Best Hiking Trails in Malta: 7 Coastal Walks Worth the Journey

Malta may be known for limestone cities and clear-water coves, but some of the islands’ most memorable views are reached on foot. Beyond the busy waterfronts, walking trails cross clifftops, garrigue, rural lanes and salt-cut coastlines where the landscape feels surprisingly open.

The best season for hiking in Malta is generally from autumn to spring, when temperatures are kinder and the countryside is greener. In summer, choose a short route at first light, carry more water than you expect to need and avoid exposed trails during the hottest part of the day.

Below are seven rewarding walks across Malta, Comino and Gozo. They range from an easy coastal stroll near St Julian’s to longer routes for travellers who want a full day outdoors.

1. Dingli Cliffs to Wied iż-Żurrieq

Best for: Malta’s most dramatic cliff scenery and a rewarding point-to-point day walk.

This is the classic choice for walkers who want to see Malta at its wildest. The route begins near Dingli Cliffs and follows the south-western edge of the island through open countryside, with long Mediterranean views and stretches of rural Malta that feel far removed from the resort towns.

The Malta Tourism Authority’s signed walk continues through Fawwara and towards Wied iż-Żurrieq, the small harbour below the Blue Grotto viewpoint. The route combines paved country roads, rougher surfaces and exposed cliff country. It is best treated as a half-day or full-day outing depending on the section you choose, your pace and how you arrange the return journey.

Why walk it: for the scale of the cliffs, the open horizon and one of Malta’s strongest sunset landscapes. Keep well back from cliff edges, particularly in wind or after rain, and never cross fields marked as private property.

2. Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park

Best for: A flexible coastal hike with bays, garrigue and room to choose your own distance.

Stretching along Malta’s north-west coast from the Golden Bay area towards Anchor Bay, Il-Majjistral protects a rugged landscape of limestone, clay slopes and Mediterranean scrub. It is one of the best places on the main island for a walk that feels genuinely natural rather than urban.

There is no need to commit to one fixed distance. A shorter outing can follow the established paths near Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, while stronger walkers can continue deeper into the park. The landscape is open and shade is limited, so this is especially enjoyable on a clear winter or spring morning.

Why walk it: for coastal geology, seasonal wildflowers, historic rural remains and the freedom to tailor the route. Stay on designated paths, leave plants and stones where they are, and check current park guidance before visiting.

3. Xemxija Heritage Trail and Bajda Ridge

Best for: A compact walk that blends archaeology, old rural paths and views over St Paul’s Bay.

The Xemxija Heritage Trail climbs above Xemxija and threads through a working limestone landscape dotted with traces of Malta’s past. Old paving, rock-cut features and rural structures make this walk feel more like an open-air history trail than a conventional hike.

Allow around two hours for an unhurried visit, longer if you stop often or extend the walk along Bajda Ridge. The ground can be uneven and route markers may not always be obvious, so closed shoes and an offline map are sensible.

Why walk it: it offers a high concentration of heritage in a relatively short outing, making it a good choice for travellers who want more than scenery without giving up an entire day.

4. The Comino Circular Walk

Best for: A small-island adventure with sea views, coves and historic landmarks.

Most visitors meet Comino at the Blue Lagoon, but walking away from the busiest landing area reveals a quieter island of low scrub, rocky inlets and broad views towards Malta and Gozo. The established circular route starts and finishes near the lagoon and explores the island’s coastline and historic points of interest.

Treat it as a half-day outing and build in time for the boat journey. The trail is exposed, with little natural shade, and services away from the main arrival area are limited. Spring and autumn are far more comfortable than the middle of a hot summer day.

Why walk it: the island is compact enough to explore on foot, yet the change of pace feels immediate once you move beyond the lagoon. Check current boat arrangements and visitor requirements before travelling.

5. Gozo Salt Pans Walk

Best for: A substantial 12-kilometre route linking countryside, a narrow gorge and Gozo’s salt-making coast.

Starting and ending in Victoria, the official Salt Pans Walk crosses Sara Valley and the village of Għasri before reaching Wied il-Għasri and the coast. From there, the route follows the remarkable salt pans towards Xwejni and Qbajjar, then turns inland for the return to Gozo’s capital.

The 12-kilometre route is graded moderate, with some steep and rocky sections. It deserves most of a day once ferry travel, food stops and photographs are included. The official guide recommends the walking season from October to May.

Why walk it: few routes show as many sides of Gozo in one day. You move from a fortified hill town to valleys, farmland, a gorge and a working coastal landscape shaped by salt.

6. Daħlet Qorrot Walk, Gozo

Best for: A quieter 10-kilometre loop through villages, garrigue and the north-eastern coast.

This circular route begins in Nadur and passes Ta’ Sopu Watchtower before descending towards the small bay of Daħlet Qorrot, where fishermen’s boathouses are cut into the limestone. It then crosses a rural landscape towards Qala, with views across the channel to Comino and Malta.

The official route is 10 kilometres and graded moderate, including some steep inclines and rocky ground. Its mix of coast, countryside and village streets makes it varied without feeling rushed.

Why walk it: it is a strong alternative to Gozo’s better-known western sights, with a lived-in rural character and several rewarding viewpoints along the way.

7. Dwejra Walk, Gozo

Best for: A 13-kilometre route for geology, open country and Gozo’s dramatic western coast.

The official Dwejra Walk begins and ends in Victoria, crossing rural western Gozo before reaching Dwejra Heritage Park. Along the way, the island’s layered limestone, clay slopes, valleys and exposed coastal forms make the landscape itself the main attraction.

At 13 kilometres, this is a substantial outing rather than a quick viewpoint stop. Allow most of a day once breaks and transport are included, and be prepared for uneven ground and exposed sections.

Why walk it: Dwejra is one of Gozo’s defining landscapes, and approaching it on foot gives the geology and scale far more impact than a brief roadside visit.

Bonus: Spinola Bay to Balluta and Sliema

Best for: An easy sunrise or evening walk directly from Spinola Hotel.

Not every walk needs hiking boots or a day of logistics. From Spinola Bay, follow the waterfront towards Balluta Bay and continue along the promenade towards Sliema for a gentle paved route with cafés, swimming spots and frequent places to pause.

Start early for calm water and softer light, or go in the evening when the promenade becomes part of local life. Turn back whenever it suits you. It is the simplest way to add movement and sea air to a St Julian’s stay, with no transport planning required.

When Is the Best Time to Hike in Malta?

October to May is the most reliable walking season for Malta and Gozo. After the first rains, the countryside begins to turn green, and winter and spring bring milder temperatures for longer routes. Rain can make limestone and clay slippery, while strong coastal winds can make exposed cliffs unsafe.

Summer hiking requires a different plan. Choose a short route at dawn, avoid the midday heat and do not assume that a sea breeze will make an exposed trail comfortable. Carry water, sun protection and a charged phone, and turn back early if conditions feel harder than expected.

What to Take on a Malta Hike

Closed walking shoes with reliable grip; limestone can be sharp and slippery.

Enough drinking water for the full route, plus a small snack or packed lunch for longer walks.

Sun protection in every season, including a hat and sunscreen.

An offline map or downloaded route guide, especially where paths divide.

A light layer for exposed, windy sections and a rain layer in unsettled weather.

Walk responsibly: stay on established routes, respect private fields and rubble walls, take all litter with you, avoid disturbing wildlife and keep a generous distance from cliff edges. Always check the weather and current access conditions before setting out.

Make St Julian’s Your Base Between Walks

A walking holiday in Malta does not have to mean staying far from the island’s restaurants and waterfront life. Spinola Hotel places you in the heart of St Julian’s, close to Spinola Bay and well positioned for day trips across the main island, Comino and Gozo.

After a day on the trail, return to a comfortable room, an easy choice of nearby restaurants and a rooftop pool for a slower end to the day. Book directly with Spinola Hotel for the hotel’s current direct-booking rate and available perks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malta good for hiking?

Yes. Malta, Gozo and Comino offer coastal paths, cliff walks, rural lanes and heritage trails. The terrain is often rocky and exposed rather than mountainous, so footwear, weather and navigation still matter.

What is the best month for hiking in Malta?

Late autumn, winter and spring are generally the most comfortable periods. October to May is the recommended season for several official Gozo routes, although conditions should always be checked locally.

Can I hike in Malta without a car?

Many walks can be reached by public transport, taxi or a combination of bus and ferry. Timetables and return options should be checked before departure, especially for point-to-point routes and Gozo day trips.

Are Malta’s hiking trails well marked?

Marking quality varies. Some official routes have signs or downloadable guides, while other paths require closer navigation. Carry an offline map and do not take shortcuts through private fields.