Discover Malta and explore the three main islands of the Maltese archipelago, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, each offering their own rich history and unique character. Wander the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta, traverse the dramatic clifftop coastlines of Malta, meander through the quieter lanes and ancient villages of Gozo, and experience the wild circuit of tiny Comino.

Suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook by prolific author Paddy Dillon describes 33 walks across Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Routes range from 3 to 22km (2–14 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–8 hours, from easy heritage strolls and coastal walks to a challenging exploration of the Victoria Lines, the historic fortified ridge that runs the full length of Malta.

• Choose from 33 walks across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, exploring clifftop coastlines, heritage trails, ancient aqueducts, fortified ridges, and the historic heart of Valletta, with routes easily accessible from anywhere on the islands by public transport.
• Discover the highlights of walking on Malta, including the Valletta Heritage Trail, the Victoria Lines fortified ridge between Mgarr and Bahar ic-Caghaq, the Marfa Ridge, the Mdina and Rabat Heritage Trail, and the full circuit of the island of Comino.
• Navigate with confidence using 1:25,000 maps included for every walk, alongside downloadable GPX files to support your planning and navigation across all three islands.
• Plan your Malta walking holiday with detailed information on planning, facilities, and public transport, with routes easily accessible from the key centres of Valletta, Rabat, and Victoria on Gozo.
• Compact, accessible, and walkable year-round, Malta offers a remarkable mix of history, culture, and coastal scenery in a surprisingly small space.
• Experience the best of the Maltese Islands with introductory sections covering geology, history, wildlife, religion, and the rich cultural heritage left by the many peoples who have shaped these remarkable Mediterranean islands over the centuries.

Explore the history, coastlines, and hidden paths of Malta, Gozo, and Comino with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. Whether you're combining walking with a city break in Valletta or dedicating a week to exploring all three islands on foot, this is the definitive guide to walking on Malta.

Walking on Malta – Quick Facts

Guide name: Walking on Malta: 33 Walks on the Mediterranean Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino
Location: Malta – islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, Mediterranean Sea
Routes covered: 33 walks (3–22km/2–14 miles) across Malta, Gozo, and Comino
Typical duration: 2–8 hours per walk; range of half and full-day options
Difficulty: Suitable for beginner and experienced walkers; mostly easy, with some longer clifftop stretches and one challenging route along the Victoria Lines
Terrain: Clifftop coastal paths, heritage trails, country lanes, fortified ridges, and historic urban routes
Navigation/mapping: 1:25,000 maps included for every walk; GPX files available to download
Key centres: Valletta, Rabat, and Victoria (Gozo); Malta is compact enough that anywhere on the island makes a good base
Highlights: Valletta Heritage Trail, the Victoria Lines, Mdina and Rabat, the Marfa Ridge, the circuit of Comino, clifftop coastal walks away from the towns
Accommodation & logistics: Detailed information on planning, facilities, and public transport across all three islands
Best time to go: Year-round walking destination; spring is best; high summer can be too hot for strenuous walking; winter is generally fine but can be rainy

Author Highlight

“The Maltese islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino bask in sunshine at the heart of the Mediterranean, between Europe and Africa, the Christian and Muslim world, on busy shipping lanes running north, south, east and west. Sicily is Malta’s nearest neighbour, followed by Tunisia and Libya. History has ensured that the islands have been colonised time and time again in the name of trade, warfare, politics and religion, leaving them with a colourful and complex history and heritage, and defended by all kinds of fortifications. ”

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking on Malta

Introduction
Location and Population
Geology and Landscape
Discovery and History
Weather
Language
Religion
Maltese Wildlife
Protected Areas
Getting to the Maltese Islands
Getting around the Maltese Islands
Money
Accommodation
Maps of the Maltese Islands
Countryside Access
The Plan of this Guide
Emergency Assistance
MALTA
Walk 1: Valletta Heritage Trail
Walk 2: Rinella to Marsaskala
Walk 3: Marsaskala to Birżebbuġa
Walk 4: Birżebbuġa to Gudja
Walk 5: Żurrieq to Siġġiewi
Walk 6: Siġġiewi to Dingli
Walk 7: Dingli to Mġarr
Walk 8: Għajn Tuffieħa Circuit
Walk 9: Mġarr to Għadira
Walk 10: Marfa Ridge Circuit
Walk 11: Mellieħa Bay to Xemxija
Walk 12: Selmun Circuit
Walk 13: Xemxija Heritage Trail
Walk 14: Bajda Ridge Circuit
Walk 15: The Wardija Ridge
Walk 16: Falka Gap to Salina
Walk 17: Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq to St George’s Bay
Walk 18: The Victoria Lines
Walk 19: Rabat to Mosta
Walk 20: Rabat and Dingli
Walk 21: Siġġiewi and Buskett
Walk 22: Siġġiewi to Qormi
Walk 23: The Wignacourt Aqueduct
Walk 24: Mdina and Rabat Heritage Trail
GOZO
Walk 25: Victoria Heritage Trail
Walk 26: Mġarr to Sannat
Walk 27: Sannat to San Lawrenz
Walk 28: San Lawrenz to Marsalforn
Walk 29: Marsalforn to Nadur
Walk 30: Xagħra to Qala
Walk 31: Qala to Mġarr
Walk 32: Għarb to Marsalforn
COMINO
Walk 33: Circuit of Comino
Appendices
Appendix 1: Brief History of Malta
Appendix 2: Topographical Glossary
Appendix 3: Contact Details

Seasons

spring is best, high summer perhaps too hot for strenuous walking: winter walking is fine, but it can be rainy and even a little cold

Centres

Malta is about the same size as the Isle of Wight, so anywhere will make a fine base for walking

Difficulty

half and full-day walks, usually easy, but with some longer stretches along the clifftops

Must See

Old Valetta (a World Heritage Site); excellent walking on clifftop coastlines away from the towns; the historic buildings and landmarks of the many peoples who have come to Malta; the circuit of Comino

April 2024

Flights to Malta

November 2023

Walk 10

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