Sitting proudly in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the country of Malta is a beautiful archipelago found just south of Sicily. So beautiful is Malta that it has three locations inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list – the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples of Malta and the Hal Salflieni Hypogeum. Malta is home to some of the best coastal walks in the whole of Europe, and here we outline some of the best.

1.   Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay

The coastal walk  from Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay offers a great introduction to the beautiful and unique landscape of Malta. Beginning at the old Maltese fishing town of Marsascala, the walk, which takes around 4 hours to complete, passes by dramatic sandstone cliffs which offer up magnificent sea views of the Mediterranean. You pass by various quaint towns and intriguing corners of Malta’s countryside, before finishing up the hike in the fishing port of Marsaxlokk Bay.

Marsaxlokk Bay.

2.   Valletta

Valletta is the tiny capital of Malta, and it is also home to a series of incredible coastal walks. Valletta only as a population of 6,444 (2014 census), and is in fact the smallest capital city in the EU (at just 0.55 square kilometres). But the city’s geographical position, of being flanked by two natural harbours (Marsamxett and Grand Harbour), mean walks around Valletta are stunning. If you walk along the city’s coastal path you can experience the impressive architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site first hand.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, in the early morning.

3.   Siggiewi to Zurrieq

The Siggiewi to Zurrieq coastal walk is another Maltese gem. 14 kilometres in length, the route begins in the tiny village of Siggiewi, and from there you progress along the coast, via Malta’s prehistoric temple of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.  The views that this walk provides of the Mediterranean are truly glorious, and you can break up the journey with a dip in the ocean.

4.   Gozo Coastal Walk

Gozo is Malta’s sister island and is thought to be Calypso’s isle, known from Homer’s Odyssey. What is unique about the Gozo Coastal Walk is that it takes you around the entirety of the island on a 50 kilometre hike. Taking three days to complete, it is a circular walk that begins and ends in Mgárr (where the ferry from Malta lands). Although Gozo is only a small island its landscape is marvellous. And the views on its coastal walk are outstanding. The Azure Window at Dwejra, which is a 28-metre-tall natural arch, is a real highlight.

5.   Dingli Cliffs

Walking along the Dingli Cliffs in Malta is one of the best coastal walks in the whole of the Mediterranean. The Cliffs are the highest point of the Maltese Islands at around 253 metres above sea level. Hiking from the village of Dingli, the majestic views continue as you progress through the lush countryside towards the islet of Filfla, and onwards towards Wied iż-Żurrieq. On the cliffs themselves you will find a small chapel dedicated to St. Mary Madgalene perched on the edge. This is a particularly stunning walk to experience during sunset.

---

People also read

Coastal Walks in Sydney, Australia

Not only is Sydney a vibrant city with some very famous landmarks it also has a an abundance of beautiful beaches and coastal walks […]

Walking Holidays: Islands in the Sun

Malta There is a little group of small islands in the Mediterranean on the same latitude as Tunisia and Cyprus and just south of […]

A Guide to the Best Winter: Walking in Sunny Europe

Rather than staying inside and hibernating this winter, we’d rather be out in the fresh air experiencing some of Europe’s milder climates and beautiful […]

6 New Zealand Walks that are Simply Stunning

If you are thinking of visiting New Zealand or already have plans to go over there then you are going to be in for […]