Walking holidays on the Maltese Islands
There’s so much more to the easy-on-the-eye Mediterranean archipelago of Malta than 300 days of sunshine; it boasts some of the oldest megalithic temples known to man, Roman ruins, Crusader castles, and a long list of UNESCO-listed wonders, too.
And between all that age-old charm there are sparkling beaches to spread out your towel on and chic harbourside resorts to relax in. As for walking opportunities, Malta goes big on coastal strolls and steady hikes where her incredible history takes centre stage.
Coast, caves and catacombs
You’re never far from water when walking in Malta and Gozo. Well-worn routes along Rabat’s coastline let you look out from the highest point on the island at Dingli Cliffs and explore the Bronze Age Ghar il-Kbir cave dwellings – famous for their mysterious and unexplainable cart tracks cut into the rocks.
When we do head inland, it’s for good reason. Buskett Gardens is a former hunting ground of the Knights Hospitaller that’s now a haven for rare birds and home to Verdala Palace, the Maltese president’s official residence.
There’s the option of visiting Hagar Qim’s UNESCO-listed megalithic temples and – weather permitting – a boat trip to the impossibly clear waters of the Blue Grotto, too. Or spend time in the silent streets of Mdina where you can stop by the Museum of Roman Antiquities before descending into St. Paul’s catacombs.
Visit-worthy Valetta
For history that reads like a Hollywood script, Malta’s capital is a blockbuster. Like a vast open-air museum, the whole place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander Valetta’s harbourfront fortified citadels and hear tales of the heroic Knights Hospitaller and their defence of the city during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
And on a walk-free day or relaxed evening, the stylish restaurants of Sliema and the sea-facing promenade in upmarket St. Julian’s are ideal for those that like to take things slow.
Go island-hopping
Malta’s northeast peninsula provides eyebrow-arching views over the golden sands of Mellieha Bay and pint-sized sister isles, Gozo and Comino. If the good looks of Gozo and Comino are hard to resist, hop on the inter-island ferry and let the pace of life slow to a trickle on this pair of Mediterranean gems. Don’t miss Gozo’s Ġgantija Temples – an incredible piece of ancient architecture that predates the Pyramids of Egypt.
