Accessible in less than 2h45 of flight from several French airports, the archipelago of Malta is a small paradise located in the heart of the Mediterranean. Visitors are attracted by its rich heritage, its cities, villages, fortresses and other megalithic temples. And then there is the nature. The landscape reveals a relief of limestone origin with jagged coasts flowing into translucent waters, alternating bays and majestic cliffs. In some places there are also green hills with groves and fields enclosed by low dry stone walls. On the three main islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, hiking is a treat for the eyes. Under the mild Indian summer, one can enjoy some of the most beautiful natural Mediterranean views with fauna, flora, sea and heritage gems. Here are three hikes to get off the beaten track for your next getaway in the archipelago of Malta, a European destination that is close by, accessible and highly exotic
1- Walk in Malta: Dingli, Fawwara, Wied iż-Żurrieq
This beautiful walk on the island of Malta starts at the cliffs interpretation center near Dingli. With a length of 11.2 km, it allows you to keep an eye on the seascape while enjoying the beautiful surrounding countryside. Soon the walk leads to a clearing from where you can admire the fields, the cliffs and the sea.
Nature holds many more surprises with a passage along the Buskett Gardens to Il-Wardija ta' San Ġorġ. This is the site of a typical Bronze Age village. The view of the cliffs and the surrounding area is then spectacular.
The walk moreover continues along the cliffs, allowing to see cave entrances, some of which are used as shelters by the local farmers. We then reach the area of Fawwara, where we discover with pleasure the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, with well cultivated and maintained fields.
Continuing further down the valley, the walk allows you to enjoy the views of the open sea and the small island of Filfla.
Arriving at the spectacular cove of Wied iż-Żurrieq, boat trips are available to the mythical Blue Cave, famous for its natural arch. The water ride allows you to admire other caves in passing where the sea takes on its most beautiful blue hues.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful nature of Malta, this walk reveals here and there architectural treasures. Let's mention the small typical country churches dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a 19th century aqueduct, the prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, but also buildings with various functions: an old school, pretty little isolated farms and a residential complex formerly used as a rest camp for the British military
2- Walking tour in Comino, around the Blue Lagoon
This circuit starts at the Blue Lagoon and is a 7 km loop. We leave this small swimming paradise to walk along the cliffs and admire the small surrounding islets, absolutely splendid from a geological point of view. All along the walk, the vegetation of the scrubland is present in number, with aromatic wild plants. We also note the presence of lizards that crisscross the stones of the Maltese walls.
Once in the valley of Il-Wied ta' Skalanova, everyone is free to carefully take the off-piste paths, to see in particular L-Għar ta' Bla Saqaf, a cave with a collapsed ceiling. In the valley, rabbits and chameleons have taken up residence.
We continue with, on the left, the totally uninhabited part of the island. We arrive then at the Tower of the Knights of the XVIIth century, in which we do not fail to go up if the flag is hoisted, to admire the stone walls, the lands full of wild plants, the sea and the cliffs. It is then that another building appears: Il-Palazz, former hospital of isolation during the colonization.
Then, the military tower of Santa Marija points the end of its nose, with very close, the small bay of Wied Ernu. We continue with the forests of euphorbias of Malta and other local plants. On the other side of the path, above the ridge, there are Aleppo pines.
The rest of the walk leads to a beautiful arch surrounded by euphorbia, before starting the descent to the red valley, Wied l-Aħmar. The gentle slopes and valley sides are populated with some almond, lemon and olive trees.
Arrived at the bay of Santa Marija, we go to contemplate its charming chapel that dates from the 16th century and dedicated to the exodus of Christians from Egypt. We take the time to join the tops to admire a double sculpted arch and other wider arches. The visit of the chapel gives way to a few steps in the heart of small forests of Aleppo pines, before seeing an old abandoned bakery at the foot of a hill and in the distance, the cemetery of Gozo.
Before reaching the Blue Lagoon, the bay of Għar Għana beckons walkers with its pretty sea scilla.
3- Ramla walking tour in Gozo
This walking tour on the island of Gozo starts from the bay of Marsalforn to reach Ramla over a distance of 8 km. We start by following a path where a river flows, populated by ash frogs and from which we enjoy a 360° view: on the left, the plateau of Qortin ta' Għajn Damma, and on the right, a conical mountain topped by a monumental statue of Christ.
The continuation of the path, to reach the valley of Wied Ġnien Imrik, is done among oleander, eucalyptus and dry stone walls. We also see rocks belonging to the High Coral Limestone. Crossing the scrubland, we reach the plateau of Ta' Kuljat, which offers a beautiful view of the medieval citadel of Victoria and below, the valley of Marsalforn. The cliff is the perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean scrub.
The next part of the route goes through a road populated by old windmills leading to the village of Ix-Xagħra. In this Gozo village, the parish church is superb. The buildings then follow one another, with a visit to the 18th-century windmill of Ta' Kola and the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Pure nature then takes over again with the Wied tal-Għejjun valley and the Nuffara mountain, before returning to the dry stone walls of the Wied Il-Ħanaq valley, also rich in prickly pear trees.
On the way to Ramla Bay, the route is lined with Arundo rushes and dykes used by the locals to collect rainwater.
Once in the bay, the beach is the place to be, with its reddish sand and dunes hosting African Tamarisk trees where many birds roost. On either side of the bay, the cliffs and marshes are home to many rare endemic species. There are also three old military buildings in Ramla Bay, including the ruins of the Ramla Left Balincourt Battery. The best way to finish this hike is to stand next to the statue of the Virgin Mary perched on its white pedestal, which offers superb views of the bay.
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For more information:
MALTA TOURIST OFFICE : www.voyage-malte.fr
GOZO TOURIST OFFICE : www.visitgozo.com
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When is it?
With pleasant weather all year round, Malta can be visited in any season. Spring, summer and fall for swimming. Winter for walking. Spring for mild temperatures and low prices.
Getting there:
From France, Malta is served by several airlines, operating direct flights from many cities. It will take you no more than 2h45 of flight to reach the archipelago.
