Il-Ħofra l-Kbira
cove · Marsascala · Malta
Il-Ħofra l-Kbira is a cove on the coast of Malta.
The nearest town is Marsascala.
Malta is part of the Maltese Islands.
Also known as Ħofra l-Kbira, Il-Morra and Ras il-Fenek.
The bay opens towards the south-east (132°).
One of the busiest anchorages of the area, in clear water.
Shelter by wind direction
Good shelter in north (tramontana), north-east, south-west, west and north-west wind.
No shelter in east, south-east (sirocco) and south wind.
In the most open sector, up to 30 NM of open water towards the south-east.
Swell can come in from east-south-east to south-south-east (108°–160°).
- sheltered
- partly
- exposed
Shelter is estimated from open water and swell, not from wind strength: a strong wind can still gust over the land.
Here, shelter depends on tonight's wind. Seadromy reads the forecast and tells you before you leave.
Seabed, depth and room
Satellite imagery shows light, sandy patches around the anchoring spot.
Depth near the anchoring spot: about 4.6 m (EMODnet bathymetry, indicative).
Room to anchor: medium (about 7.5 ha).
Approach
Direct approach from open water; the routing point lies 0.3 NM from the anchoring spot.
Ashore and services
Rocky shore.
Road within 400 m: busy in the afternoon.
Almost no buildings ashore (6 within 600 m).
A remarkable site can be reached from here.
Within reach:
- Xrobb l-Għaġin Temple: 12 min on foot
- Vendôme Tower: 36 min on foot
Where to go when the wind turns
When the wind makes this place exposed, the nearest places rated as well sheltered are:
- In east wind: Kalanka t-Tawwalija, 2.2 NM by sea.
- In south-east wind: Laguna Marina, 5.8 NM by sea.
- In south wind: Kalanka Tal-Qali, 0.2 NM by sea.
Nearby anchorages and ports
- Ras il-Qali cove · 0.1 NM by sea
- Kalanka Tal-Qali cove · 0.2 NM by sea
- Ħofra ż-Żgħira cove · 0.2 NM by sea
- Ponta tal-Grigal cove · 1.1 NM by sea
- St Thomas' Bay cove · 1.6 NM by sea
- Kalanka t-Tawwalija cove · 2.2 NM by sea
Sheltered anchorages of Malta by wind
More places – Marsascala
- Kalanka Tal-Qali cove
- Ras il-Qali cove
Questions
Is Il-Ħofra l-Kbira sheltered from the tramontana?
Yes. Shelter is rated good in north wind.
Is Il-Ħofra l-Kbira sheltered from the sirocco?
No. It is exposed in south-east wind. The nearest well-sheltered place is Laguna Marina, 5.8 NM by sea.
How deep is the water at Il-Ħofra l-Kbira?
Depth near the anchoring spot: about 4.6 m (EMODnet bathymetry, indicative).
What is the seabed at Il-Ħofra l-Kbira?
Satellite imagery shows light, sandy patches around the anchoring spot. Room to anchor: medium (about 7.5 ha).
Can you spend the night at Il-Ħofra l-Kbira?
It depends on the wind of the night: Seadromy picks the evening anchorage with the forecast of the day.