When you look up things to do in Malta, you will get a lot of suggestions focused on visiting Malta‘s cities, heritage sites, and beaches. Apart from its rich history and vibrant culture, Malta has also experienced significant urban development in recent years. However, beyond the bustling towns and modern infrastructure, the island also has several serene landscapes and cool hiking trails that call to all those seeking adventures.
Particularly in winter, given Malta’s mild climate, all those visiting are offered an ideal opportunity to explore lesser-known trekking paths. This means they can truly come face to face with, and get the opportunity to, admire areas where Malta’s natural beauty remains untouched.
Below, we will tell you a bit more about some cool hiking trails you can experience in your upcoming trip to Malta to get you started!
Trek 1: The Panoramic Trek from Mistra Bay to Selmun
This trail begins at the tranquil Mistra Bay, known for being a great location for kayaking and exploring Malta’s coastline. You can then make your way towards the very first viewpoint, where you can catch a glimpse of the azure waters that surround the Maltese islands from the high cliffs. Make sure to be attentive of how close you walk to the edges of these cliffs, your safety should remain your priority!
After you’ve admired the viewpoint, you can continue your journey around the coast, where you will meet several interesting locations with historic significance. These include a WW2 Searchlight Post as well as a WW2 Gun Post. Between the two, you can also enjoy the view of St Paul’s Islands as well as the statue of the Saint himself and the nearby ruins of a tower located on these islands. You can then proceed to walk towards Fort Campbell which was built by the British during 1937 and 1938.
The tower and palace
From this point you will start making your way towards Selmun, with the very first location being the ruins of Għajn Ħadid Tower, originally referred to as Torre di Salomone. This was built in 1658, as the first of the series of towers known as De Redin towers. You will continue venturing into Selmun, until you reach Selmun Palace which was built back in the 18th century by the Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi, a charity founded in 1607 by the Knights of St John to finance the redemption of Christians that were enslaved by the Ottomans or the Barbary Corsairs.
From there, you can then make your way back to Mistra Bay, your original departure point. If this trek interests you, you can find the mapped locations mentioned on Google Maps here. The route will take approximately 1 and a half hours to complete.
Trek 2: A Quicker Hike From Miġra l-Ferħa to Ras id-Dawwara
For those seeking dramatic coastal views and who might have a bit of a tighter time schedule, the hike from Miġra l-Ferħa to Ras id-Dawwara might be more ideal. The walk which is only around 40 minutes long gives you the opportunity to explore the dramatic Dingli cliffs, hidden sea caves and, after rainfall, witness Malta’s rare waterfalls cascading into the sea. In fact, Għar id-Dwieb, a cool spot you could add along the way, is known for its waterfalls that appear after Malta experiences heavy rainfall. If this trek interests you, you can find the mapped locations mentioned on Google Maps here.
Trek 3: Venturing Towards the Great Wall of Malta: Victoria Lines
Indeed, Malta has its very own defensive wall that now serves as a truly gorgeous hiking trail on the island. The Victoria Lines, sometimes called the “Great Wall of Malta,” stretch approximately 12 kilometers across the island’s width. The British constructed them in the 19th century to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. They built the fortifications to protect the Grand Harbour from potential invasions coming from the north side of the island. However, military assessments later revealed that the Victoria Lines offered little real defense. This lead authorities to abandon them in the early 20th century.
Nowadays, this fortification offers a unique hiking experience, combining historical significance with stunning landscapes. You can start your trek from several points, but following the Victoria Lines can be challenging. Especially where some sections no longer exist. For example, once you reach Naxxar, you won’t find the parts of the walls that once passed through the town. These have unfortunately been completely destroyed.
Fort Binġemma
However, one specific part of the walls that we recommend exploring is the Binġemma area. Particularly starting from Fort Binġemma all the way down to Binġemma Gap. The Fort itself was built by the British as well, as part of the Victoria Lines project. Unfortunately, following being left in abandon, Fort Binġemma was taken over by squatters. They also constructed a private pool on the premises.
The Fort will lead you towards the wall that can serve as a guide for this trek. Along the way, you will come across the Our Lady of Hodegetria Chapel. You will also see the nearby caves, as well as the Nadur Tower. Additionally, you will also get the opportunity to walk through the defensive bridge wall, at Bingemma Gap. This will lead you to a picnic space where you can have lunch or spend some time in nature.
Your Call to Explore Malta on Foot
Malta’s winter season unveils a different facet of the island. This allows you to enjoy its tranquil hiking trails and natural wonders without the scorching heat that summer brings along. If you want a relaxing winter holiday, you can add these hiking trails to your itinerary to enjoy physical rejuvenation and gain a deeper insight into Malta’s historic beauty.
