Hiking in Malta
Essential Tips and 4 Must-Do Malta Hikes You Can’t Miss
Hiking in Malta and Gozo is a fantastic and very unique experience, but it’s worth doing a bit of homework beforehand.
I visit the Maltese Achepelgo at least once a year to explore new trails and take in the incredible scenery.
In this guide, you’ll find all the essential info and helpful tips for hiking in Malta and Gozo, along with three must-do trails that I highly recommend.
Whether you’re looking for stunning coastal views, historic paths, or peaceful spots far from the crowds, Malta has it all.
Important things to know about hiking in Malta
Hiking in Malta comes with its own set of rules and challenges. The most important thing to know: there are very few marked trails.
The only trail signs I’ve come across during my hikes in Malta are along the Victoria Lines Trail. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on your own navigation skills.
While the island offers plenty of paths and tracks, where they actually lead is often unclear. Some abruptly end at a cliff, in the middle of nowhere, or on private property.
On Gozo, red dots on stones or rocks occasionally mark hiking routes, but these markings are often faded, and the destination can be hard to determine.
You should always be prepared to backtrack and find an alternate path if needed. Here are a few more essential tips for hiking in Malta:
- Offline maps are a must-have. While the trails marked on them don’t always match reality and difficulty levels (T1-T3) are rarely indicated, they’re still invaluable for quickly finding alternative routes.
- The best time to hike in Malta is between fall and spring. Summers can be unbearably hot. With very few trees and almost no shade, hiking during those hotter months can be risky and even dangerous.
- Respect private property: Some trails may cross or lead onto private land. Be respectful and look for alternative routes if you encounter fences or no-entry signs.
- Bring plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential, especially on hot days. Most trails don’t have any options for refilling your water supply.
- Wear sturdy footwear: Many trails are rocky and uneven, so good shoes can make a big difference.
- Respect Natur: As tempting as shortcuts may be, try to stay on the designated paths. This is especially important in nature reserves to help protect the local flora and fauna.


3 Stunning Hikes in Malta
Malta offers a wide range of incredible hiking trails to explore. Here are three completely different routes that, in my opinion, rank among the most beautiful hikes the island has to offer:
1. Victoria Lines Trail
The Victoria Lines are an approximately 11-kilometer-long fortification built by the British in the late 19th century. Since 1998, they’ve been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This historic structure consists of several watchtowers and fortresses connected by a long wall. It runs along a natural ridge across Malta, offering fascinating insights into history and breathtaking views.
The best place to start this hike is just north of Mosta, where the “line” is relatively easy to find. I personally began my trek at the Għarusa bus stop.
From there, the route takes you across the countryside, following or running parallel to the Victoria Lines. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning 360 degree panoramic views, all the way to the island’s west coast.
The most scenic and well-preserved section is the Dwejra Lines, which starts here and leads to the Chapel of Our Lady of Itria. Further west, the Victoria Lines end rather abruptly at Fort Binġemma.
From there, I continued along small, quiet roads toward the coast and then made my way through the beautiful Gnejna Bay to Ghajn Tuffieha Beach (also known as Riviera).
If you still have some energy left, you can extend your trip to the nearby Golden Bay for a perfect day hike finale.
Victoria Lines Trail – Riviera Beach
Hiking time: 3,5h | Length: 15km | Altitude meters: ↑ 340 & ↓ 340 |
Difficulty: easy-moderate
⇨ GPS and more pictures tracked with Komoot


2. Marsaxlokk – Marsacala / Tas-Silġ Walk
The hike from the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk to Marsaskala in southeastern Malta runs entirely along the picturesque coastline and is also known as the Tas-Silġ Walk.
The first highlight you’ll encounter is the famous swimming spot, St. Peter’s Pool. If you walk in the opposite direction, this is an ideal place to end your hike with a swim.
Further north, narrow paths lead along the impressive, gleaming white cliffs above the crescent-shaped bays of The Small Pit and The Great Pit.
From the tip of the Il-Munxar peninsula, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of St. Thomas Bay and the coastal town of Marsaskala.
Continue along the coast to pass the impressive St. Thomas Tower and the salt pans before reaching the center of Marsaskala.
From there, you can easily take a bus back to Marsaxlokk or to your accommodation.
Marsaxlokk – Marsacala Coastal Trail
Hiking time: 3,5h | Length: 12km | Altitude meters: ↑ 120 & ↓ 120 |
Difficulty: easy
⇨ GPS and more pictures tracked with Komoot


3. Watch Tower Trail / Marfa Ridge Country Walk
This scenic coastal hike is known by two names: the Watch Tower Trail and the Marfa Ridge Country Walk. It circles the northern tip of Malta, forming a peninsula called Marfa Ridge.
The starting point of the loop is the island’s largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay).
I recommend doing the trail counter-clockwise so that you can finish with the highlight – the impressive Red Tower.
The trail mostly follows the coastline, through narrow paths, less traveled roads, bays and beaches.
The views are breathtaking: from Mellieħa Bay, across the islands of Comino and Gozo, to Malta’s distinctive terraced fields in the northwest, which catch your eye on the way back.
Highlights in the northwest include the small Chapel of Immaculate Conception near the steep cliffs, the fascinating Coral Lagoon and the Armier Tower.
After Paradise Bay, you will pass the historic, now abandoned, Wied Musa Battery and Ċirkewwa, the ferry terminal to Gozo.
The perfect end to the hike is the Għadira Nature Reserve, with the distinctive Red Tower at its highest point, offering a magnificent view.
At the end, I extended the hike by 2 km and walked through the fields to Popeye Village to take a look. From there I took the bus back.
Watch Tower Trail / Marfa Ridge Country Walk
Hiking time: 4h | Length: 14km | Altitude meters: ↑ 240 & ↓ 240 |
Difficulty: easy-moderate
⇨ GPS and more pictures tracked with Komoot


Hiking in Gozo
Personally, I find the island of Gozo, Malta’s little sister, even more appealing for hiking than Malta itself.
There are fewer people, fewer roads and fewer tourists, so you can discover much more unspoiled nature.
I was particularly impressed by the beautiful coastline. A fantastic, though typically unmarked, route is the Gozo Coastal Trail, which stretches about 50 kilometers around the island.
I did this multi-day hike in three stages. However, if you want to allow more time for nature, swimming or sightseeing, you should consider breaking it up into four or five stages.
The trail passes almost all of Gozo’s natural highlights, including Dwejra Bay, the new Azure Window Wied il-Mielaħ and the salt pans of Marsalforn.
It’s technically easy, making this island tour suitable for less experienced hikers, as long as they can navigate offline.
A big advantage: The possible starting and ending points of each stage are well connected by bus.
This means you don’t have to change your accommodation every night and can choose a fixed base, e.g. in Victoria.
By the way, I highly recommend the family-run Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse for an accomodation in Victoria.


Hiking in Comino
When visiting Comino, most people only want to swim and snorkle in the famous Blue Lagoon. However, the small island also offers an easy hiking circuit.
The tour starts at the ferry landing and first leads to St. Mary’s Tower. From there, it continues to the coastal battery in the south of Comino, offering a fantastic view of the sea.
On the way back, you should take a break at Santa Maria Beach and enjoy the refreshing Mediterranean, away from the bustle of the Blue Lagoon. To finish, the path runs along the coast back to the starting point at the Blue Lagoon jetty.
Comino Walk
Hiking time: 1,5h | Length: 6,5km | Altitude meters: ↑ 90 & ↓ 90 |
Difficulty: easy
⇨ GPS and more pictures tracked with Komoot


FAQ about hiking in Malta
Are there mountains in Malta?
Malta’s highest elevation is 253 meters above sea level. The island is therefore not mountainous, but rather flat. However, there are many hills, which sometimes makes hiking very strenuous.
How long is the coastal walk in Malta?
The coastal walk around Malta is about 160km long and will need between 10-14 days to complete it.
Can I hike Malta island within a day?
You can easily cross Malta from east to west along the Victoria Lines in one day. The distance from north to south across the center of the island is about 35 km, so it would also be doable, but not a beautiful hiking trail.
What is the Fawwara Trail?
The Fawwara Trail leads from the Dingli Cliffs, past Ħaġar-Qim and the Mnajdra Temple, an absolute Malta highlight, to the popular Blue Grotto.


Conclusion
Hiking in Malta and Gozo is a wonderful way to experience the islands off the beaten track and away from the tourist crowds.
The stunning coastlines, historic trails and the tranquility of unspoiled nature make every hike an unforgettable experience and a great day trip away from other tourists.
With the right preparation, offline hiking maps and a little sense of adventure, you’ll get to know the islands in a very special way and love it.