Malta: 8 days of self-guided coastal hiking
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Malta
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions113.93 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover Malta, Gozo, and Comino on a self-guided hiking trip! In Malta, you'll appreciate its rich historical heritage , inherited from Mediterranean civilizations and influenced by Latin, European, Eastern, and Anglo-Saxon cultures. Every step on this island reveals a new facet of its history and culture! In Gozo, the wildest and most picturesque island in the archipelago, you'll be charmed by its exceptional natural and cultural heritage . Its inhabitants, primarily farmers and fishermen, proudly preserve their traditions. Following in the footsteps of Ulysses on Calypso's island, history and nature lovers will succumb to the charms of its unspoiled landscapes and laid-back lifestyle. Enjoy a relaxing stay with comfortable accommodations and convenient taxi transfers !
The highlights
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A nice balance between easy hikes and cultural visits each day
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A getaway to the island of Comino, between cliffs and lagoons
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A self-guided exploration made easier by a few trips on local buses
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- This route is accessible to most people and does not require any particular physical ability. The hike may include short sections off-trail, but no major difficulties.
- There are some exposed sections if you are prone to vertigo: please let us know when booking: Adapted routes are planned in our roadbook application.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 407 m
- Average daily descent: 366 m
Management
Program
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Arrival in Malta - transfer and check-in at the hotel
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 20km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After your arrival at Malta Luqa Airport, you will be met by your private taxi which will take you directly to your first accommodation. (No hassle, you will be expected)
You will be staying in a four-star hotel in St. Paul's Bay or in Mellieha in the northeast of the island. And you will dine in Bugibba at one of our favorite restaurants.
Day 1 -
From Ghajn Tuffieha to Mdina-Rabat by the northwest coast of the island of Malta
- Transportation Minibus - 00h33 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 420 m
- Negative elevation 260 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning hike:
Direct local bus transfer (13-minute connection - see details in the "internal transfer" section)
You are heading towards the wildest part of the island of Malta, the walk begins by walking along the limestone cliffs which shelter coves in a mineral setting rich in ochres and reddish-brown sands.
You then head back slightly towards the Victoria Lines, built at the end of the 19th century by British soldiers to protect the island from a possible landing on the northern beaches.
Return by direct bus at the end of the day (20 minutes)
Distance: 10.5km. Walking time: 3h30. Elevation gain: + 420m / - 260m.
Cultural visit in the afternoon:
You will arrive in the former capital of the archipelago, Mdina-Rabat, in the early afternoon. There you will find traces of ancient civilizations: Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman. Within the city walls, you will wander through shaded alleyways, past numerous palaces, convents, churches, and Saint Paul's Cathedral.
Free late afternoon in Mdina.
Day 2 -
Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and the southwest coast of the island of Malta
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 360 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Cultural visit in the morning:
In the morning, your taxi will take you directly to the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. These two monumental megalithic complexes, built between 3600 and 2500 BC and oriented according to the stars, are now listed as a world heritage site.
Late morning hike:
The Neolithic remains, located on the cliff edge in the south of the island, mark the start of a beautiful coastal hike to the Dingli Cliffs. Following the coastline, you'll pass through diverse landscapes, first discovering a jagged coast of yellow limestone, then the steep, stratified white limestone cliffs of the Dingli Cliffs. At the island's highest point, 250 meters above the Mediterranean, the hike continues along the coast, offering stunning panoramic views before reaching the tranquil gardens of Verdala Palace.
Distance: 9.5km. Walking time: 3h30. Elevation gain: + 450m / - 360m.
Transfer to the island of Gozo at the end of the day:
Your taxi will be waiting to take you directly to the island of Gozo. Everything is taken care of: pick-up in Rabat, luggage collection, transfer to the ferry terminal, boat crossing, and final taxi transfer from the port of Gozo to your accommodation.
You will be staying by the water in Xlendi for 3 nights.
Day 3 -
Northwest coast of Gozo Island: The Qbajjar salt pans
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 185 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning hike:
Private taxi transfer to the village of Gharb for the start of your hike. The hike begins at the Ta' Pinu pilgrimage sanctuary in northwest Gozo. You then follow the dramatic cliffs of the north coast to the salt pans, still worked by a small number of salt producers. Along the way, you'll discover the Wied Ghasri coves and the small town of Marsalforn.
Distance: 10.8km. Walking time: 4h. Elevation gain: + 185m / - 280m.
Cultural visit in the afternoon:
The day concludes with free time to explore Rabat, the island's capital, renamed Victoria in 1897, although its inhabitants still refer to it by its original name. This charming little city offers many discoveries. You'll stroll through the citadel, perched 140 meters high, whose earliest stones date back to antiquity. Then, you'll explore St. George's Basilica (17th century) and Independence Square, a favorite meeting place for Gozitans with its lively cafes that bustle all day long.
Return by local bus to Xlendi.
Day 4 -
Following in the footsteps of Ulysses, from Gozo to Comino
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 430 m
- Negative elevation 430 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Gozo is more than just its archaeological treasures. Its rich history has left an invaluable heritage to admire, particularly in the streets and alleyways of its towns and villages. You will also discover numerous traces of mythology, including the story of Calypso, who is said to have taken Odysseus in at a cave overlooking Ramla Bay.
Hiking :
Private taxi transfer to Calypso Bay. From Ramla Bay, you walk along the beach eastward and follow a path through the rocks that leads up to Tal-Mixta Cave, offering magnificent views of Calypso Bay. You then continue through orchards and lemon groves to Dahlet Qorrot Bay, located on the east coast of Gozo.
Distance: 13.8km. Walking time: 4h30. Elevation gain/loss: +430m / -430m.
Crossing to Comino in the afternoon.
You'll discover the island of Comino after passing through the village of Qala and descending to the small church of Santa Marija, which overlooks Hondoq Beach. Following a coastal path along Gozo's southern shore, you'll reach the ferry terminal for Comino. The crossing is free, weather permitting! Bushes of wild thyme, cumin, and fennel perfume your walk. There are approximately 300 species of plants and flowers on Comino. With its Polynesian feel, a swim in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon is a must before returning to Mgarr. Return by local bus.
Day 5 -
From Xlendi to Dewjra Bay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure on foot from your accommodation.
This coastal hike begins along the dramatic cliffs that rise 150 meters above the sea in Xlendi Bay. The trail ends at Gozo's most famous landmark, Dwerja Bay. Designated a nature reserve by the European Union, the site is untouched by development, offering a feeling of being at the edge of the world. At its heart, a stunning inland sea connects to the Mediterranean Sea through an approximately 80-meter tunnel through the cliff.
Distance: 7km. Walking time: 4h. Elevation gain/loss: + 550m / - 500m.
Transfer to Valletta at the end of the day:
Your taxi will be waiting to take you directly to the old town's fortifications. Everything is taken care of: taxi, luggage handling, ferry, and final taxi transfer. You'll settle into the citadel for two nights.
Day 6 -
Valletta on foot
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Cultural visit to Valletta:
Valletta was founded on a grid plan by the Order of St. John after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Built on a rocky promontory and protected by ramparts and bastions, it withstood the relentless attacks of the Ottomans. The knights also adorned it with magnificent palaces and churches, built with beautiful honey-colored limestone that contrasts with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
You'll explore Valletta on foot, admiring the colorful facades and bow windows, enjoying a drink in one of the squares, strolling through the narrow, sloping streets lined with staircases, and exploring the city walls. To ensure you don't miss any of the hidden gems, you can join our optional cultural guide.
Day 7 -
Return flight to France
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 15km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For your return, you will meet your private taxi which will take you directly to Malta Luqa Airport before your departure.
Day 8
Note
EXPERIENCES AND TOURS (to be paid on site)
In Valletta
- Visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral
- Private tour of Valletta with a professional guide
- Palace of the Grand Masters
- La Casa Rocca Piccola
In Mdina
- National Museum of Natural History
The Temples
- Megalithic sites of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim
In Rabat (Victoria, Gozo)
- “Cittadella” combined ticket
This post includes several heritage sites in Rabat:
Museum of Archaeology
The historic Gran Castello House
The Gozo Nature Museum
The Old Prison
Accommodation
Accommodation
Your stay includes 7 nights in 3* and 4* hotels , spread between Malta and Gozo:
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Saint-Paul Bay or Mellieha;
- 3 nights in a 4* hotel in Xlendi Bay, Gozo. A room with a sea view can be booked at an extra cost, upon request and subject to availability;
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Valletta. Accommodation is located within the fortifications of the old town or, depending on availability, in Sliema , which allows direct access to Valletta by water taxi.
Accommodations are selected in particular for their location, in order to limit transfers and facilitate the flow of hikes and visits.
Accommodation
Your stay includes 7 nights in 3* and 4* hotels , spread between Malta and Gozo:
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Saint-Paul Bay or Mellieha;
- 3 nights in a 4* hotel in Xlendi Bay, Gozo. A room with a sea view can be booked at an extra cost, upon request and subject to availability;
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Valletta. Accommodation is located within the fortifications of the old town or, depending on availability, in Sliema , which allows direct access to Valletta by water taxi.
Accommodations are selected in particular for their location, in order to limit transfers and facilitate the flow of hikes and visits.
Accommodation
Your stay includes 7 nights in 3* and 4* hotels , spread between Malta and Gozo:
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Saint-Paul Bay or Mellieha;
- 3 nights in a 4* hotel in Xlendi Bay, Gozo. A room with a sea view can be booked at an extra cost, upon request and subject to availability;
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Valletta. Accommodation is located within the fortifications of the old town or, depending on availability, in Sliema , which allows direct access to Valletta by water taxi.
Accommodations are selected in particular for their location, in order to limit transfers and facilitate the flow of hikes and visits.
Access
On the first day, after your arrival at Malta Luqa Airport, you will meet your private taxi which will take you directly to your first accommodation.
Go to the starting point
We can arrange your flight for you with the regular airlines that serve the island of Malta. Please contact us.
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights in a 3 and 4 star hotel, in a double room with breakfast included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Inter-island transfers (Malta <> Gozo) round trip
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- The detailed digital travel guide for hikes and visits
- Our telephone assistance during your stay
The price does not include
- The return flight to Malta
- The "single person" supplement for solo departures: €210 per person
- Lunch and dinner (excluding breakfast)
- Entrance fees to sites and museums are optional, depending on your preferences.
- Travel insurance (cancellation, repatriation, baggage)
- Personal expenses and drinks
Options
- Paper travel journal : CHF41.17 / reservation
- Additional night in St Paul with breakfast in a double or twin room : CHF91.48 / person
- Additional night in St Paul's Bay in a single room : CHF150.94 / person
- 3 half-board stays in Gozo : CHF96.05 / person
- 3 nights in Gozo with balcony : CHF109.78 / unit
- Room with balcony facing the sea in Gozo : CHF329.33 / unit
- Private tour of Valletta with a professional guide : CHF192.11 / reservation
- Additional night in Valletta in a double or twin room : CHF105.20 / person
- Additional night in Valletta in a single room : CHF169.24 / person
- 2 nights in Valletta in a superior room : CHF91.48 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- Valid passport or national identity card.
- Our stay is designed based on a departure of 2 people or more.
However, it is perfectly possible to travel alone. In this case, a "single person supplement" will automatically be applied upon final booking.
This supplement corresponds to the costs that are usually shared between several travelers: transport of luggage, taxi from the airport and transfers to the starting points of the hikes.
For a solo departure, these costs are borne by only one traveler, which explains the application of this supplement.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A good quality pair of sunglasses
- A pair of lightweight shoes for steps and transfers;
- A pair of previously used, flexible walking shoes (trekking type with high-top upper - good ankle support - and notched sole - Vibram type)
- A lightweight flashlight (or preferably a headlamp) with spare batteries and bulbs
- An electrical adapter
- A basic toiletry kit
- 1-2L metal water bottles or thermoses
- A Tupperware-type airtight plastic container (0.5 L)
- A pair of telescopic walking poles (optional)
- A diving mask and snorkel (optional)
Clothing to bring
- A wide-brimmed canvas hat for sun protection and a scarf (to protect the neck)
- A long-sleeved shirt will protect the neck and arms from sunburn.
- A wool sweater or, even better, a fleece jacket
- A good waterproof windproof jacket with a hood
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Loose-fitting walking trousers made of lightweight canvas (cotton or cotton-polyester blend)
- Shorts or Bermuda shorts
- A swimsuit + a bath towel
- Sports socks
