Malta could also be a small nation, however it packs in loads of range for hikers. Average terrain, clifftop trails taking in coastal and Mediterranean views and the chance to hike amid centuries of historical past make it a flexible vacation spot for energetic vacationers.
And since the 2 principal islands of Malta and Gozo are so compact, it’s straightforward to get an early begin on a half-day stroll, after which be on the seaside or taking within the heritage structure of Valletta or Mdina later within the afternoon.
Malta Coastal Stroll
Greatest for the final word Maltese journey
160km (99 miles) spherical journey, 13 days, reasonable
Circumnavigating the whole lot of Malta’s shoreline, this casual assortment of tracks, trails and historic limestone paths supplies an excellent overview of the Med’s smallest island nation. Highlights embody the fantastic heritage townscapes of Valletta and the Three Cities, whereas clifftop strolling trails give method to occasional diversions inland, via Maltese farmland and to Malta’s astounding assortment of megalithic temples and prehistoric websites.
See Great Walks Malta for a map, trail notes and data on different advisable walks. Round 5 days are wanted for the 50km (30-mile) Gozo Coastal Walk.
Marfa Peninsula
Greatest for watchtower historical past and views of Comino
14.5km (9 miles) spherical journey, 4-5 hours, reasonable
Looping clockwise round northern Malta’s Marfa peninsula, this hike begins and ends at Għadira Bay (also referred to as Mellieħa Bay). Start on the Għadira Nature Reserve, an essential wetlands space for migratory birds, earlier than strolling uphill to the Pink Tower, considered one of a community of coastal watchtowers established by the Knights of St John. Comply with the Marfa Ridge, excessive above sandy seashores and rocky coves, to the White Tower close to the peninsula’s northeastern tip of Aħrax Level.
Traversing the northern fringes of Mellieħa Bay again through the Pink Tower to Għadira, a spotlight of the return hike is a blue and white statue of the Madonna on the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk
Greatest for ending the morning with a seafood lunch
6.7km (4.2 miles) a technique, 2-3 hours, straightforward (excludes Delimara detour)
Becoming a member of two favourite southern Maltese locations for seafood eating places, this route begins by skirting Marsaskala’s St Thomas Bay, passing by the Seventeenth-century defensive bastions of St Thomas Tower and Mamo Tower earlier than heading inland via sunbaked farmland to the fishing port of Marsaxlokk. Sunday morning’s fish market attracts guests from all throughout Malta, and the harbourfront eating places are perfect for a leisurely lunch.
An non-obligatory there and again detour (3km/1.8mi) travels south down the Delimara peninsula from Tas-Silg Church close to Marsaxlokk to Fort Delimara and a pure swimming pool at Il-Kalanka Bay.
Girgenti Valley Hike
Greatest for forest strolling and valley views
7.7km (4.8 miles) a technique, 2-3 hours, straightforward
Start within the shaded Buskett Gardens, established by the Knights of St John as a searching protect and Malta’s final remaining woodland space, earlier than persevering with previous “Clapham Junction,” truly a set of wheel ruts made by prehistoric carts. Intensive valley views then observe, incorporating bucolic Maltese farming landscapes and the Girgenti Palace, now the Maltese Prime Minister’s official residence.
This rural stroll ends within the village of Siggiewi. Three church buildings and a number of other good pubs vie for the eye of Siggiewi locals, and there are common buses again to Valletta.
Dingli Cliffs to Wied iż-Żurrieq
Greatest for coastal views and prehistoric historical past
11.2km (7 miles) a technique, 3-4 hours, reasonable
Beginning close to an enormous golf-ball-like radar station atop Malta’s highest sea cliffs, this route travels down the nation’s west coast to complete on the tiny harbor at Wied iż-Żurrieq. Alongside the best way, prehistoric historical past is showcased on the Bronze Age settlement of Wardija San Ġorġ and the megalithic temple complexes of Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra, whereas clifftop church buildings are uncovered to brisk winds and Mediterranean views. On the spectacular finish level of Wied iż-Żurrieq, absorb views of the islet of Filfla and be a part of a ship journey to the Blue Grotto.
Dwejra and the Inland Sea
Greatest for distinctive coastal landscapes
13km (8.1 miles) spherical journey, 4-5 hours, reasonable
Gozo’s famed Azure Window collapsed throughout a winter storm in 2017, however the fascinating coastal landscapes round close by Dwejra are nonetheless a spotlight of this hike. From Gozo’s capital of Victoria, the hike begins at Independence Sq., monitoring west via the Wied il-Lunzjata valley to the Dwejra Heritage Park. Geological and historic highlights embody the Inland Sea, a cliff-enclosed lagoon greatest explored on a ship journey, and the Dwejra watchtower.
Xlendi Stroll
Greatest for Gozo coastal surroundings
12km (7.5 miles) one-way, 3-4 hours, reasonable
Beginning at Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour, simply reached through 45-minute quick ferries from Valletta, this spectacular stroll alongside Gozo’s southern shoreline is good as a day journey. Ending at Xlendi’s sheltered bay, highlights en route embody the compact cove at Mġarr ix-Xini – as soon as utilized by the Knights of St John as their principal harbor on Gozo – and strolling alongside the spectacular cliffs round Ta’Ċenċ. After lunch at Xlendi, it’s a simple bus journey again to Mġarr Harbour through Victoria.
Marsalforn Salt Pans Stroll
Greatest for exploring Gozo’s historical past
12km (7.5 miles) spherical journey, 3-4 hours, reasonable
Beginning at Il-Kastell, Victoria’s astounding hilltop citadel, the main focus of this loop path are the salt pans on Gozo’s rocky and uncovered northern shoreline. A number of inclines make it exercise, and there is the choice of descending to Wied l-Għasri, a slender coastal bay framed by a rocky canyon. From the salt pans – initially established in Roman occasions – the path continues inland again to Victoria via Wied Ta’ Gerxija, considered one of Gozo’s loveliest valleys.
Comino Explorer
Greatest for locating Malta’s smallest island
7km (4.4 miles) spherical journey, 2-3 hours, straightforward
Most individuals go to Malta’s third island of Comino to swim within the Blue Lagoon, however its rocky shoreline and inside additionally supply a captivating hike. Beginning on the Blue Lagoon, an undulating path loops throughout Comino’s uncovered plateau, previous the Seventeenth-century St Mary’s Tower and an 18th-century gun battery. After taking in views throughout to Gozo from Santa Marija Bay on Comino’s northern coast, the path turns inland to complete on the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon. By that point, you will undoubtedly be prepared for a swim.
Ideas for climbing in Malta
- Keep away from climbing in the course of the top of summer time from June to August, as Malta’s Mediterranean solar may be unrelenting. Cooler temperatures and island landscapes enlivened by blooming wildflowers make October to Might the perfect time.
- Getting an early begin is advisable as temperatures nonetheless rise shortly. Observe that many routes will not be shaded so pack loads of water and put on a hat.
- Comply with route markers – in several colours for various walks – and keep away from shortcuts as many fields are privately owned. Indicators marked “RTO” (“Riservato”) point out non-public property.
- Clifftop trails can generally be uncovered to excessive winds, so take further care on these routes throughout gusty climate.
- From October to Might, the Ramblers’ Association of Malta arranges casual guided walks. An annual membership charge begins at €10 (US$10.40) and applies when you want to be a part of their walks.
- Malta’s emergency quantity is 112. Observe, nevertheless, that cell phone service is often unavailable, so it is prudent to even have a printed map of the route.
- Malta’s in depth bus community is an efficient choice for returning to a place to begin for a one-way route, particularly if a path ends in a city or village. Take a look at the journey planner on Malta Public Transport’s web site.
