Hiking is a great way to discover Malta. We share with you the best hikes in Malta and our favorite routes to explore the archipelago on foot.
At any time of the year, you will always find something to do in Malta. During the summer period, the island is very popular with tourists and the temperature makes you want to spend your time in the water. The off-season is much quieter and more suitable for walks and hikes.
The island offers a diversity of landscapes: immense cliffs overhanging the sea, magnificent bays of a breathtaking calm or green countryside. It’s up to you to choose what kind of environment you want!
The best hikes in Malta
The main island (Malta) has many places to discover.
The best hiking spots in Malta are undoubtedly to be found throughout the northern part of the island. The southern part, with its fishing villages and cliffs, also has plenty of charm.
Here are our favorite walking tours in Malta:
Mellieħa with its rich history and beautiful sandy beach
Start from the center of Mellieħa. Start by visiting the church which is located on the heights of the village and admire the panorama which offers itself to you. Then go down following the road (watch out for cars) and continue along the seaside. Walk along the sandy beach and finish with a swim if the weather is suitable.
Ħad-Dingli and its cliffs
Start by discovering the small typical village of Ħad-Dingli and continue through the Maltese countryside. Lead to Dingli Cliffs. Walk along the cliffs and enjoy the breathtaking view.
Fawwara
Start at Dingli Cliffs and head southeast along the coast. You arrive at Fawwara. Take the path that goes down. This hike offers beautiful views of the cliffs. At the bottom, you will pass a small chapel and some Maltese farms.
From Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk, wild coast and fishing villages
During this hike, you will be struck by the beauty and originality of this wild coast. Go to Marsaskala and walk along the seaside. Stop at St. Thomas Bay for its breathtaking views, then picnic at St. Peter’s Pool, the natural pool. Continue to Delimara or go directly to the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
The natural pool of Għar Lapsi and its view of the Filfla islet
Għar Lapsi is located along the southern coast of the island of Malta. After admiring this natural pool, take the path along the shoreline to the west. This hike offers a privileged view of the islet Filfla.
The best hikes in Gozo
Gozo also offers beautiful hiking routes. Here are our favorites:
The bays of San Blas and Ramla near Nadur
San Blas and Ramla are two sandy beaches whose red hues contrast with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. During your hike, go up to the Tal-Mixta Cave and admire the panorama.
Marsalforn
This small coastal village of Gozo and its surroundings are well suited for hiking. Discover the salt marshes or walk in the countryside of Gozo to the temples of Ġgantija.
Hondoq ir-Rummien
Located on the southeast coast of Gozo, near Qala, this bay offers a picturesque environment to discover on foot.
The beautiful natural site of Dwejra
Despite the collapse of the old Azure Window, Dwejra remains a beautiful hiking spot in Gozo. See the cliffs, Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea.
Ta’ Dbieġi and its village of artisans
Located near San Lawrenz, this small artisan village is the ideal starting point for a walk through the countryside and villages of Gozo.
Gordan lighthouse near Għasri
Leave the village of Għasri and take the road up to the lighthouse. You will be rewarded by the view once you reach the top.
The village of Xlendi
Go to Xlendi and take the hiking trail along the cliffs of Sanap.
City walks in Malta
If hiking is often associated with nature, this activity also lends itself to a more urban practice.
Discovering Valletta
Walking is the best way to discover Valletta, the capital of Malta. Start at Triton Fountain, cross the bridge and wander through the typical little streets.
Mdina and Rabat
Explore Mdina and Rabat on a city tour: cathedrals, churches, medieval streets and panoramic views await you.
Nature walks in Malta
You will be surprised to see all the beautiful greenery and wild flowers that appear after the first rains in the countryside of Malta, and more so on the more rural island of Gozo.
To discover more closely this extraordinary nature, go for a hike, alone or accompanied, and let yourself be guided by the wind away from the urban life to discover the authentic Malta.
Here are the best routes for a nature walk in Malta:
From Ghajn Tuffieha to Gnejna Bay
From the parking lot overlooking Ghajn Tuffieha, take the path that climbs south. This hike offers beautiful views and leads to Gnejna Bay.
Victoria Lines
Go for a walk along these ancient fortifications built by the British. They stretch from Baħrija to Pembroke, but you can choose to walk only part of them.
Chadwick Lakes
Between Rabat and Mtarfa is a valley that fills with water after the rain. Take a walk along the landscaped trail.
The small village of Bidnija
Between Mosta and Saint Paul’s Bay lies Bidnija, a small village specialized in olive oil. Explore the small village and its surrounding countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Coral Lagoon
Located in the north of the island of Malta, near Mellieħa, the Coral Lagoon is a large hole cut into the rock where the Mediterranean Sea rushes in. This hike also goes along cliffs.
Comino
Finally, don’t forget to explore the small Comino, the ideal place to enjoy nature, especially since cars are not allowed. Breathe in, breathe out, relax and enjoy…
How to get to the starting points of the hikes
Getting to the starting points of the hikes in Malta is not difficult.
The advantage of Malta: the bus covers almost the entire archipelago. Most of the departure points are accessible by bus.
If you decide to rent a car during your stay in Malta you will have even more freedom. Some of the departure points have parking facilities. You can also get to the starting point of your hike by cab or VTC. More information here on how to get around Malta and Gozo.
To locate the starting points, we recommend that you use the maps provided above for each hike. You can also use hiking applications.
Which hiking app in Malta
Hiking apps will be very useful for exploring Malta. Here are the ones that we recommend you to download on your mobile:
- AllTrails (free and paid version)
- Maps.me (free and simple!)
- Google Maps (You probably already have it in your phone, it is possible to download a map to access it offline)
- Visorando
Tip : Download an offline map before you leave. Useful when you find yourself without a network!
To complete your stay, discover 20 must-do activities in Malta .
