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Walking on holiday can offer you the chance to explore new places, experience a sense of freedom, and immerse yourself in some of nature’s most spectacular scenes.
If you enjoy staying active on holiday or balancing beach or pool time with adventure, Malta could be the perfect destination to explore on foot. Its gorgeous, rugged coastline offers some fantastic walking trails. The neighbouring islands of Comino and Gozo are also lovely to explore, and well-known for their pristine beaches, pre-historic landmarks, diving sites, and scenic beauty.
With so much to discover, we’ve partnered with Visit Malta* to bring you some of the country’s best coastal trails. Visit Malta offers information, including tips and maps, to help you plan your journey. They’re also experts at suggesting the best historical sights and attractions to see en route.
So whether you’re considering a trip to this beautiful country or already have your plane tickets, here are seven stunning coastal trails to inspire you.
Note: Gozo walks are managed by Visit Gozo.
1. Dingli, Fawwara, Wied iż-Żurrieq Walk
Credit: Instagram @ollygaspar, @hayleabrown
Approximate distance: 11.2km
Grading: Moderate
The Dingli Cliffs* are a geological marvel on Malta’s western coast, overlooking the twinkling Mediterranean Sea. About half a mile from the small village of Dingli and around 253 metres above sea level, the cliffs represent Malta’s highest point and offer breathtaking panoramic coastal views – especially at sunset!
The Dingli, Fawwara, Wied iż-Żurrieq Walk* (also known as The Red Walk) starts at the Dingli Cliffs and ends at Wied iż-Żurrieq, a beautiful valley on the southern coast, comprising a steep slope that continues underwater.
The journey – guided by red markers – will take you along the coast and past various sites of interest. This includes the tiny St Mary Magdalene Church*, with history dating back nearly 400 years; the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples; a Bronze Age village known as Il-Wardija ta’ San Gorg; and Fawwara, a beautiful area of untouched countryside known for its honey*.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants for you to rest and refuel when you arrive at Wied iż-Żurrieq. You can also catch a boat to the nearby famous Blue Grotto* – a mesmerising sea cave known for its glowing azure waters.
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2. Baħrija Walk
Approximate distance: 9.9km
Grading: Moderate
If you fancy walking peaceful countryside paths with views of fertile valleys, pretty hills, and humble Maltese farmhouses, this could be the route for you. The circular Baħrija Walk* (also known as ‘The Pink Walk’) starts and ends in an inland area called Fiddien. Here, you’ll spot is-Sentini – a huge covered reservoir, which collects spring water from the surrounding areas.
From Fiddien, you can walk to the charming rural village of Baħrija, before taking a detour to the scenic spot of Miġra l-Ferħa*, a natural cleft in the Dingli cliffs area. Legend has it that, in the 11th century, the Normans, under Count Roger of Sicily, landed at Miġra l-Ferħa to bring an end to Arab rule.
Miġra l-Ferħa is perfect for relaxation, picnics, diving, and sweeping sea views. From here, you can also spot the barren, uninhabited isle of Fifla* – and, on a clear day, you may also get a partial view of Gozo.
As the coastal trail winds away from the cliffs back towards Fiddien, it’s not time to put your camera away yet. The route passes the Mtaħleb’s chapel; built in the 17th century and perched above the cliffs overlooking the gorgeous Miġra l-Ferħa Valley. You can also expect to venture through rich marquis and past rows of eucalyptus trees and fertile vegetable fields.
3. Valletta Commonwealth Walkway
Credit: Instagram @scroll_theglobe
Approximate distance: 5km
Grading: Easy
Valletta is Malta’s tiny capital city and a piece of living history, with 320 monuments concentrated in a small area. The World Heritage Site is home to magnificent Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the sea, and the magical Co-Cathedral of St John*, containing intricately carved stone vaults and an iconic painting by Caravaggio.
With so much to see, a wonderful way to explore Valletta’s key highlights is to trail the Valletta Commonwealth Walkway*. The pathway was launched in 2015 after being inaugurated by HM Queen Elizabeth to link the city’s significant sites of heritage and culture.
Twenty bronze markers featuring The Queen’s cypher – EIIR – lead the way around notable landmarks like Fort Saint Elmo* (home to the National War Museum), The Second World War Siege Memorial*, and the Upper* and Lower Barrakka Gardens*. Because many of these attractions are dotted along the coast, you can also enjoy lovely sea views.
The aforementioned gardens, overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Vittoriosa’s Grand Harbour, offer some of the best views on the island. You can also enjoy the garden’s elegant limestone architecture and vibrant flower displays – and at 12pm and 4pm, see cannons being fired from the Saluting Battery below.
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4. Ramla Walk
Approximate distance: 8km
Grading: Moderate, with some steep inclines and a few rocky areas
The Ramla Walk* offers a lovely chance to experience the Maltese island of Gozo, starting at Marsalforn Bay* – a small, postcard-perfect port with blue crystalline waters, safe for swimming and snorkelling. You’ll then wander inland through the village of ix-Xagħra, home to a rich historical heritage, and gorgeous views of Marsalforn Bay on one side and Ramla Bay on the other.
In ix-Xagħra, you can visit the Ta’ Kola*, one of the few surviving windmills dating back to the Knights’ Period. You can also check out the UNESCO World Heritage Ġgantija Temples, some of the oldest freestanding stone structures in the world.
From ix-Xagħra, a quiet road will lead you to the base of Nuffara Ridge and, eventually, the gem that is Ramla Bay*. The Natura 2000 protected site retains its wild beauty and is arguably the ultimate highlight of this trail. Stunning red-gold sands contrast beautifully with the surrounding lush green hills, and the minimal remains of a Roman villa are nestled amongst the bamboo behind the beach.
It’s worth spending some time at the bay, considered by many to be Malta’s finest beach. You can take a dip, kick back on the sand (where there are sun shades to hire), or have a bite to eat at one of the cafe-restaurants.
5. Tas-Silġ Walk
Approximate distance: 6.76km or 6.92km, depending on the route taken
Grading: Easy
Beautiful seascapes and rugged countryside are guaranteed on this rewarding Tas-Silġ Walk* in southeastern Malta. The trail travels from the quiet, pretty town of Marsaskala to the small, traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The first part of the walk is the same for everyone, but from the stunning St Thomas Bay area, you can choose one of two unique routes leading to Marsaxlokk.
Route B follows a picturesque coastline, offering panoramic views of Marsaxlokk Bay, the Delimara Peninsula*, and the Marsaskala saltpans. It also ventures past landmarks like Fort Tas-Silġ and St Paul’s Battery – built in the 19th century. Xrobb l-Għaġin is gorgeous, too. It’s the southeasternmost point of the Maltese Islands and contains a nature park*, offering spectacular views of the craggy Munxar cliffs and twinkling azure sea.
Route A, on the other hand, takes you inland toward the Tas-Silġ Archaeological Complex*, where you’ll discover ruins from Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine times. The site is currently being excavated by two archaeology teams – one Italian and, the other, a group of students from the University of Malta.
Once you reach Marsaxlokk, it’s worth spending some here. You can browse the market*, admire colourful luzzo fishing boats bobbing in the water, and tuck into fresh seafood. Fishing boats here have the eye of Horus painted on their front bow; a tradition that dates back to Phoenician times and is designed to protect fishermen out at sea.
6. Watch Towers Walk
Approximate distance: 14.5km
Grading: Moderate
The Watch Towers Walk* is a fascinating journey through history and nature, offering visitors the chance to explore the island’s strategic coastal defences. With some dating back to the time of the Knights of St John and others World War II, Malta’s watch towers were essential for guarding Malta against enemy invasions.
Connecting several of these iconic towers, the Watch Tower Walk includes attractions such as St Agatha’s Tower* (the Red Tower) and It-Torri l-Abjad* (the White Tower) – each with its own historical significance and offering unique views of the surrounding landscape.
The route starts and ends in Għadira Bay, Malta’s largest sandiest beach and, along the way, you’ll also encounter unique scrubland, dry-farmed land, serene woodland, and amazing cliffs. You’ll also see some fantastic views of Comino Island, known for its tranquillity and isolation, as well as its bird sanctuary and nature reserve.
Other highlights include passing by Paradise Bay*, with its golden sands and crystalline waters; walking paths populated with wild thyme and olive trees; and having the option to explore the beautiful Għadira Nature Reserve (a fully protected bird sanctuary) at the start and end of the walk. Għadira Nature Reserve is perhaps the oldest and most famous reserve in the Maltese islands, dating back to the 1980s. Entrance is also free!
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7. Saltpans Walk
Approximate distance: 12km
Grading: Moderate, with some steep inclines and a few rocky areas
The Saltpans Walk* is a captivating circular trail on Gozo, starting and ending in vibrant Victoria, the island’s main town. There’s plenty to discover here, including breathtaking 360-degree views of Gozo’s rolling countryside and coastline, fascinating historical landmarks, traditional markets, and charming cafes. From Victoria, the path leads to the picturesque Sara Valley, known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere.
The trail then reaches Reqqa Point*, one of Gozo’s most popular dive sites; as well as Xwejni Bay and Qbajjar Bay – two peaceful spots with clear waters that are ideal for swimming.
From Reqqa Point, you can soak in views of the ethereal Xwejni Salt Pans*. These centuries-old salt pans, carved into the coastal rock, have been used for traditional sea salt production – a practice dating back to Phoenician and Roman times. The view of these geometric pools against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea is truly otherworldly.
A dusty road will also take you through beautiful countryside and valleys, passing by watercourses, where you can observe unique flora and fauna, before continuing back to Victoria.
Final thoughts…
Walking is one of the best ways to truly experience a destination, and Malta’s coastal trails offer the perfect blend of adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re wandering along dramatic cliffs, exploring ancient landmarks, or discovering traditional saltpans, each walk unveils a different side of the islands.
With Visit Malta’s* expert guidance, you’ll have everything you need to plan your perfect walking adventure, from detailed maps to insider tips on the best historical sites along the way. And if you’re venturing beyond the main island, Gozo and Comino offer equally stunning landscapes, from hidden coves to prehistoric wonders.
Have you been on any of these walks? Or do you have another favourite walk we haven’t listed? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.