Hiking Trails in Malta & Gozo: Complete Guide for Digital Nomads

Despite being a small, densely populated island, Malta offers surprisingly diverse hiking opportunities. From dramatic coastal cliffs to hidden valleys, ancient cart ruts to historic fortifications, walking Malta reveals a side of the island most tourists never see. Here's your complete guide to exploring Malta on foot.

Best Hiking Trails in Malta

🏔️ Victoria Lines Trail

The Victoria Lines is a 12km British-era fortification stretching across Malta from coast to coast. Walking the length of this defensive wall is Malta's premier hiking experience.

• Distance: 12 km (full length)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 4-5 hours (full trail)
• Highlights: Historic forts, panoramic views, varied terrain
• Start point: Fomm ir-Riħ or Madliena
• End point: Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq or reverse
• Water: Carry 2+ liters, no facilities en route

Tips: Do the full trail in cooler months only. Otherwise, choose a section - Fomm ir-Riħ to Bingemma is particularly scenic. The western end has more dramatic views.

🏔️ Dingli Cliffs Walk

Malta's highest point at 253m, offering spectacular sea views and dramatic cliff scenery.

• Distance: 5-10 km (various routes possible)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Highlights: Highest cliffs, sunset views, Magdalena Chapel
• Start/End: Dingli village or Clapham Junction
• Terrain: Mix of paths, some rocky sections

Extended route: Connect to Clapham Junction to see ancient "cart ruts" - mysterious grooves carved in rock whose origin remains debated.

🏔️ Selmun to Mellieħa

A coastal walk through Malta's relatively wild northern area.

• Distance: 8 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 3 hours
• Highlights: Selmun Palace, coastal views, Għadira Nature Reserve
• End point: Mellieħa village (restaurants, bus)

🏔️ Il-Maqluba Circular Walk

A unique geological feature - a massive collapsed sinkhole in the village of Qrendi.

• Distance: 4 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Sinkhole views, chapel, countryside
• Start/End: Qrendi village

🏔️ Għar Lapsi to Blue Grotto

A dramatic coastal walk along Malta's southern shore.

• Distance: 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate (some scrambling)
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Highlights: Sea views, swimming opportunities, Blue Grotto
• Caution: Cliff edges, uneven terrain

🏔️ Mistra Valley

One of Malta's few valleys with year-round greenery, leading to a small bay.

• Distance: 4 km (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Valley floor, carob trees, Mistra Bay
• Start: Xemxija or St. Paul's Bay

Best Hiking Trails in Gozo

Gozo, Malta's sister island, offers better hiking than the main island. With less development, more countryside, and dramatic coastlines, it's a hiker's paradise.

🏝️ Dwejra Coastal Walk

One of the most scenic walks in the Maltese islands, passing the site of the former Azure Window.

• Distance: 6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2.5 hours
• Highlights: Inland Sea, Blue Hole, Fungus Rock, dramatic cliffs
• Start: Dwejra car park
• Combine with: Swimming at Inland Sea, diving at Blue Hole

🏝️ Wied il-Għasri (Valley of Għasri)

A dramatic narrow valley leading to a tiny inlet - Gozo's most photogenic spot.

• Distance: 3 km (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Time: 1-2 hours (including swimming!)
• Highlights: Narrow canyon, secluded beach, crystal water
• Best time: Morning light is magical

🏝️ Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs

The most dramatic cliffs in Gozo, rising to 150m above the sea.

• Distance: 5-8 km (various options)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Highlights: Sheer cliffs, prehistoric remains, bird watching
• Start: Sannat village
• Wildlife: Good chance of seeing peregrine falcons

🏝️ Ramla Bay to San Blas

A walk connecting two of Gozo's best beaches through rural countryside.

• Distance: 4 km
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep descent to San Blas)
• Time: 2 hours
• Highlights: Two beautiful beaches, Calypso Cave viewpoint
• Tip: Start at Ramla, walk to San Blas, swim, return

🏝️ Xlendi to Wardija Point

Dramatic coastal cliffs with watchtowers and incredible views.

• Distance: 6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Highlights: Coastal watchtower, cliff views, Xlendi for lunch after

🏝️ Full Gozo Coastal Walk

For serious hikers - walk the entire Gozo coastline over 2-3 days.

• Distance: 50+ km
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Time: 2-3 days
• Highlights: Complete coastal experience
• Planning: Multiple accommodation points needed

Urban & Easy Walks

Not every walk needs to be a hike. These urban and easier routes are perfect for casual exploration:

🏛️ Valletta Fortifications Walk

• Distance: 3-4 km
• Highlights: Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, City Gate, harbor views
• Combine with: Museum visits, coffee stops

🏛️ Three Cities Walking Tour

• Distance: 5 km
• Areas: Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua
• Highlights: Fort St. Angelo, traditional streets, waterfront

🏛️ Mdina & Rabat

• Distance: 3 km
• Highlights: Silent City walls, catacombs, traditional pastizzi

🌊 Sliema Promenade

• Distance: 6 km (to St. Julian's and back)
• Highlights: Sea views, rocky swimming spots, cafe stops
• Best time: Sunset

Practical Information

📱 Trail Apps & Maps

• AllTrails: Good coverage of Malta trails
• Wikiloc: User-uploaded GPS tracks
• Maps.me: Offline maps with trails
• Komoot: Hiking route planning

🗺️ Physical Maps

• Malta Tourism Authority: Free walking maps at visitor centers
• Sunflower Books: "Walking in Malta" guidebook
• 1:25,000 topographic maps: Available at bookshops

⚠️ Safety Considerations

• Heat: Avoid hiking June-September, or go very early
• Sun: No shade on most trails - hat, sunscreen essential
• Water: Carry 2+ liters, no reliable water sources
• Cliffs: Many unmarked cliff edges - stay back
• Hunting season: September-January, hunters active in countryside
• Dogs: Occasional feral dogs in rural areas
• Mobile signal: Generally good coverage

🎒 What to Bring

• Sturdy walking shoes (trails can be rocky)
• Minimum 2 liters water
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Snacks
• Offline map downloaded
• Light rain jacket (winter/spring)
• Swimsuit (many trails pass swimming spots)

Organized Hiking & Groups

🥾 Walking Groups

• Ramblers Malta: Regular group walks, nominal fee
• Malta Walking Association: Organized hikes
• Facebook groups: "Walking in Malta" community
• Meetup.com: Hiking groups for expats

🥾 Guided Tours

• MC Adventure: Guided walks, €30-50/person
• Gozo Adventures: Gozo hiking tours, €45-75/person
• Malta Private Tours: Custom hiking experiences

Seasonal Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malta good for hiking?

Malta offers good hiking for a small island, but don't expect mountain trails. The terrain is mostly coastal cliffs, valleys, and countryside. Gozo is better for serious hiking. The main advantages are year-round mild weather (excluding summer) and unique historical/geological features.

Do I need hiking boots?

For most Malta trails, sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are sufficient. The terrain is rocky but not technical. For Gozo's more rugged trails and any cliff walks, ankle support is recommended.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, Malta is very safe. The main risks are heat exhaustion, dehydration, and cliff edges - all manageable with preparation. Mobile coverage is good throughout, and you're never far from civilization.

Are trails marked?

Some official trails are marked, but many routes are informal. Downloading GPS tracks or using an app like AllTrails is highly recommended. Don't rely on signage alone.

What about hunting season?

Hunting is permitted September to January. Hunters are generally concentrated in the countryside, particularly early mornings and evenings. Wear visible colors and stick to coastal paths if concerned. Hunting is controversial in Malta and you may see protests.

Can I swim during hikes?

Many trails pass excellent swimming spots - bring your swimsuit! Some favorites: Għar Lapsi on the south coast walk, Wied il-Għasri in Gozo, Mistra Bay, and various coastal access points.