Hiking in Malta

While Malta is highly urbanized, its rural west coast, the northern ridges, and the island of Gozo offer spectacular, dramatic landscapes perfect for hiking. The terrain is characterized by rugged limestone cliffs, deep valleys (widien), and low-lying Mediterranean scrubland known as garigue.

Built by the British military in the late 19th century to protect the southern half of the island from a land invasion from the north, this 12km line of fortifications stretches coast-to-coast across the width of Malta.

• The Route: It follows a natural geological fault line. You can walk almost the entire length, passing by historic forts (like Fort Madalena and Fort Mosta), deep valleys, and offering panoramic views of the northern half of the island.
• Difficulty: Moderate. While the path is mostly clear, parts of the wall have crumbled, requiring some scrambling.
• How to Get There: You can tackle this in sections. To start from the east, take a bus to Madliena or Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. To start from the west (the most dramatic section), take a bus to Mġarr or Mtaħleb and head towards the coast at Fomm ir-Riħ.

This is arguably Malta's most spectacular coastal walk, offering uninterrupted views of the open Mediterranean Sea and the uninhabited islet of Filfla.

• The Route: Start at the Dingli Radar Station (the highest point in Malta). Walk south along the sheer, 250-meter drop of the Dingli Cliffs. The route takes you past the mysterious prehistoric cart ruts of "Clapham Junction", down through the valley of Fawwara, and eventually brings you to the stunning coastal arches of the Blue Grotto in Żurrieq.
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The terrain is mostly flat asphalt and clear dirt paths, but it is entirely exposed to the sun and wind.
• How to Get There: Take bus route 201 (which runs between Rabat and the Airport). You can get off directly at the "Dingli Cliffs" stop to start, and catch the same bus route back from the "Grotto" stop when you finish.

If you want a hike that combines nature with millennia of history, this short but incredibly dense trail in the north of Malta is perfect.

• The Route: Starting on a Roman road behind Xemxija Bay, this trail packs an incredible amount of history into a small area. You will hike past ancient Roman baths, an ancient apiary (for honey making), 1000-year-old carob trees, and Punic tombs. The path then sweeps down into the secluded and beautiful Mistra Bay.
• Difficulty: Easy. It is a well-marked, family-friendly trail.
• How to Get There: Take almost any northbound bus heading to Mellieħa or Ċirkewwa (such as the 41, 42, 221, or 222) and get off at the "Roti" or "Xemxija" stops. The trailhead is just a short walk up the hill behind the Xemxija church.