Valletta, so you can go from the crowds to calm in minutes. Back at the hotel, you can:
- Book a massage to ease tired shoulders and legs
- Relax in the thermal facilities and switch off completely
- Enjoy a sunset stroll along Sliema’s seafront before dinner
A Simple plan for race weekend
The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 fits nicely into a short spa break:
- Morning: Slow breakfast at the hotel
- Midday: Ferry to Valletta for the race start and city atmosphere
- Afternoon: Explore the capital at your own pace
- Evening: Ferry back, then a massage and a Mediterranean dinner
October is a lovely month to visit. The sea is still warm, the light is soft and the island is less crowded than in summer. Whether you come for the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 or simply for rest, our spa hotel in Sliema gives you the best of both.
Book your race-week stay
Rooms fill up quickly during race week. Reserve your hotel in Malta today at reservations@1926collection.com or +356 2133 3570 and add a spa treatment to your stay.
Enjoy the excitement of Valletta, then let us take care of the rest.
