The most beautiful hikes in Malta

Hello, here we are once again in Malta! To change things up from the paradise beaches, turquoise and crystal-clear waters, and the typical fortified towns and villages, I’d like to show you the best hikes in Malta. Contrary to what you might think, there are some beautiful hikes here, often perched along the cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea. I’d even say that the hiking trails are among Malta’s absolute must-dos.

I think nature lovers and fans of breathtaking scenery will be delighted! As for me, I had the chance to do a few of them, and they were magnificent, especially on Gozo. Gozo is greener and more preserved than Malta’s main island. So even within the Maltese archipelago you’ll face completely different landscapes. And let’s not forget Comino Island, which is uninhabited—you’ll have almost all the trails to yourself, because travelers often stop only at the Blue Lagoon without taking 2 or 3 hours to walk all the way around this beautiful little island.

After these few lines, I’m sure you can guess: I really recommend taking the time to hike in Malta. The aim of this article is to guide you through the most beautiful trails you absolutely must not miss! Trust me, it’s really worth it—Malta has more surprises than it seems!

We all agree: when people choose Malta as a destination, it’s mostly for its coves, turquoise waters, Mediterranean climate, or, for some, for partying. But once you’re there, you realize there are some lovely spots for hiking. I did a bit of research beforehand to vary my activities on site and realized there were quite a few hikes to do. That helped me scout things out before I arrived. Once there I also realized there were some superb landscapes to explore on foot.

I’d even say the three islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—are great playgrounds for walking in nature. To give you an idea, the trails range from coastal paths that follow the Mediterranean Sea, to huge cliffs, peaceful valleys of greenery and rock, and little paths leading to those almost secret coves. As you can see, there’s plenty to explore! Plus, Malta’s advantage is its climate, with mild temperatures all year round—apart from the intense heat of July and August.

Personally, what I really liked is how quickly you can switch from one landscape to another. For example, you can move from a valley to a picturesque village in no time for a break. On top of that, the hiking trails in Malta are very accessible. Even if you don’t hike regularly, Maltese trails are easy to moderate. Basically, the hardest part will be the heat if you go in high summer. You can always set off early in the morning to make it more pleasant! So, ready to discover all the must-do hikes?

As you can imagine, if I’m starting with the Dingli Cliffs it’s because they’re really worth it! It’s the highest point on the island of Malta, at 250 meters above sea level. I know, 250 m sounds low, but for Malta, that’s the summit! Honestly, the panoramic view over the Mediterranean is just incredible. What impressed me was the feeling of infinity between sky and sea, with only a few islets in the distance.

However, it’s not a continuous hike! Let me explain: there are some stretches with laid-out paths, but they’re interrupted. At times you have to walk along the roadside. Don’t worry, it’s not a busy road. Right at the start of the hike there’s a construction company, so trucks pass by (it’s a shame and not very pleasant!). Luckily, that’s only at the beginning, and it doesn’t detract from the magnificent view. The further you go, the calmer it gets, with preserved landscapes.

Practical side: there’s very little elevation change, and you can adapt the hike to your wishes. Simply put, the full trail runs from the Dingli Cliffs to Clapham Junction and takes between 1 h 30 and 2 h 30 depending on your pace and your stops to admire the views or take photos. I also recommend wearing good shoes because there are many stones. Don’t forget to bring water, because there is literally no shade along the way. If possible, avoid the hottest hours. As you know, I went in early April, and even though 25 °C felt mild, the sun beat down the whole time! But I can tell you it’s really worth the detour: the view of the Dingli Cliffs and the sea is just sublime!

To combine a nice hike with a beautiful setting, the Coral Lagoon at the very north of Malta is the ideal spot. For reference, it’s right next to Mellieħa. There you’ll discover magnificent viewpoints. Plus, it’s a place that remains little visited, so make the most of it! To help you visualize, the Coral Lagoon is a cave forming a hole in the rock, with crystal-clear, super-transparent water below. If you go to the edge you’ll see the contrast between the limestone color and the intense blue of the sea. Clearly, if you have a drone, this is the moment to fly it!

For more info, it’s a 10 km round trip, about 2 hours on average, but it all depends on your pace! You’ll find some spots that rise a bit, but nothing crazy. As a starting point, the Red Tower (St. Agatha’s Tower) is great! The path is a bit rocky and sandy, so wear good shoes! Again, there’s no shade on the path…

When you arrive at the Coral Lagoon you can either admire the view from above or go down to the water. There’s no laid-out path and it’s slippery—be careful if you’re not comfortable. People swim and kayak there in summer. But you’re clearly not obliged to go down: the view and photos from above are already superb!

Basically, it’s an easy hike with no one around and beautiful scenery unfolding the whole way. It’s really nice to do on a half-day!

If you’re visiting Gozo, I recommend hiking from Marsalforn to Wied il-Għasri. It’s more of a walk than a real hike! You’ll follow an unspoiled coast, far from everything, bordered by the sea. Indeed, along the entire path you’ll be next to the sea—it’s super pleasant! You’ll pass the salt pans, which are just incredible, especially at sunrise and sunset. You’ll then skirt the limestone cliffs just before reaching the famous Wied il-Għasri cove.

Honestly, it’s a small quiet cove surrounded by rocky cliffs. You have to take quite a few steps to go down. But even from above, the view of the cove is just wow. The water is turquoise and ultra-transparent, with a small stretch of sand. The trail remains easy, but it’s stony. What I particularly liked is that you’re far from everything, alone between sea and rock. Frankly, it’s a good hike to get some air and discover Gozo’s natural side.

Timing-wise, it all depends on you, but overall you should allow 2 to 3 hours if you go at a relaxed pace. This time there’s a bit of shade, but still not much!

If you’re curious to discover the famous island that hosts the Blue Lagoon, hiking on Comino is one of the best ways (after the boat, of course, haha). The island is tiny, at 3.5 km². So you can easily walk all the way around Comino in 2 h 30–3 h at a relaxed pace.

I think your starting point will be the Blue Lagoon, because that’s where most boats arrive, whether from Malta or Gozo. And it’s really a must-see, that lagoon. Its blue is so intense and turquoise! The only downside is the crowds. But you’ll see, as soon as you move away from the Blue Lagoon you find yourself alone facing the sea.

Even though the path isn’t marked, it’s intuitive enough: just follow the coast! To explore Comino you’ll pass lovely spots like San Niklaw Bay, Santa Marija Bay and its chapel, St. Mary’s Tower, and the Crystal Lagoon. I can tell you these places are very different and absolutely gorgeous.

Rest assured, it’s not a difficult hike. But there is very little shade—if any—and no laid-out path. So always remember to bring water, snacks or a picnic, and of course your swimsuit. You can break up your hike with swimming stops in beautiful, almost deserted coves. A dream, right?

For a quiet, preserved, wild place, I recommend hiking on Comino! If you like walking and want to discover another side of the Maltese archipelago, go for it!

Let’s head to Għar Lapsi, a hidden little cove in the southwest of Malta! Like almost all of western Malta—and even more so the south—you’ll be at peace here: there are very few tourists. If you really want quiet for walking and swimming, this place should appeal to you! It’s not really a hike; it’s more a seaside stroll!

To start, simply head out from the parking lot above the bay, then follow the paths along the coast. The setting is sublime: rocks, the sea, and impressive cliffs! To swim far from the crowd, it’s the ideal spot! It’s an authentic and isolated place where you’ll find only a few fishermen and a small restaurant to eat fresh fish. This is where you’ll discover Malta’s deeper side! I think it’s a nice change from the classics and shows a whole different face of the archipelago!

This hike in Gozo echoes the one I mentioned earlier on the island. We’re in the north of Gozo, but this time we start from the village of Żebbuġ. It’s a small hilltop village overlooking the sea. If you go down to the coast you can reach Wied il-Għasri cove.

You won’t stop there: continue on to Dwejra Bay. That’s where the famous Azure Window used to stand. For the record, the arch collapsed a few years ago. Still, the place is just as beautiful, with the Inland Sea and the Blue Hole. It’s another spot I really liked for its calm and preserved feel.

Plan for about 3 hours, especially if you take your time and lots of photos! I imagine you’ll stop often to snap some!

Back on Malta’s main island with the Majjistral Nature and History Park. We’re in the northwest of the island, just above the famous Golden Bay. It’s a protected natural park, and you can tell right away. There’s no development or concrete—everything is raw, between land and sea.

On site, the dirt paths are golden-red, surrounded by small cliffs and wild plants. It’s a nice mix and different from the landscapes we’re used to seeing in Malta! Plus, you have several possible routes to make the most of it. They’re all easy; you can just go longer or shorter. Plan between 1 h and 3 h depending on what you want to see. In any case, you’ll enjoy beautiful sea views! You might even come across ruins or agricultural walls, because it used to be a very rural area.

Tip: take the opportunity to go down and swim at Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. In my eyes these are the two most beautiful beaches on Malta’s main island. And I’m not exaggerating—I had a real crush on both! I loved the area, and I doubt many people hike there!

We’re still on Malta’s west coast to discover the rugged cliffs around Rabat, right next to Mdina, the Silent City. I’m not sure you’ve heard of it, because it’s far less famous than the Dingli Cliffs. And that’s all the better: it makes the spot wilder, quieter, and more natural.

From the small town of Rabat you can already enjoy magnificent panoramas of the cliffs. Next you’ll cross typically Mediterranean paths: fleshy plants, wildflowers, and shrubs like thyme. You’ll then reach a completely open view over the sea! One small note: the path isn’t well marked, so be careful and go properly equipped for the hike.

Tip: if you go in the morning for sunrise, the light on the cliffs is just sublime!

This one isn’t a hike but a real stroll! Yet it’s super pleasant and well known, so I had to tell you about it! You’ll walk along the sea, combining beautiful views, a nice vibe, and relaxed sightseeing. You’ll start from Sliema and follow a pedestrian promenade, admiring Valletta’s ramparts and the bay. It couldn’t be easier: everything is flat and well developed (we’re in the eastern, more built-up part of the island).

The vibe is nothing like the wild west—here it’s more of a seaside resort, with cafés to stop at. If you can, go in late afternoon. The sunset over the capital’s walls is just magnificent! To extend the walk, there’s a ferry between Sliema and Valletta: you’ll get a great view of both cities from the water—just imagine the panorama! It’s a simple walk but perfect for the end of the afternoon!

For context, the Victoria Lines Trail is Malta’s Great Wall. It’s a series of old constructions and fortifications built by the British in the 19th century. It served as a defensive line separating the north from the south of the island of Malta. This hike is like a journey through time. Between Baħrija and Pembroke you’ll cross the countryside—villages, rocks, cliffs—and, as a bonus, sea views.

Along the way you’ll find that some parts are wilder than others, with Mediterranean vegetation and the remains of certain fortifications. A heads-up: the path isn’t always very clear. To guide yourself, consider taking a map or following everything on an app.

This hike is longer than the previous ones: it takes 4 to 5 hours to cover 12 km. That’s even if you walk slowly and take lots of breaks!

In short, this hike combines history and nature in the heart of Maltese landscapes. It’s clearly ideal for distancing yourself from tourist spots and getting off the beaten path.

In summary: a quiet crossing with a real mix of nature, history, and typical scenery. Ideal if you want to get away from tourist areas and see another side of Malta.

For this last hike, what could be better than heading back to Gozo! Malta’s sister island is quieter and more natural, so you can hike as much as you like. Since the roads are sometimes rough or just dirt tracks, I got into the habit of parking along the way and continuing on foot. Even though some sections climb quite a bit, you can really enjoy it. The hills of Gozo around the villages of Xagħra, Nadur, or Żebbuġ are ideal.

You can pass through carob fields (Malta’s typical tree), little stone walls, and always the sea view! You’ll also come across chapels, farms, but no one around! To give you a route idea, I recommend starting from Xagħra. You then climb to Calypso Cave, which overlooks Ramla Bay’s red sand beach (Gozo’s most beautiful)! From there you can descend to the sea—all in 2 to 3 hours!

If you’re tempted to go hiking in Malta, timing is pretty important! For me, in early spring, it was perfect. It’s not hot yet, there are wildflowers (yes, even in Malta, haha), and the paths are greener. Temperature-wise, it’s very mild, between 18 °C and 24 °C—just perfect for roaming. With the sea there’s often a little marine breeze that feels great! I can only recommend this season!

I’d also say autumn is a very good option. After summer, temperatures become pleasant again, even though the water is still warm. It’s great for hike-and-swim days!

Summer, from June to August, is tricky! It’s super hot, often above 35 °C, bearing in mind there’s little to no shade on many hikes. If you go in summer, I really advise setting off very early in the morning. What can also help is picking coastal hikes: the little breeze always feels good!

That leaves winter, which is a good time to avoid tourists and enjoy hikes all to yourself. Being a Mediterranean climate, temperatures stay reasonable, around 15 °C. Sure, even though Malta has many sunny days per year, winter weather is less predictable: you may get a few rainy days. If it reassures you, the rains aren’t like back home, haha.

For more information, I invite you to read our article on when to go to Malta.

Well, even though I’ve already mentioned it a bit, you don’t need a ton of gear to hike in Malta. The main thing is to protect yourself from the sun, because there are very few—if any—shaded spots on Malta’s trails. Here are the essentials to pack in your backpack:

• Good walking shoes: overall, the paths are stony and slippery, so forget flip-flops. You won’t need high hiking boots either; sports or walking sneakers are enough.
• Cap or hat + sunglasses + sunscreen: since there’s virtually no shade and the sun is strong, it’s better to protect yourself!
• Water: with the heat and sun, bring water, especially since you won’t find any along the way!
• Snacks or a picnic: same as for water—in isolated spots you won’t find cafés or restaurants, so better plan ahead!

Bonus:

• Map or GPS app (Maps.me or AllTrails are great) because the paths aren’t always well marked and defined.
• Swimsuit and towel: it’s always nice to take a dip along the way!

I agree, it’s basic gear, but given Malta’s heat it’s better to anticipate!

We’ve reached the end of this article on the best hikes in Malta! I hope it helped you discover Malta differently and tempted you to add hikes to your plan! As you’ve seen, there are also quite a few hikes on Gozo. Personally, I recommend prioritizing those on Gozo and on western Malta. That’s where the landscapes are the wildest and the vibe is calmer and more natural. And don’t forget Comino: as I said, you’ll be almost alone there!
If you haven’t finalized your itinerary yet, I recommend reading our complete guide to itineraries in Malta. It’s a real boost to choose your route according to your wishes!

See you soon to discover new surprises in Malta,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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