With its beautiful countryside and secluded coastlines, Malta is the ideal summer holiday for everyone from the rambling enthusiast to the avid trekker. Although there’s countless walks to choose from throughout the Maltese Islands, here’s five of the very best that you shouldn’t miss whilst here.
1. The Girgenti Country Walk
If your walking party hopes for both lush green scenery as well as historical sites en route, then you should start with the 12.5km Girgenti country walk. Starting close to Dingli in the south-west of Malta, you will walk from Buskett past the prehistoric Clapham Junction cart ruts, before arriving at the unique cave-settlement of Għar il-Kbir, a high altitude two-level rock formation which was inhabited up to the 1830s. The route then takes you to Laferla Cross, on a hilltop which affords exquisite countryside views, and continuing to the villages of Siggiewi and Qrendi which boast fascinating churches, chapels and a pretty town square. This five-hour-long walk finishes by showing you ‘Il-Maqluba’, a mythical crater which has inspired many legendary folklore tales.
2. Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay
This rural trek takes you between the two harbours on the east coast of Malta, and affords some spectacular views both out to sea and inland across the countryside. Taking around four hours to complete in total, you should start from the old Maltese fishing town of Marsascala before making your way towards Marsaxlokk, enjoying the footpaths that are mostly inaccessible by car or boat.
3. Dwejra Country Walk
Taking you from Mgarr to Mosta for around four hours, this 10km country walk provides a peek into Maltese history as well as its expansive countryside. Initially passing through the small village of Bingemma, you can appreciate a superb small chapel that was built by the Xara family in 1685 atop a cliff that affords a spectacular view across Mgarr. The route then follows the Dwejra and Victoria Lines, as well as preserved 19th century fortification lines that extend 12km over Malta, before finishing in Mosta at the magnificent Mosta Dome.
4. Bahrija Country Walk
Starting at the west side of Rabat, this walk takes you through lush and tranquil countryside, through valleys surrounded by greenery-rich hills and coastal cliffs with stunning views out to sea beyond the isle of Filfla. Taking around five hours in total, this 13km-long country walk begins in the small village of Bahrija and has plenty to offer the history buff too, including a Bronze Age village and a small 17th century church atop a cliff overlooking a valley.
5. Marfa Ridge Country Walk
Beginning by Malta’s northern sandy beaches at
Mellieha Bay or Ghadira Bay, this 11km-walk boasts everything from wooded areas to stunning bays, taking around four-and-a-half hours to complete. From the Ghadira Natural Reserve, a short walk takes you to the Torri L-Ahmar (Red Tower) towards the top of Marfa Ridge, before arriving at the 19th century Immaculate Conception Chapel from which you can enjoy a spectacular sea view. Continuing through the rich woodland, you arrive at It-Torri L-Abjad (White Tower) and shortly after the beautiful beach of Paradise Bay, before a rough terrain trek takes you back to the starting point at the Natural Reserve.
What makes an outdoor activity even better? A picnic of course! Check out our 5 Best Places to Picnic in Malta. And if you’re in the mood for more exploring, why not visit some of Malta’s Creepiest Places?
