7 km · ~180 m climb · ~2 h · loop · Central Malta
This Malta Tourism Authority walk starts and ends at the Domus Romana. It goes through Mdina, Howard Gardens and central Rabat, then down past the last railway station built in Malta and up to Mtarfa. In Mtarfa it passes the late 19th-century clock tower, former barracks, the military and isolation hospitals, the water tower and the old Officers' Mess, then returns along Triq l-Għarreqin through the valley below Mdina.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Domus Romana, Rabat, just outside Mdina's walls
- Terrain:
- Mostly paved town streets and pavements, with a steep descent from Rabat to the valley, a climb up to Mtarfa, and a country road back up to the Mdina bastions.
- Shade and water:
- Shops and cafés in Mdina, Rabat and Mtarfa. The route is mostly built-up, with an open stretch of countryside road on the way back.
- By bus:
- Many Malta Public Transport routes stop at Mdina and Rabat (for example 109 and 201 have 'Mdina' and 'Saqqajja' stops). Mtarfa is on routes 51 and 182 according to published route lists. Check publictransport.com.mt.
- On the way:
- Mdina's Greeks Gate, Vilhena Palace and Xara Palace · St Paul's Grotto and the Wignacourt Museum, Rabat · Old Mdina railway station · Mtarfa clock tower, former barracks and the Sir David Bruce military hospital · Mdina viewpoint from Triq San Oswald, Mtarfa
- ⚠️ The brochure warns that the road by Howard Gardens and Point de Vue is always busy with traffic, so take care crossing
- ⚠️ Several stretches follow roads, including a 1.3 km downhill section to a roundabout
Sources: visitmalta.com, api.visitmaltaplus.com, issuu.com, en.wikipedia.org
9.6 km · ~160 m climb · ~2 h 45 · one way · Central Malta
The Malta Tourism Authority's 'Orange Walk' starts at the Domus Romana, goes through the streets of Mdina and the edge of Rabat, then follows country roads south towards Siġġiewi. It climbs past the Girgenti valley and the Laferla Cross to the top of Dingli Cliffs and runs along the cliff road past the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene. The official brochure gives about 9.6 km, rates it Easy, and says it can be walked or cycled.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Domus Romana (Roman Villa) museum, just outside Mdina's walls in Rabat
- Terrain:
- Town streets in Mdina and Rabat, then asphalted country roads through farmland (open to some traffic) and an uphill climb to the cliff-top road at Dingli, which runs near unfenced cliff edges.
- Shade and water:
- Cafés and shops in Mdina and Rabat at the start. The brochure suggests coffee or a light meal at the end near the Dingli Cliffs interpretation centre. Nothing on the countryside stretch in between is documented.
- By bus:
- Rabat and Mdina are served by several Malta Public Transport routes (the 2014 brochure named 51, 52 and 53 from Valletta, and current listings still run these to Rabat, Mtarfa and Dingli). Route 201 (Rabat to the Airport) has a 'Cliffs' stop at Dingli, which you can use to get back from the end. Check publictransport.com.mt before you go.
- On the way:
- Mdina: Greeks Gate, Palazzo Falson, St Paul's Cathedral and Vilhena Palace · St Mark's Church (Augustinian), Rabat · Girgenti Palace (Inquisitor's Palace) and the Laferla Cross · Chapel of St Mary Magdalene on Dingli Cliffs · Dingli Cliffs with a view of the islet of Filfla
- ⚠️ OSM notes the route is not signposted inside Mdina, although the brochure describes orange signposts in the countryside
- ⚠️ Keep away from the cliff edge at Dingli, especially on windy days or where there is loose gravel
- ⚠️ Stay off fields marked 'RTO' (private land). Bird trapping and hunting happen in the countryside in season
Sources: web.archive.org, visitmalta.com, publictransport.com.mt, en.wikipedia.org
6.7 km · ~20 m climb · ~1 h 45 · loop · Central Malta
This Malta Tourism Authority walk links the village cores of Attard, Lija and Balzan, starting and ending at San Anton Palace and Gardens. It passes the Wignacourt Aqueduct, Attard's 17th-century parish church, a small railway museum, Villa Bologna, the Three Villages Bar crossroads, Villa Francia (the Prime Minister's official residence) and the Lija Belvedere. It ends back at the San Anton Gardens.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Near San Anton Palace and Gardens, Attard
- Terrain:
- Tarmac streets and narrow village lanes through built-up areas. Some narrow streets have no pavement.
- Shade and water:
- Town walk with local bakeries, cafés and the Three Villages Bar on the route. San Anton Gardens at the end are suggested as a place to rest.
- By bus:
- The brochure mentions a hop-on hop-off bus stop near San Anton Gardens. Malta Public Transport route 109 lists 'Anton' stops, and published route lists show several routes through Attard and Balzan (for example 54, 106, 181, 182). Check publictransport.com.mt.
- On the way:
- San Anton Palace and Gardens · Remains of the Wignacourt Aqueduct and the old railway bridge · Villa Bologna and Villa Francia · Lija Belvedere and the round-based windmill in Attard · Attard parish church (17th century)
- ⚠️ Watch for traffic in narrow streets without pavements
- ⚠️ Dress modestly in churches and do not walk around during services
Sources: visitmalta.com, api.visitmaltaplus.com, issuu.com, publictransport.com.mt
16 km · ~400 m climb · ~4 h 45 · one way · Central Malta ridge (Great Fault)
The trail follows the Victoria Lines, a 19th-century British defensive wall built along the Great Fault escarpment that crosses Malta from west to east. Since 2022, Ambjent Malta, the Ramblers and the Friends of the Victoria Lines Trail have been clearing paths and adding signs and picnic benches, with the goal of a managed national trail from Fomm ir-Riħ to Pembroke. The wall is largely gone between Naxxar and Mosta, and the route breaks where it meets Triq l-Imġarr.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Western end near Fomm ir-Riħ / Kunċizzjoni, above the Binġemma area; the eastern end is at Madliena above Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
- Terrain:
- Mostly ridge walking on rocky, uneven paths beside the wall, with some country lanes and town streets where the wall is missing. The ridge is exposed.
- Shade and water:
- There is little shade on the ridge and no facilities along the trail, so carry all your water.
- By bus:
- Buses serve the Kunċizzjoni area and Fort Madliena, and a bus links the eastern and western sections between Naxxar (Birguma) and Mosta. One guide names routes 109 and 103; check current timetables.
- When:
- October to May; in July and August start before 7am.
- On the way:
- Fort Binġemma and Binġemma Gap · Dwejra Lines · Falka Gap and Targa Gap · Top of the World viewpoint at Għargħur · Fort Madliena
- ⚠️ There is a gap in the path with no formal crossing where the trail meets Triq l-Imġarr
- ⚠️ Waymarking is still patchy: signs have improved since 2025 but are inconsistent, and the start near Kunċizzjoni and the Naxxar to Mosta stretch are hard to follow
- ⚠️ Private property signs block some stretches, and some of them are informal
Sources: travel2malta.com, tvmnews.mt, facebook.com, maptrotting.com
5.6 km · ~130 m climb · ~1 h 30 · one way · North Malta, Marfa peninsula
A one-way walk from a Michael Müller Verlag guide that climbs from Mellieħa Bay onto Marfa Ridge, passes below St Agatha's Tower (the Red Tower) and drops down to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal. Walkers on this stretch describe views over Comino and Gozo, and Paradise Bay close to the end.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Mellieħa Bay (Għadira); it ends at the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal
- Terrain:
- Country lanes with dry-stone walls, stony tracks and bare limestone plateau where the path splits or fades, with some cliff-edge sections. The ridge is exposed.
- Shade and water:
- There is no shade and no water on the ridge. Kiosks and restaurants are at Mellieħa Bay and at Paradise Bay near Ċirkewwa.
- By bus:
- Buses heading to Ċirkewwa pass Mellieħa Bay and serve the ferry terminal. One guide lists routes 41, 42 and 250 from Valletta to Għadira Bay; check timetables.
- When:
- Autumn to spring.
- On the way:
- Għadira Nature Reserve · St Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) · Marfa Ridge · Paradise Bay · Ċirkewwa ferry terminal
- ⚠️ Some sections run along cliff edges
- ⚠️ Private property and 'RTO' signs mark tracks on the ridge
- ⚠️ There is fast traffic with no hard shoulder on road sections
Sources: visorando.com, travelmademedoit.com, en.wikipedia.org
14.5 km · ~190 m climb · ~4 h · loop · North Malta, Marfa peninsula
A Visit Malta walk that starts and ends at Għadira Bay and climbs to the top of Marfa Ridge just below St Agatha's Tower, the Red Tower built by the Knights in 1649. The ridge has views of the sea on both sides, towards Mellieħa Bay and towards Comino and Gozo. It crosses garrigue and passes the dry-stone walls of old field boundaries.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Għadira Bay (Mellieħa Bay), near the Għadira Nature Reserve
- Terrain:
- Country lanes lined with dry-stone walls, stony tracks and garrigue on an exposed limestone ridge, with some cliff-edge sections.
- Shade and water:
- There is some woodland shade near the Għadira reserve and almost none on the ridge. The shops and kiosks at Għadira Bay are the main place to buy drinks or food.
- By bus:
- One guide lists routes 41, 42 and 250 from Valletta to Għadira Bay; check current timetables.
- When:
- Autumn to spring; summer heat makes it hard.
- On the way:
- Għadira Nature Reserve · St Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) · Marfa Ridge viewpoints over Comino and Gozo · White Tower
- ⚠️ Private land signs ('Private', 'RTO') appear along Marfa Ridge tracks
- ⚠️ Some sections run along cliff edges
- ⚠️ It is very hot in summer and there is no shade
Sources: visitmalta.com, travelmademedoit.com, visorando.com, en.wikipedia.org
8.1 km · ~130 m climb · ~2 h 15 · one way · North Malta, St Paul's Bay to Mellieħa
A one-way walk from a Michael Müller Verlag guide that links St Paul's Bay with Mellieħa Bay across the north of Malta. Walkers covering the ground between the two bays pass Xemxija, Mistra Bay and the Selmun ridge, with Selmun Palace and views of St Paul's Islands. The exact line of this route has not been checked against the guidebook.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- St Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Baħar); it ends at Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)
- Terrain:
- A mix of roadside walking, steep concrete lanes and rough rocky tracks. One walker reports a stretch of coast road with no footpath near traffic.
- Shade and water:
- There is little shade. Food and drink are available in St Paul's Bay, Xemxija, seasonally at Mistra Bay, and at Għadira Bay at the end.
- By bus:
- Both ends are on main bus corridors (St Paul's Bay, Xemxija and Mellieħa Bay); check timetables for current routes.
- When:
- Autumn to spring.
- On the way:
- Xemxija · Mistra Bay · Selmun Palace · Fort Campbell · Views of St Paul's Islands
- ⚠️ Some road sections have no footpath, so walk single file facing traffic
Sources: brilwalks.com, maltadvice.com
5.9 km · ~130 m climb · ~1 h 45 · loop · North Malta, Xemxija / Selmun peninsula
A loop from Xemxija over the Selmun peninsula, based on a Michael Müller Verlag walking guide, that passes the coast facing St Paul's Islands. Walkers covering the same area pass Mistra Bay and its Knights-era battery, the terraced Mistra valley and Fort Campbell above the Selmun coast.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Xemxija, above St Paul's Bay
- Terrain:
- Rough rocky paths and informal tracks through garrigue and farm terraces, with a steep concrete lane between Mistra Bay and the Selmun ridge and exposed coastal sections.
- Shade and water:
- There is almost no shade and no shops in the open countryside. The only place to eat on the way is a seasonal restaurant at Mistra Bay; otherwise buy supplies in Xemxija.
- By bus:
- Buses stop at Xemxija on the main coast road; Mistra Bay is about a 20-minute walk from the nearest stops.
- When:
- Spring, when the wildflowers are out, or autumn; avoid summer middays.
- On the way:
- Mistra Bay · Mistra Battery · Fort Campbell · Views of St Paul's Islands · Selmun Palace
- ⚠️ The rocky coastal sections are rough and slippery and not suitable for young children
- ⚠️ There is no official trail beyond Selmun Palace; paths were formed informally by locals
Sources: alltrails.com, maltadvice.com, ohmymalta.com.mt
1.7 km · ~40 m climb · ~30 min · loop · North Malta, Xemxija / St Paul's Bay
A short signposted trail on the hill above Xemxija that follows an old cobbled road said to have been in use for about two thousand years. It passes about 20 archaeological features, including a Roman apiary, rock-cut Punic tombs, cave dwellings, remains of Roman baths, cart ruts and a very old carob tree. There are views of Selmun Palace along the way.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- The bottom of Xemxija hill near the Roti bus stop; a 'Roman Road' signpost on Triq ir-Ridott leads up to the start behind the Porto Azzurro hotel
- Terrain:
- A short climb on a rough stone path, then mostly flat narrow dirt paths and flat rock through scrub, with overgrown patches.
- Shade and water:
- There is almost no shade and no water on the trail. Cafes and shops are in Xemxija at the bottom of the hill.
- By bus:
- Frequent buses from Valletta, Mellieħa and St Paul's Bay stop on the Xemxija seafront road (Roti stop).
- When:
- Early morning or late afternoon from autumn to spring.
- On the way:
- Old Roman road and cart ruts · Punic-Roman apiary · Ancient carob tree · Roman baths · Punic tombs and cave dwellings
- ⚠️ There is no shade, so avoid the midday heat
- ⚠️ Some sites are overgrown and hard to find
Sources: guidememalta.com, itsalltriptome.com, travelmademedoit.com
5.7 km · Flat climb · ~1 h 30 · one way · South Malta
An official walk (yellow signs, rated easy) that links three villages. It goes from Qrendi's octagonal tower and Commander's Garden, past the Tal-Mintna catacombs and the parish church in Mqabba, and out along a country lane to the deserted medieval village of Ħal Millieri. The route ends in Żurrieq via the Xarolla Windmill and St Bartholomew's church.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Qrendi main square, in front of the parish church of the Assumption
- Terrain:
- Almost entirely tarmac village streets and paved lanes, with one very narrow country road that carries traffic; it can also be ridden by bike.
- Shade and water:
- Shops, cafés and band clubs in all three village cores, but almost no shade on the country lane to Ħal Millieri.
- By bus:
- Buses serve Qrendi (route 72 from Valletta) and Żurrieq; check current routes on publictransport.com.mt.
- When:
- Any time outside the summer heat, ideally autumn to spring.
- On the way:
- Octagonal tower on Triq it-Torri, Qrendi · Ġnien tal-Kmand (Commander's Garden), Qrendi · Tal-Mintna catacombs, Mqabba · Ħal Millieri: medieval Chapel of the Annunciation and St John the Evangelist chapel · Xarolla Windmill and St Andrew's chapel, Żurrieq
- ⚠️ The country road from Mqabba to Ħal Millieri is very narrow and has traffic
- ⚠️ The Annunciation chapel (Din l-Art Ħelwa) usually opens only on the first Sunday morning of each month
Sources: web.archive.org, guidememalta.com, static.dinlarthelwa.org
8.8 km · ~30 m climb · ~2 h 15 · loop · South Malta
A circular official walk (blue signs) through the old streets of Żurrieq, past four windmills and the Ġnien il-Ġibjun viewpoint, then out through farmland to Bubaqra Tower, St Agatha's chapel, the Tal-Bakkari remains and Ħlantun. It comes back through Safi's main square and re-enters Żurrieq at the Xarolla Windmill, which the leaflet describes as the only fully working windmill in the Maltese Islands, before finishing at the parish church.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Żurrieq village centre at the bus terminus, facing the parish church of St Catherine of Alexandria
- Terrain:
- Mostly tarmac village streets and narrow country roads, some of them bumpy, with a few uphill stretches. One middle section follows a narrow road with no pavement and regular traffic.
- Shade and water:
- Little shade outside the village cores; there are band clubs and pubs around Żurrieq's main square, and a walker reported buying drinks at a mini-market opposite the Xarolla Windmill.
- By bus:
- The leaflet (c. 2016) and a 2016 walker's report give route 71 from Valletta to Żurrieq. Numbers have changed since, so check publictransport.com.mt.
- When:
- Autumn to spring. Walkers have found it very hot in summer.
- On the way:
- Ta' Marmara and Tal-Qaret windmills · Ġnien il-Ġibjun viewpoint garden, with Filfla visible · 16th-century Bubaqra Tower · Tal-Bakkari archaeological and medieval remains · Xarolla Windmill over Roman catacombs, beside St Andrew's chapel
- ⚠️ Narrow country roads with traffic and no pavement in places
- ⚠️ Many fields are private (RTO signs); do not take shortcuts
- ⚠️ Very hot and exposed in summer
Sources: web.archive.org, metronomad.wordpress.com, twoyeartrip.com
9.2 km · ~120 m climb · ~2 h 30 · one way · South-east Malta
Walk B is the longer, coastal version of the Tas-Silġ walk. After St Thomas Bay it keeps to the coast along the Munxar cliffs and goes around the Delimara peninsula, passing St Peter's Pool, Delimara Lighthouse and Fort Delimara, before coming back north past Tas-Silġ to Marsaxlokk. Guides give about 11 to 12 km for the full route.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Marsaskala, by the bay; finishes on the Marsaxlokk waterfront
- Terrain:
- Rocky coastal paths across garrigue and limestone near open sea cliffs, then country lanes into Marsaxlokk. It is fully exposed, with only modest climbs.
- Shade and water:
- There is almost no shade and no shops between St Thomas Bay and Marsaxlokk, so bring your own water. St Peter's Pool is a swimming spot, not a place to buy supplies.
- By bus:
- One walking guide gives buses 91, 92 or 93 from Valletta to Marsaskala, and bus 119 from Marsaxlokk back to Marsaskala (about 25 minutes). Check the current Malta Public Transport timetable before you go.
- When:
- October to May, when the exposed cliff paths are not too hot.
- On the way:
- St Thomas Bay · Munxar Path and Munxar Window · St Peter's Pool · Delimara Lighthouse · Fort Delimara
- ⚠️ The path runs close to unfenced sea-cliff edges along Munxar and Delimara
- ⚠️ A 2025 reader comment on one guide says large parts of the route are now private property, so expect detours
- ⚠️ St Peter's Pool gets very busy in summer
Sources: outdooractive.com, travelmademedoit.com, visitmalta.com
7 km · ~70 m climb · ~1 h 45 · one way · South-east Malta
Walk A is the shorter of the two VisitMalta Tas-Silġ walks from Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk. It follows the coast from Marsaskala past St Thomas Tower to St Thomas Bay, where it splits from Walk B. From there it heads inland past the Tas-Silġ archaeological site and drops down to Marsaxlokk, without going around the Delimara peninsula.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Marsaskala, by the bay; finishes on the Marsaxlokk waterfront
- Terrain:
- Mostly country lanes and minor roads, with a short stretch of coastal path around St Thomas Bay and very little climbing.
- Shade and water:
- There is little shade, and the only reliable places to buy water and food are the cafes and kiosks in Marsaskala, at St Thomas Bay and in Marsaxlokk.
- By bus:
- One walking guide gives buses 91, 92 or 93 from Valletta to Marsaskala, and bus 119 from Marsaxlokk back to Marsaskala (about 25 minutes). Check the current Malta Public Transport timetable before you go.
- When:
- October to May; summer heat makes the exposed lanes hard going.
- On the way:
- Marsaskala Bay · St Thomas Tower · St Thomas Bay · Tas-Silġ archaeological site · Marsaxlokk harbour
- ⚠️ Very exposed to the sun in summer, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen
- ⚠️ A 2025 reader comment on one guide says large parts of the wider Tas-Silġ route are now private property
Sources: visitmalta.com, travelmademedoit.com, outdooractive.com
11.9 km · ~180 m climb · ~3 h 15 · one way · South-west Malta
An official Visit Malta route that follows the south-west cliff road from the Dingli Cliffs interpretation centre past the secondary air-traffic radar and St Mary Magdalene Chapel, then detours onto the headland of a Bronze Age village site. It drops along the cliff side to the farmed Fawwara area, passes Dar tal-Providenza and the turn-off for the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, and ends at the Wied iż-Żurrieq creek where boats leave for the Blue Grotto.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Dingli Cliffs interpretation centre (bus stop 'Cliffs'), on the cliff-top road south of Dingli village
- Terrain:
- Mostly tarmac country roads and roadside pavement, with an uneven rocky path over garrigue on the Bronze Age headland and a winding path down the cliff side, largely open and exposed.
- Shade and water:
- Little shade and no reliable food or water stops along the way; there are snack bars and restaurants at Wied iż-Żurrieq at the end.
- By bus:
- The official leaflet lists route 52 (Valletta–Rabat–Dingli) to the 'Cliffs' stop by the interpretation centre, and route 201 (Rabat–Dingli–Siġġiewi–Qrendi–Żurrieq–airport) along the coast for the return from Wied iż-Żurrieq. Route numbers change, so check publictransport.com.mt first.
- When:
- Cooler months, roughly autumn to spring. The route is exposed and hot in summer.
- On the way:
- St Mary Magdalene Chapel on the Dingli cliff edge, with views to Filfla · Il-Wardija ta' San Ġorġ Bronze Age village site on a headland · Our Lady of Mount Carmel chapel at Il-Fawwara · 19th-century Fawwara aqueduct · Side road to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, then Wied iż-Żurrieq creek (Blue Grotto boats)
- ⚠️ Cliff edges: keep well back, especially on windy days or when the ground is loose or wet
- ⚠️ Many fields are private (RTO signs); stay on the marked route and avoid shortcuts
- ⚠️ Hunting and bird trapping take place in this countryside in season (the autumn season runs 1 September to 31 January)
Sources: web.archive.org, twoyeartrip.com, outdooractive.com, guidememalta.com
8 km · ~70 m climb · ~2 h · one way · South-west Malta
The walk starts at the edge of Buskett woodland and crosses the rocky plateau of the Clapham Junction cart ruts to the Għar il-Kbir caves. It then passes Roman quarries and looks across the Girgenti valley to the Inquisitor's palace, now the Prime Minister's official residence. It climbs to Laferla Cross, drops down a lane lined with Way of the Cross statues, and ends in Siġġiewi's main square.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- The Buskett woodland entrance on the Dingli road, near the old Government winery
- Terrain:
- A mix of rough lanes and paths over rocky garrigue with uneven ground and an easy scramble near the caves, narrow country roads, a formerly cobbled descent from Laferla Cross, and a final stretch along a busy road into Siġġiewi.
- Shade and water:
- Shade in Buskett woodland at the start, then mostly open countryside with nowhere to buy food or water until Siġġiewi, where walkers stop for lunch.
- By bus:
- Buskett is served by routes including 56 and 201. The Visit Malta page says a bus back leaves from Siġġiewi's main square, and route 62 runs from Siġġiewi to Valletta. Check publictransport.com.mt.
- When:
- Autumn to spring; the leaflet notes autumn crocus flowering along the path in autumn.
- On the way:
- Clapham Junction prehistoric cart ruts · Għar il-Kbir cave complex, inhabited until the 19th century · Views of Verdala Palace and the Inquisitor's Girgenti Palace · Laferla Cross and the Annunciation chapel on the hilltop · Providence Chapel and Siġġiewi's main square
- ⚠️ Uneven rocky ground around the cart ruts and caves
- ⚠️ The last stretch into Siġġiewi follows a busy road
- ⚠️ Private fields along the way: stay on the marked route
Sources: malta-tours.de, visitmalta.com, twoyeartrip.com, moovitapp.com
6.2 km · ~50 m climb · ~1 h 45 · one way · South-west Malta
An official countryside walk (grey signs) from Siġġiewi's medieval lanes out through walled fields to the hamlet of Ħal Xluq, the Providence and St Nicholas chapels, and on to the outskirts of Qrendi. It ends at the Qrendi parish church after passing the two St Matthew chapels on the rim of Il-Maqluba, a sinkhole that formed during a storm in November 1343.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Siġġiewi main square, by the chapel of St John the Baptist opposite the parish church of St Nicholas
- Terrain:
- Tarmac village streets and narrow country lanes between rubble walls, including one slightly busy country road. The optional path down into the Maqluba sinkhole has uneven, slippery steps.
- Shade and water:
- Mostly open farmland; there is shade under the carob trees at Il-Maqluba and at Ħal Xluq, cafés in Siġġiewi at the start, and band-club cafés in Qrendi at the end.
- By bus:
- Route 62 runs from Valletta to Siġġiewi. The leaflet lists 71 and 72 for Qrendi, and route 72 currently serves Valletta–Qrendi. Check publictransport.com.mt before setting out.
- When:
- Autumn to spring.
- On the way:
- Ruins of Siġġiewi's old parish church · Ħal Xluq hamlet and its medieval chapel of the Assumption · Chapel of Our Lady of Providence (optional detour) · St Nicholas chapel, site of the medieval hamlet Ħal Niklusi · Il-Maqluba sinkhole (Natura 2000) and the two St Matthew chapels, Qrendi
- ⚠️ Traffic on the country road after the Siġġiewi roundabout
- ⚠️ The path down into the Maqluba sinkhole is slippery and uneven; the leaflet advises against going down alone
- ⚠️ Many fields are private (RTO signs); stay on the marked lanes
Sources: web.archive.org, twoyeartrip.com, publictransport.com.mt
12.9 km · ~290 m climb · ~3 h 45 · loop · West Malta
This loop from il-Fiddien, west of Rabat, is the 'Pink Walk' of the Malta Tourism Authority. It goes through Baħrija, crosses a stream bed below the Qlejgħa Bronze Age site, and follows the western cliffs with a view of Filfla before returning via Mtaħleb chapel and Wied il-Busbies. An optional detour down an asphalted road leads to the Miġra l-Ferħa cliffs, where legend says Count Roger's Normans landed in the 11th century.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Il-Fiddien, in the countryside west of Rabat
- Terrain:
- Country roads and rough footpaths over rubble, garigue and a stream bed, with rocky stretches along exposed cliff tops. VisitMalta rates it 'Mostly rough' and 'Challenging'.
- Shade and water:
- Baħrija's main square has catering facilities, public toilets and a playground. VisitMalta warns there are no shops or bars along the cliff routes, so carry water and snacks.
- By bus:
- The OSM tag, the 2014 MTA brochure and VisitMalta's current Baħrija page all say to use bus 109, which Malta Public Transport still runs daily between Baħrija and Rabat and on to Għar Lapsi. Its published stop list has no stop named Fiddien (the nearest are the Għemieri stops), so check where to get off at publictransport.com.mt.
- On the way:
- Baħrija village square and the 16th-century Chapel of St Martin · Il-Qlejgħa Bronze Age village site and rock-cut caves · Miġra l-Ferħa cliffs viewpoint (detour) · Old Roman quarries by the road · Mtaħleb chapel above the terraced valley
- ⚠️ Keep away from the cliff edge at Miġra l-Ferħa, where sudden gusts and erosion are documented
- ⚠️ The stream bed can be slippery when wet. Stay off fields marked 'RTO' (private land). Bird trapping and hunting happen in season
- ⚠️ Mobile reception may be poor or absent in parts
Sources: web.archive.org, api.visitmaltaplus.com, api.visitmaltaplus.com, publictransport.com.mt
17.6 km · ~200 m climb · ~4 h 45 · one way · West Malta
A long route from a German Michael Müller guidebook, as mapped in OpenStreetMap. It heads west out of Rabat on country roads to the hamlet of Mtaħleb, then turns north through Baħrija and past the Kunċizzjoni area. A cliff-top path leads over Fomm ir-Riħ to Ġnejna Bay, and a coastal footpath continues north to Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay.
Start, terrain, buses and cautions
- Start:
- Rabat town centre near St Paul's Church and the catacombs (Triq il-Kulleġġ)
- Terrain:
- Mainly tarmac country roads, including a long stretch of a secondary road out of Rabat, with some unpaved paths and tracks. The final Ġnejna to Golden Bay section is a rocky coastal footpath with steep, slippery stretches of loose stones, fully exposed.
- Shade and water:
- Very little shade. Food is in Rabat, possibly in Baħrija, and at the Ġnejna and Golden Bay beaches (toilets at both, a restaurant at Għajn Tuffieħa); carry plenty of water.
- By bus:
- Rabat is served by several routes from Valletta (51, 52 and 53 among them). Route 44 runs from Golden Bay (Għajn Tuffieħa) back to Valletta. Check publictransport.com.mt.
- When:
- Autumn to spring; the coastal section has no shade and is hard going in summer heat.
- On the way:
- Mtaħleb chapel of the Nativity of Our Lady · Baħrija village and the chapel of St Martin of Tours · Cliff-top path above Fomm ir-Riħ · Ġnejna Bay · Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay
- ⚠️ Steep, slippery sections with loose stones between Ġnejna and Golden Bay
- ⚠️ Some paths around Fomm ir-Riħ cross land flagged by hikers as private property
- ⚠️ Long stretches on roads shared with traffic
Sources: openstreetmap.org, michael-mueller-verlag.de, elizabethontheroad.com, alltrails.com