Walking in Malta & Gozo
This two-for-one walking holiday allows you to explore the best of the Maltese Islands on foot. In Malta, we’ll discover dramatic views atop Dingli Cliffs, be wowed by the glittering waters of the Blue Grotto, and visit the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk. There’ll also be two days of walking on neighbouring Gozo where rural rambles along the island’s stunning south coast tick off secluded coves, rocky headlands, and 17th century watchtowers that look out over the Mediterranean Sea.
What you’ll love
- Scenic walks on the sister islands of Malta and Gozo
- Visiting the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk
- Standing atop Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on Malta
- Discovering the fjord and headland scenery on Gozo’s south coast
- Exploring historic sites such as the Church of Pilgrimage at Ta Pinu
What’s included
- Five days of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7-nights' accommodation in the seaside resort of Mellieħa Bay
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Air-conditioned transport
- 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.
Please note that the walks on this holiday are Grades 1&2 on Malta, Grades 2&3 on Gozo.
Welcome to Solana Hotel, Malta. Unpack and settle in.
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.
Today we take the ferry across to Gozo and explore the coastal area along the south coast. 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)
In summary: On arrival at Mgarr on Gozo we follow 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.
Highlight: 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)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: From our arrival at Mgarr on Gozo we 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.
Highlight: Mgarr-ix-Xini is the perfect location for a picturesque coffee stop.
Walk from Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk Bay, two traditional Maltese 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.
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:
Valletta: It is impossible to explore this World Heritage City in one day. 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.
We take the ferry across to Gozo, where 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.
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.
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.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
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 | ||||||||
|
06 Feb - 13 Feb 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,389 pp |
from £1,389 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
06 Mar - 13 Mar 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
06 Feb - 13 Feb 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,149 pp |
from £1,149 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
06 Mar - 13 Mar 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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1118Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
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