2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • 8 day self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£910GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MLT

Trip highlights

  • Discovering on foot the Hagar Qim Site and 5,000 years old Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Experiencing the rugged cliffs and beaches of Malta and Gozo
  • Sampling exquisite local cuisine including Pastizzi, Maltese fresh bread and seafood

Experience the allure of Malta on a walking holiday that reveals the islands’ natural beauty and cultural treasures. After the summer heat subsides, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, lush fields, and greenery. Picture trails lined with fennel, clover, wild iris, and myrtle as you meander through the countryside—where nearly 80% of the Maltese Islands remain untouched by urban development. The extensive network of tracks and lanes offers endless opportunities to explore everything from towering cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean to the rocky expanses of the garrigue and serene, hidden valleys. As you walk, uncover Malta’s rich history, with mysterious prehistoric sites, ancient cave chapels, and the grand palaces of the Knights. On Gozo, marvel at the Ta’ Dbiegi artisan village, the panoramic views from Gordan Lighthouse, and the centuries-old Salt Pans near Marsalforn. In the evenings, immerse yourself in the charm of towns like Victoria, Rabat, and Gharb, where tasting local delicacies are the perfect way to end your day of discovery.

Countries:

Malta

Starting Point:

Malta (Rabat)

Itinerary

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After arriving in Malta make your way to your accommodation in Rabat for check-in. Later you can take some time to explore all the major sights in Rabat, chapels, cathedral, including its impressive Medina fortress, one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe. This labyrinth of narrow alleys and limestone buildings fascinates thousands of travellers, who go there every year to discover this key city in Malta's history. Rabat is an historic city that is home to Roman and Christian vestiges. Its main attraction is the Catacombs of St. Paul, underground tunnels where the saint took refuge during his stay in Malta.

Meals:  Nil

In the morning a short transfer will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hagar Qim. Between 3600 and 3200 B.C., Neolithic civilizations built this incredible stone complex using advanced techniques. Because of the temple's excellent state of preservation, it is believed that it may have been covered by a stone vault that protected it from the sun and the elements. In addition, one of its walls contains the largest megalith in Malta, at 5.2 metres long and 57 tons. The temple builders used spherical stones and ramps to place these large stones vertically. After a visit here, start your first coastal walk toward Dingli Cliff. It is a pleasant walk on a path and asphalt road. You then climb along fields and vineyards to the famous Dingli cliff viewpoint. From Dingli Cliff viewpoint it is possible to walk all the way back to Rabat passing through Buskett or take the bus. Walking: 8.5km/5.3mi, +360m/1181ft, -290m/951ft

Meals:  B

In the morning at 8.45am there will be a transfer to Imgarr from where you will commence your coastal walk to Popeye Village, set of the 1980's "Popeye" musical, now a village with a theme park offering boat trips and dining options. Along the way you can stop for a swim in Ghajn, a nice beach spot underneath Clay Cliffs. Finishing with a transfer to Cirkewwa, take the ferry to Mgarr on Gozo Island. From here a short transfer will take you to your accommodation in Gharb. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +185m/607ft, -260m/853ft

Meals:  B

Today you start your walk from Gharb. The walk from Gharb to the coast (Wied il Ghasri) runs on asphalt road and secondary country roads passing by the imposing Ta Pinu Abbey. Continue along the coast to Dwerja Bay with beautiful panoramic views of the cliff. From here you can take a short boat trip in Dwerja Bay (cash only) to visit the grottos. Finish your walk at Dwejra Bay from where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset before heading back to Gharb by bus. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +260m/853ft, -360m/1181ft

Meals:  B

A short transfer will take you to Xlendi from where you start a lovely coastal route passing farmers fields, always with the stunning view of the cliffs. In Sannat you walk a short section on asphalt road through the village and then along a panoramic road with the view of Medina fortress. You reach Mgarr ix-Xini bay, a nice place to stop for a swim and lunch, just before the last few kilometres along the coast to the port. From here you take a bus to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Also known as Rabat, Victoria is known for its medieval citadel with fortified walls. There are a number of sites worth visiting within the citadel including the Gran Castello Historic House, now a folklore museum, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gozo Cathedral resplendent with its decorated ceiling and the Old Prison, whose walls have the etchings of former prisoners. The next 3 nights are spent in Victoria, allowing plenty of time to take in these attractions at your leisure. Walking: 12.5km/7.8mi, +-500m/1640ft

Meals:  B

A short bus ride will take you back to Xlendi from where you start a steep ascent to the top of the cliff passing farming land typical of this rural area until you reach the west coast. Fields run all the way up to the coastal cliffs and you will hear songbirds as you immerse yourself in these rural scenes. At Dwejra Bay from you can enjoy a breath-taking sunset before heading back to Victoria by bus. Walking: 6.5km/4mi, +290m/951ft, -280m/919ft

Meals:  B

Today is the day to relax and you have two optional walks to choose from: Walk A: enjoy the unique island of Comino, the tiny island between Malta and Gozo. A short bus ride will take you to the ferry port in Mgarr from where you will board a ferry to Comino. Once you have seen its famed and stunningly beautiful Blue Lagoon, walk around the island for some solitude and stunning views. On arrival back at the harbour, board a ferry back to Gozo and make your way by local bus or taxi back to Victoria. Walk B: a short walk along the coast from Marsalforn, where you can visit the salt pans, to the famous red sand Ramla Beach. You follow an undulating coastal path with several swimming spots along the coast. There are few sections on loose and steep terrain, be careful. Walking: 3km/1.8mi, +-140m/459ft or 6km/3.6mi, +-100m/328ft

Meals:  B

The trip ends after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights or other services with us. It is possible to take the direct ferry from Gozo to Cirkewwa or the high speed boat to Valletta.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 7 nights in carefully chosen hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person)
  • Transfer day 2 from Rabat to Hagar Qim, day 3 from Rabat to L-Imgarr, Popeye Village to Cirkewwa Harbour and from Mgarr to Victoria, day 4 from Gharb to Ghasri and day 5 from Gharb to Xlendi
  • Digital information pack including navigational app, route book and maps
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Malta
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers using public transport
  • Entrance fees
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist Tax - allow EUR9-12 pp - payable directly to the hotels
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

The walking is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily walks between 2 and 6 hours, with a few coastal sections on more difficult rocky paths requiring care. The walks mostly follow rocky coastal footpaths, sometimes through low vegetation/bushes, mule tracks and footpaths and a few sections of secondary surfaced roads as you enter the villages/towns. Though the distances and elevation are generally short, some of the terrain can be rocky and the trail not always obviously visible. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend that you have some previous experience of trekking. Waymarking - there are no official walking trails maintained by the government in Malta nor waymarking.

Departure dates

daily from 15 Sep to 15 May

Priceper person from

£910GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Private transfer Malta Airport to Rabat (1 - 3 person)GBP£30
  • Single supplementGBP£330
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£450
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.