Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago of three main islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—offers hill walking tourists a unique blend of rugged coastal trails, rolling countryside, and historic landscapes.
Hill walking in Malta combines dramatic coastal cliffs, prehistoric sites, and medieval villages, with trails suitable for various skill levels.
- Coastal Cliffs: Malta’s coastline features rugged cliffs, ideal for exhilarating walks. The Dingli Cliffs, the archipelago’s highest point at 253m, offer panoramic Mediterranean views, especially at sunset. Gozo’s Xlendi Walk traces cliff-edged coasts to the Sanap Cliffs, showcasing limestone formations and sea vistas.
- Rural Countryside: Inland trails, like those around Mdina and Rabat, weave through olive groves, vineyards, and villages like Safi or Anton. Walkers encounter windmills, Roman walls, and pastoral landscapes, blending nature with history.
- Cultural Landmarks: Trails often pass UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo or Ħaġar Qim on Malta’s south coast. Mdina, the “Silent City,” perched on a hill, offers walks through medieval streets with island-wide views from Bastion Square.
- Trail Variety: Most hikes are moderate, with distances of 5–25 km and elevations under 300m. Examples include the 22.5-km Mdina to Żurrieq trail, passing historic windmills, and the 12-km Victoria Lines trek, following a 19th-century defensive wall across Malta’s northern ridge.
Trail Conditions and Accessibility:
- Terrain: Trails range from well-trodden coastal paths to rocky, uneven tracks. Cobblestone streets in Valletta and Mdina require sturdy shoes, especially after rain, when surfaces can be slippery. Coastal erosion areas, like those near Ħaġar Qim, demand caution due to falling rocks.
- Climate: With 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer ideal walking conditions (20–25°C). Summer (30°C) requires early starts to avoid heat, while winter (13–16°C) brings high winds but quieter trails.
- Navigation: Trails are not always well-marked, so apps like Komoot or Maps.me, or guided tours, are recommended. Walking with a buddy or informing someone of your route is advised, especially on remote Gozo or Comino paths.
- Safety: Malta is safe, with a low crime rate (night walking safety index: 66.14). However, petty crimes like pickpocketing occur in busy areas. Carry water, sun protection, and a charged phone, as some trails lack facilities.
Key Walking Destinations Malta Island:
- Dingli Cliffs: A 5–10 km coastal walk with breathtaking sea views, passing the tiny St. Mary Magdalene Chapel. Best at sunset, it’s accessible by bus 201 from Rabat.
- Victoria Lines: A 12-km trail along a historic fortification from Rabat to Mosta, offering valley views and military history. Moderate difficulty, with some steep sections.
- Mdina to Żurrieq: A 22.5-km hike through countryside, passing St. Nicholas Church (1434), windmills, and the Blue Grotto. It ends at Żurrieq’s coast, with Xarolla Windmill open weekends.
- Xemxija Heritage Trail: A 3–5 km loop near St. Paul’s Bay, blending Roman apiaries, Punic tombs, and coastal views. Ideal for history buffs.
Key Walking Destinations Gozo:
- Xlendi Walk: A 5–7 km cliffside trail from Xlendi Bay to Sanap Cliffs, with dramatic sea caves and salt pans. Moderate, with uneven terrain.
- Ta’ Ġurdan Hill: A short 2–3 km hike near Għarb, leading to a lighthouse with 360° island views. Quiet and scenic, perfect for sunset.
- Dwejra to San Lawrenz: A 6–8 km trail passing the former Azure Window site, Inland Sea, and Billinghurst Cave, offering rugged coastal beauty.
Key Walking Destinations Comino:
- Blue Lagoon Loop: A 4–5 km trail around Comino’s rocky interior, with views of the turquoise Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves. Best in spring to avoid crowds, as Comino lacks roads and facilities.
Cultural and Practical Highlights:
- Village Interaction: Trails pass through villages like Marsaxlokk, where Sunday markets offer pastizzi (savory pastries) and local honey. Walkers can engage with friendly locals, 90% of whom speak English, reflecting Malta’s bilingual (Maltese/English) culture.
- Events: Village festas (May–September) along trails feature street food and fireworks, adding vibrancy. The Malta International Airshow (September) may be visible from coastal paths.
- Transport: Public buses (e.g., €2–€2.50 tickets, €21 weekly pass) connect trailheads like Dingli or Rabat. Ferries to Gozo (€5–€10 round-trip) and Comino depart from Ċirkewwa, taking 20–30 minutes. Car rentals (€20–€40/day) offer flexibility but require an International Driving Permit for non-EU visitors.
- Accommodation: Budget hostels in Sliema (€30–€50/night), mid-range hotels in Valletta (€80–€150), or rural B&Bs on Gozo suit walkers. Many offer trailhead proximity or parking.
Best-Known Facilities for Hill Walkers:
- Public Transport (Tallinja): Affordable buses (€21 weekly Explore ticket) serve trailheads like Dingli Cliffs (bus 201), Mdina (bus 50), and Ċirkewwa for Gozo/Comino ferries. The Tallinja app provides schedules. Electric mini-cabs in Valletta aid urban walks.
- Visitor Centers: The Valletta Visitor Centre (near St. John’s Co-Cathedral) offers trail maps and guides. Gozo’s Cittadella Visitor Centre in Victoria provides hiking itineraries for Xlendi and Ta’ Ġurdan. Entry to both is €5, including nearby museums.
- Guided Tour Operators: Malta Rural Tours and EcoTours Malta offer half-day (€30–€50) and full-day (€60–€80) guided hikes, covering Mdina, Dingli, or Gozo’s cliffs. These include transport and historical insights.
- Trail Apps and Maps: Komoot and Maps.me are widely used for offline navigation, as trail signage can be sparse. The Malta Tourism Authority website (visitmalta.com) offers downloadable trail guides.
- Rest Stops and Amenities: Coastal trails like Dingli have nearby cafes (e.g., Diar il-Bniet in Dingli). Rural trails lack facilities, but villages like Safi or Marsaxlokk offer kiosks with pastizzi, ftira (€2–€5), and Kinnie. Water refill stations are rare, so carry 1–2 liters.
- Safety Services: Beaches near trails (e.g., Golden Bay) have lifeguards and flag systems in summer. Emergency services (dial 112) are free and responsive. The Malta Tourism Authority provides beach safety codes online.
What’s New for Hill Walking Tourists in 2025
- Malta’s tourism board is enhancing outdoor experiences to manage overtourism and promote sustainability, aligning with SDG 12. Here are the key updates for 2025:
- Improved Trail Signage and Maintenance: The Malta Tourism Authority is upgrading signage on popular trails like Dingli Cliffs and Victoria Lines, addressing complaints about unclear routes. New markers and QR codes linking to digital maps will be installed by mid-2025, starting with Mdina and Gozo’s Xlendi Walk.
- Impact: Walkers can navigate more confidently without relying solely on apps or guides, enhancing safety and accessibility.
- Guided hikes to Ta’ Ġurdan Hill, Sanap Cliffs, and Dwejra, with local guides sharing ecological and historical insights. The event promotes rural trails to ease pressure on Valletta and Comino.
- Wied iż-Żurrieq Valley Promotion: The Wied iż-Żurrieq Valley, a scenic trail leading to the Blue Grotto, is being marketed as a top 2025 hiking spot. New rest areas and benches enhance the 3–5 km walk, which offers sea views and swimming spots. This trail provides a quieter alternative to Dingli, with improved amenities for relaxation.
Sustainable Trail Initiatives:
- BirdPark Malta (Salina): Opened to the public in 2025, this conservation park near St. Paul’s Bay offers short walking trails (1–2 km) with birdwatching and educational stops. It promotes eco-friendly hiking, with proceeds supporting marine and avian preservation.
- Gozo Eco-Trails: New marked paths in Gozo’s countryside, like those near Għarb, emphasize low-impact hiking. Guided tours highlight sustainable agriculture, with stops at olive groves.
- Impact: These initiatives cater to eco-conscious walkers, diversifying trail options and reducing environmental strain.
- Malta Pass Enhancements: The 2025 Malta Pass (€50–€100 for 1–3 days) now includes discounts on guided hiking tours and entry to trail-adjacent sites like Ħaġar Qim (€10) and Cittadella museums (€5). Delivery to hotels streamlines access. Walkers save on costs while exploring historical sites along trails, encouraging longer stays.
Practical Tips for Hill Walking Tourists
- When to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer 20–25°C weather, ideal for hiking. Summer (July–August) is hot (30°C), requiring early starts. Winter (January–February) is mild (13–16°C) but windy, with quieter trails.
- Gear: Wear sturdy walking shoes for cobblestones and rocky paths. Carry a sun hat, sunglasses, 1–2 liters of water, and sunscreen. A lightweight rain jacket is useful for winter.
- Getting Around: Buses (€2–€2.50, €21 weekly pass) reach trailheads like Dingli (bus 201) or Mdina (bus 50). Ferries to Gozo (€5–€10) and Comino depart from Ċirkewwa. Rent a car (€20–€40/day) for remote trails, but parking is limited in Mdina and Valletta.
- Accommodations: Stay in Rabat (€50–€100/night) for Mdina and Dingli access, Sliema (€80–€150) for urban trails, or Gozo’s Victoria (€40–€80) for rural hikes. Book early for spring; winter offers deals.
- Safety: Inform someone of your route, especially on Comino or Gozo’s cliffs. Check weather for high winds or rain, which can make coastal trails risky. Dial 112 for emergencies.
- Etiquette: Respect private farmland along trails, avoid picking prickly pears or olives, and keep noise low in villages during festas. Buy snacks like pastizzi from local kiosks to support communities.
Malta’s hill walking tourism leverages its compact size and historical depth, offering trails that blend nature and culture. Walkers should explore lesser-known routes like Xemxija or Wied iż-Żurrieq to reduce pressure on hotspots and support local economies through purchases at village markets. By respecting trail limits and engaging with locals, walkers can ensure Malta’s landscapes remain a draw for future visits.
- Aer Lingus and Ryanair both fly direct from Dublin to Malta. Ryanair also flies from Belfast and Shannon while Jet2 flies from Belfast. Visitmalta.com offers trail maps and event updates.
