Festive Walking in Malta

Wiev to the Msida Parish Church near Valletta in Malta
Duration: 7 nights
Type: Guided walking
Walking Grade: 1 & 2
from £1,449pp

Make this Christmas extra special by spending the festive season in stunning Malta. With mild winters and more historic sights per square mile than any other country, this sunny Mediterranean isle has plenty to please. Our guided walking holiday is the perfect introduction to Malta’s dramatic coastlines, countryside, Neolithic temples, impressive catacombs, and churches built by the Knights of St John. You’ll also get to explore the Maltese capital of Valletta on foot – perfect for admiring the twinkling lights and festive decorations in Republic Square and tucking into seasonal treats at the island’s Christmas markets.

What you’ll love

  • Spending time in the UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta
  • Taking in the dramatic views during coastal walks
  • Experiencing the Silent City of Mdina
  • Visiting the fishing village of Marsaxlokk

What’s included

  • 3 guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation at 4-star hotel
  • Festive dinner on 24 December
  • Lunch included on 25 December (Please note this is not a traditional Christmas meal) 
  • Sightseeing trip to Valetta
  • Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers(on with flight holiday)

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. 


Today’s visit is to the Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest point. We walk through Buskett Gardens (once the hunting ground of the Grand Masters) towards the Dingli Cliffs. Close to the cliffs we see the remains of Ghar ilKbir cave dwellings and a series of distinctive prehistoric cart ruts. This visit will be enhanced by a local guide who was raised in the area. The afternoon is spent sightseeing with the option of: 

(a) visiting 4th century catacombs, the museum of Roman Antiquities, and soaking up the atmosphere in the Silent City of Mdina or 

(b) visiting the temple complex of Ħaġar Qim that can be seen before descending to Wied iz-Zurrieq where there’s the option of a boat trip to the Blue Grotto (if the weather’s good). 

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.


Christmas Eve is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax at the hotel and make use of the spa facilities (booking ahead is recommended for any treatments), soak up the Christmas lights at local Mellieha Square or walk independently to one of the nearby coastal villages, such as Armier. In the evening, we'll enjoy a festive dinner together.

You may also travel to Valletta, Malta’s capital to admire the architecture and walk around the harbour, or visit historic Rabat or Mdina. (Please note: attractions with entry required will be closed over the festive period)

 


Merry Christmas. Celebrate a relaxing Christmas Day morning enjoying the hotel facilities or exploring Mellieha before returning for a delicious lunch. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose. Unwind by the pool, share a drink at the bar, or relax in your room.  In the evening relax and enjoy dinner with our group.  


These walks link two traditional Maltese fishing villages on the South Eastern corner of the island. 

Option 1 - Marsascala to Marsaxlokk

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) 

Total ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

Beginning in Marsascala, 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 - Marsascala to Pretty Bay

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) 

Total ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

Starting in Marsascala 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.


Today we’ll visit Valletta. Like a vast open-air museum, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour with an expert local guide will take in all the city’s top sights. Discover fortified citadels and hear tales of the heroic Knights Hospitaller and their defence of the city during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Therell also be free time in the festively decorated city centre to explore or stop for a drink. We’ll also watch the Christmas lights illuminate the streets before heading back to the hotel. 


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) 

From the hotel, we set out through town and country to the beach at Ghadira Bay.  Our walk then continues to the west side of the island along tracks through farming country to Popeye Village.  We’ll enjoy views to Comino and Gozo as we make our way to Majjistral Nature Park and then on to the popular sandy Golden Bay. Here there will be swimming opportunities as well as bars to enjoy a final drink with the group. 

Option 2 - Mellieha to Golden Bay via Red Tower

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

Descent: 1,000 feet (300m) 

We 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. 


We hope to see you again soon 


Itinerary map for Festive Walking in Malta

Solana Hotel - Malta

Situated in the quiet seaside resort of Mellieħa on Malta’s northeast coast, the 4-star Solana Hotel offers both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wellness centre, and three restaurants. HF Holidays guests will also benefit from unlimited self-service drinks during dinner including local beer, wine, soft drinks, and hot beverages. There are a cluster of local shops, bars, restaurants, and amenities on the doorstep and the stunningly beautiful Mellieħa Bay – the island’s largest stretch of sand – is around a 30-minute walk away.

Rooms

The hotel has 183 en-suite rooms and are all of excellent standard. Each room is decorated in a modern-contemporary style and has

  • Individually-controlled central heating and air-conditioning
  • Satellite TV
  • Tea and coffee making
  • Mini-bar
  • Hairdryer
  • Telephone
  • Wi-Fi

About your stay

Solana’s rooftop pool offers impeccable views of the sea and Malta’s sister islands, with a pleasant outside seating area. There is also an indoor pool (heated October - May).

Food & drink

Guided walking holidays at the Solana Hotel are on a half-board basis and includes breakfast and your evening meal. 

Our self-guided holidays are on a bed and breakfast basis with an option for HB.

Breakfast

Breakfast is available at the Bellini  Restaurant and is a self-service buffet.  There is a selection of cereals, fruit juices, breads, pastries and cakes, as well as a hot selection, cold meat and cheese, and fruit.

Lunch (payable locally)

There are several shops and local supermarkets, a short walk away, in Mellieha Village, where you can buy the ingredients to make your picnic lunch.  There will be opportunities to eat in a local café during the day and our leaders will advise you of all the options and directions to the nearest shops.

Evening meal

A buffet style evening meal is served to our guests in the Bellini Restaurant, five times a week. There is a good selection of international dishes as well as fish and local meals, as well as antipasta dishes and salads as starters. Desserts will be followed by tea and coffee. On the other two evenings, we will be dining at the Tosca Restaurant which is a served  3-course meal which pre-selected choices.

The hotel does cater for most dietary requirements but we would advise you to speak to our reservation staff and also ensure that you speak to our hotel staff on arrival to avoid disappointment. 

Drinks

There is a well stocked bar offering a variety of pre-dinner drinks, wines, beers and local spirits including an interesting prickly pear liqueur.

Your evenings

The friendly atmosphere of your holiday continues into the evening.  Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer before hearing about the next day's activities. On some evenings, there will be some kind of entertainment; an excursion to Mdina to see it by moonlight - the effect is amazing; or just relax in the bar area and speak to your fellow guests about your day.

Essential information

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device 

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

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If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

22 Dec - 29 Dec 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£1,928

Double from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,699 pp

from

£1,928

Trip Notes
Book Now
Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

22 Dec - 29 Dec 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single from

£1,678

Double from

£1,449 pp

from

£1,449 pp

from

£1,678

Trip Notes
Book Now

Important information

  • With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to Malta, hold baggage and airport transfers
  • Independent travellers can join our transfers from Malta Airport- please contact us for prices

*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.

Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Guided walking
Walking Grade:
1 & 2

7 nights from £1,449pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 1112Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More