14 Night Malta & Gozo Guided Walking Holiday
Explore the best of the Maltese Islands in one holiday. With more historic sights per square mile than any other country, there’s plenty to please in Malta. Spend time in the UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta, discover ornate churches built by the Knights of St John and explore Neolithic temples and impressive catacombs. Equally rewarding is rural Gozo where walks along the island’s coastal paths lead to beautiful beaches, pretty villages, and fascinating archaeological sites including Ġgantija – an incredible piece of ancient architecture that predates the Pyramids of Egypt.
What you’ll love
- Exploring Malta and Gozo’s incredible megalithic temples
- Learning about the archipelago’s WWII history
- Visiting the UNESCO-listed Maltese capital, Valletta
- Discovering the Silent City of Mdina
- Spending time in the Gozitan capital Victoria
- Taking a boat ride through the caves to the open sea
What’s included
- A full programme of guided walks with 2 options every walking day
- All transport to and from the walks
- The services of experienced Local and HF Holidays' leaders
- "With flight" holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers
- 14 nights accommodation in en-suite rooms
- Transport between the two destinations
- Half Board - continental breakfast and evening meal
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Solana Hotel. Unpack and settle in.
Explore the northern tip of Malta and along the coastline for views of St Paul's Bay.
Option 1 - Northeast Peninsula
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (140m)
In summary: Leaving Mellieha, we head south east, towards Selmun Palace, an 18th century villa, later used by the British as a naval hospital. We continue to Fort Campbell, crossing rolling fields before descending towards the coastal cliffs, where our view opens up over St Paul’s Bay. Passing the coastal fortification of Mistra Battery, we’ll then descend to the bay and into the valley, with a final ascent taking us on our way back to Mellieha.
Highlight: Coastal views of St Paul's Bay and historical sites.
Option 2 - Selmun Palace, Bays & Roman Road back to Mellieha
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (270m)
In summary: Following a similar route to the easier walk, we will also head south east from Mellieha and pass the historic sites of Selmun Palace and the ruins of Fort Campbell, built by the British in 1937 as Malta’s last major fortification. We continue on to enjoy wonderful coastal views on our descent down to St Paul’s Bay, the ascend hills again as we return back to our hotel.
Highlight: The route from Mellieha is filled with Roman and ancient sights.
The World Heritage City of Valletta merits a great deal of exploration and this sightseeing day will introduce you to the key sights. The walking tour of the city takes in several sights and also allows you some free time to explore independently or cruise around the harbour for a different and incredible view of the three cities.
Walk from Buskett Gardens to Dingli Cliffs. Option to visit Ħaġar Qim megalithic temple or Mdina.
Option 1 - Caves, Cliffs & Catacombs
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: Today we walk through Maltese history. Starting in the old hunting grounds of Buskett Gardens we'll walk towards the coast and the Ghar-il-Kbir cave dwellings. We'll reach Rabat for lunch, with time to explore the 4th Century catacombs, St Pauls church and the Museum of Roman Antiquities. We'll finish our day in the 'Silent City' of Mdina.
Option 2 - Cliffs & Temples by the sea
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In summary: The first part of our day follows the same route as the other party as far as Ghar-il-Kbir. At the coast we'll descend to the undercliff, passing two wayside chapels. We'll reach Ghar Lapsi for lunch, and a swim, before heading into more rugged terrain to the large temple complex of Hagar Qim, finishing our walk at Wied ir Zurrieq.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include:
Gozo: For guests holidaying on Malta only, a day trip to Gozo is popular. Using a hired coach it is possible to see many of the popular sights on the island including the Rotunda Church at Xewkija, the sea arch and Inland Sea at Dwejra Bay and the delightful fishing village of Xlendi. The day is rounded off by a visit to Victoria, the island’s capital, in order to walk around the ramparts of the citadel and visit the cathedral.
Valletta: Although we visited Valletta on day 3, it is impossible to explore this World Heritage City in one day. On a return visit options available are the National Museum of Archaeology, where a fascinating collection of artefacts from Malta’s prehistoric sites are housed; the War Museum, which tells the story of the siege of Malta during the Second World War; Manoel Theatre (a beautiful old theatre), and an inhabited 16th century patrician town house.
Mdina & Rabat: Mdina is an important UNESCO Heritage Site. It is the oldest city on the island and derives its name from the Arabic word ‘medina’ meaning walled city. Mdina is lamp-lit by night and often referred to as the ‘silent city’. The cathedral and cathedral museum are fascinating places with their rich cultural and religious treasures. The impressive palaces are still home to some of Malta’s aristocratic families.
Rabat is home to the famous catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha and the impressive St Paul’s Church, which stands above a grotto where St Paul is said to have taken refuge after his shipwreck on Malta.
Walk between Masaskala to Marsaxlokk, two traditional fishing villages on the southern coast.
Option 1 - Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Beginning in Marsaskala, we’ll cross the Delimara peninsula where we can observe the fascinating rock sculptures carved by wind and waves. Heading north, we’ll break for lunch before finishing our walk in the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk famous for its colourful Maltese boats bobbing in the harbour.
Option 2 - Marsaskala to Pretty Bay
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Starting in Marsaskala our route follows the coastline to Marsaxlokk before continuing to the aptly named Pretty Bay – a golden arch of sand lapped by Malta’s beautifully clear blue waters.
Combine coast and countryside walking through Majjistral Nature and History Park to Golden Bay
Option 1 - Mellieha to Golden Bay
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Descent: 750 feet (230m)
In summary: From the hotel we set out through town and country to the beach at Ghadira Bay. The walk then continues to the west side of the island along tracks through farming country to Popeye Village. We enjoy views to Comino and Gozo as we make our way to Majjistral Nature and History Park and then on to the popular sandy Golden Bay with a swimming opportunity and bars to enjoy a final drink with the group.
Highlight: Golden Bay is a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a swim at the end of the walk.
Option 2 - Mellieha to Golden Bay via Red Tower
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
Descent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: We too start out from the hotel in Mellieha, taking the same route to Ghadira Bay. From here we ascend through the Forests 2000 Park to the Red Tower with far reaching 360 views of Malta, Comino and Gozo. After a short stretch on a quiet road along the crest of the plateau we descend along the coast to Popeye Village, from where we pick up the same route as the Easier group to Golden Bay.
Highlight: Views from the Red Tower and beautiful beach of Golden Bay for a drink and swim to end our final walk.
You will be given a direct transfer from the the Solana Hotel to the ferry port for your crossing to Gozo where you will be taken to the Grand Hotel.
Welcome to the Grand Hotel. Unpack and settle in.
Today we explore the coastal area along the south coast of Gozo. Here you’ll find precipitous cliffs and deep-cut fjords, rocky headlands and little urbanisation.
Option 1 - Along the coast to Xlendi
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Following the coast path, we take in dramatic views of the cliffs. We continue along the coastline passing Xlendi Tower, the oldest freestanding watchtower on Gozo. Beautiful fossil embedded limestone formations and Xlendi Tower perched magnificently on a cliff top.
Option 2 - The Southern Coast to Xlendi
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
We walk from our hotel and cross scenic countryside towards the inlet of Mgarr-ix-Xini. We then walk along the coastal path through one of Gozo's most remote areas taking in spectacular clifftop views.
The Church of Pilgrimage at Ta Pinu starts the day. From here the north coast offers some spectacular cliff scenery. Heading eastwards there are some beautiful ‘wind sculptures’ to admire as well as quaint fishermen’s storerooms, formed in the softer rock of the higher cliffs, on our way to Marsalforn or Victoria.
Option 1 - Ta Pinu, Scultped cliffs & Marsalforn
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 150 feet (40m)
Descent: 450 feet (140m)
Our day begins at the sanctuary church of Ta Pinu with time to explore. We'll then head to the coast via the village of Ghasri. On reaching the coast we'll see the beautiful inlet of Ghar il Qamh, fascinating saltpans and weather-sculpted cliffs. We finish at Marsalforn with refreshments.
Option 2 - Marsalforn via Hekka Point
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (90m)
Descent: 600 feet (190m)
We too start with a visit to Ta Pinu, but then begin walking uphill to Ta Ghammer with its stations of the cross. We then head for Hekka Point via the village of Gharb. We'll then follow the other party to Marsalforn via the saltpans and cliffs.
Both walks follow quiet countryside roads to Marsalforn and the scenic northern coastline taking in Ramla Beach, the longest sandy beach on Gozo and the spectacular viewpoint from Tal-Mixta Cave.
Option 1 - Ghasri to Ggantija Temples
Distance : 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (140m)
Our walk today starts at the impressive Corpus Christi Church in Ghasri, then we make our way towards the coast at Marsalforn, where the beautiful bay is set between hilltop towns. We continue back inland, through the countryside and ascend towards Xaghra, passing a traditional 18th century windmill, before we reach the fascinating Ggantija Temple.
Option 2 - Ghasri to San Blas
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
We begin walking from Ghasri towards the coast at Marsalforn, from here we follow the rugged northern coastline past Ramla Bay and the iconic viewpoint at Tal-Mixta cave. We then continue past San Blas beach and the beautiful San Blas gardens to finish at Nadur Observatory.
Today there are no organised walks, allowing you time to explore the local area or relax in the Hotel or at the beach.
Ta’Mena Estate
The Ta‟Mena estate, which the Spiteri family owns, is situated in the picturesque Marsalforn Valley between Victoria and Marsalforn Bay. The estate includes a fruit garden, an olive grove with about 1500 olive trees, an orange grove, and over ten hectares of vineyards. It enjoys the panoramic views of the Gozo Citadel and the surrounding hills and villages. They cultivate vines, olives, lemons, oranges, various fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes, melons, watermelons and other vegetables. They produce their own wine. There is also an opportunity to buy. HF Holidays groups have visited in previous years and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Malta Trip
Gozo Ferry There is an excellent scheduled ferry service between Gozo and Malta and the crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. The ferry leaves Gozo at Mgarr and arrives on Malta at called Cirkewwa). Ferry timetable is available from www.gozochannel.com
A combination of man’s burrowing and gigantic sea erosion has shaped the landscape of today’s walks. On the Harder Walk, we’ll descend by cliff paths to Xlendi before a spectacular ascent of the cliffs to the west leads to Dwerja Point. Both walks visit Dwerja Point where once stood the dramatic sea-arch known as the Azure Window. Sadly, due to a combination of sea erosion and high winds, the Azure Window collapsed in March 2017. If time and weather permit, a boat trip can be taken from the Inland Sea through a tunnel in the rock out to view the nearby cliffs and Fungus Rock. Both walks continue on into Victoria, the island’s capital, for well-earned refreshments
Option 1 - Fungus Rock & the Inland Sea
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Ascent: 550 feet (180m)
The day starts with a gradual descent to see Fungus Rock - prominently guarding the entrance to Dwerjra Bay and onto Dwerjra Point where we can see the site of the collapsed Azure Window sea arch. We then circle the Inland Sea before heading for some sightseeing in Victoria. There's opportunity to take a boat ride through the caves into the open sea.
Option 2 - Xlendi Cliffs & Dwejra Bay
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
Our walk starts at the village of Munxar and follows a dramatic coast path to the resort of Xlendi. After a spectacular ascent to the cliff tops we'll walk on to Wardija Point and then follow the route of the other party all the way to Victoria. Take a look inside the 17th Century Dwerjra Tower - one of only four surviving coastal watchtowers on Gozo.
Today’s walks offer extensive views over the straits to Comino and Malta. Our groups traverse a delightful flat rock shore and then enjoy charming coves, verdant gardens and wonderful wild flowers. Both walks visit the beautiful Dahlet Qorrot beach with the opportunity for a dip. Continuing, both groups make their way through the outskirts of Nadur, arriving at one of the most stunning viewpoints on Gozo.
Option 1 - Qala, Dahlet Qorrot and Nadur
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
We start our day at Qala for great views of the strait to Comino and Malta. We then walk through open countryside to the small harbour of Dahlet Qorrot, before taking lunch at the lovely San Blas Gardens. We finish by walking through a fertile valley to Nadur, and back to our hotel.
Option 2 - Strait, Strands and Coves
Distance: 9 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (420m)
We walk in the remote north-east corner of the island, walking the coastline for fantastic views of Comino and Malta. We'll visit St Anthony's gun battery, then the beautiful secluded bay of Dahlet Qorrot, before picking up the route back to the hotel via Nadur.
We hope to see you again soon.
Pergola Hotel - Malta - For February & March 2024
Perched on Malta’s north coast, the 4-star Pergola Hotel puts all the charms of a traditional Mediterranean village on your doorstep. You’ll be in strolling distance from a handful of low-key cafés, shops, and restaurants, plus the Blue Flag-winning sands of Mellieha Bay. Back at base, you’ll find comfortable well-appointed rooms, two stylish restaurants, and a pair of outdoor pools, one with views over the beautiful parish church and the coast. There’s also a spa offering a range of treatments, an indoor pool for year-round swimming, and a bar carved into a natural cave – ideal for cooling off with a drink.
Grand Hotel - Gozo
The charming 4-star Grand Hotel with its comfortable accommodation, and friendly efficient service, occupies a commanding location overlooking Mgarr harbour and has views across the straits to Comino and Malta. Winner of three HF Hotel Awards in 2018 based on outstanding guest feedback. The hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a well equipped bar and two restaurants.
Essential information
Passport requirements
On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:
- have at least 3 months left
- be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
Use the government website to see if your passport is valid for this holiday
EHIC cards
The UK government has officially launched the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). UK residents can now apply for one of the GHIC cards, which will gradually replace the EHIC cards as they reach their expiry dates. Every family member travelling requires a GHIC. You can make an application for yourself and on behalf of your partner and any dependent children under the age of 16. Both cards will offer equivalent protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in the EU on a temporary stay, which includes holiday, study and business travel. Necessary healthcare includes things like
- emergency treatment and visits to A&E
- treatment for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
- routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
- oxygen and kidney dialysis
The public only need to apply for their free GHIC cards when their current EHIC expires. The process is likely to take two weeks. For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/.
The GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. We advise all holidaymakers to also invest in travel insurance that covers healthcare, so they are covered for other issues that may arise, as well as cancellations and lost luggage.
Essentials
To enjoy walking/hiking comfortably and safely, footwear, clothing and equipment needs to be suitable for the conditions. Safety and comfort are our priorities, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.
- Footwear with a good grip on the sole (e.g.Vibram sole) is the key to avoiding accidents.
- Walking/hiking boots providing ankle support and good grip are recommended (ideally worn in), and specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed, are better than a single layer (include spares).
- Fabrics (lightweight and fast drying) designed for the outdoors are recommended.
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof over trousers.
- Warm hat and gloves.
- Denim jeans and capes are not suitable on any walks.
- Rucksack with a waterproof liner.
- Thermos flask for hot drink.
- Water bottle (at least 2 litre).
- Spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar.
- Small torch.
- First aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed).
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sun cream.
Optional extras
- Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents.
- Insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Gaiters.
