Complete Malta

These walks explore the northern tip of Malta, from the older part of Mellieha village and onto rocky open ground to contour around the northern coastline with fine views of Gozo and Comino.

Today’s visit is to the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on Malta. 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 brought up 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 Hagar Qim, which can be seen before descending to Wied iz-Zurrieq where there is the option of a boat trip to the Blue Grotto in good weather.

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.

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.

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

From the ancient city of Mdina – the original capital of Malta – we descend into the fertile Qleigha Valley and a series of manmade reservoirs called the Chadwick Lakes. There is time to view the wayside chapel and the honeycomb of ancient tombs beneath the Victorian Line fortifications along the escarpment ridge. After the Bingemma Gap we make our way mainly by coastal paths to Golden Bay where there will be time for a swim.

We hope to see you again soon.