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A year-round holiday destination, Malta and its Mediterranean neighbours Gozo and Comino are brimming with natural beauty, a welcoming climate with 300 days of sunshine each year, a fascinating culture and a remarkable history stretching back 7,000 years.
With landscapes from dramatic coastal cliffs plunging into waves, to the rocky scrubland of the garrigue and hidden, lush valleys, the Maltese islands are an ideal holiday destination, with highlights including the Dingli Cliffs and prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The compact nature of the Maltese archipelago makes it easy to explore and to switch from one activity to another; start with an early morning hike or bike ride, visit an historic site in the afternoon and finish with a cooling dip in the evening.
Where is Malta and how to get there
Malta - and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino - are located in the central Mediterranean Sea, some 80km due south of the Italian island of Sicily and just under 500km due east of the Tunisian coastline. Although it only has a single airport - Malta International airport - there are regular flights from the UK with several different UK carriers, including British Airways, Ryanair, Jet 2 and easyJet, as well as the Maltese national airline, Air Malta. Flight time from London is about 3hrs 15mins.
There are also ferry services to Malta from Sicily. Several ferry services run regularly between Malta and Gozo and to Comino.
The Best Ways to Find Adventure in Malta
On land, in the sea and soaring in the sky, here are some incredible ways to get the most out of your Maltese adventure:
The best hiking and walking routes in Malta
Malta and its neighbours offer a host of wonderful walks, many of which are dominated by dramatic coastal scenery. Whether you prefer a short hike or a longer trek, whether you want to tread a rocky path and get off the beaten track, or take in popular tourist sites, hug the spectacular coastline and enjoy beautiful sea views, gaze at geological wonders, or get up close to the varied botanical life, there are hikes in Malta to suit every taste, and it's just one of many activities that can be enjoyed during the cooler months.
While many are drawn to this island nation by its stunning wildflowers, there are also wonderful coastal walks, caves, cliffs, ruins, and other delights to enjoy, with areas such as the Il Majjistral Nature and History Park being ideal for a day trip. Areas where you'll find some of the best walks in Malta include Mellieħa, Dingli, Għar Lapsi, Fawwara, Wardija in the North, and the southern coast with its fishing villages and Delimara Point. Equally good for hiking adventures are the small island of Gozo and the even smaller Comino, which offer their own splendid views and countryside.
Six of the best hikes in the archipelago include:
The Watch Towers Walk
This classic Malta walk starts and ends at Ghadira Bay. Setting off from close to the Għadira Nature Reserve, the trail reaches the top of Marfa Ridge just beneath the hugely imposing Red Tower - a Malta photo must!
Offering stunning views to the sea on either side, the walk takes you through dry-farmed land, garrigue, wooded areas and amazing cliffs. Before arriving at the White Tower, a short detour reveals a spectacular geological formation.
The Three Villages Walk
A chance to uncover Malta's hidden treasures. Beginning with the lush greenery and impeccably-maintained gardens of Attard, this walk is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of traditional Maltese architecture, characterised by limestone facades adorned with intricate wooden balconies and stone carvings.
Indulge your senses as local bakeries and cafes beckon with tempting delights, adding to the serene ambience of these picturesque villages. The tranquil urban setting intertwines with the history and heritage of Attard, Balzan, and Lija, creating an authentic and captivating experience.
The Windmills Walk
This walk starts and ends at Żurrieq’s village square, passing through the small village of Safi and the surrounding countryside.
Highlights include important sites, such as the Ta’ Marmara, Tas-Salib and Ta’ Qaret Windmills, Ġibjun Gardens, the Wardija Watchtower, the Hamlet of Bubaqra, the Tal-Bakkari remains, Hlantun, Safi Parish Church and the Xarolla Windmill. You can also admire ancient Roman tombs which are thought to date as far back as 700 BC.
Salt Pans Walk
A highlight of Gozo, this unique circular walk starts and ends in Victoria, the main town of Gozo, and takes in the breathtaking ‘Sara valley’. After visiting Gozo’s oldest basilica, the walk continues to ‘Wied il-Għasri’, a valley flanked by high cliffs, and then to the sea.
Near here is ‘Reqqa point’, with its traditional salt pans - a remarkable otherworldy landscape feature where salt is produced by evaporation of sea water.
Xlendi Walk
Running from the southeast to the southwest of Gozo, this route takes you from L-Imġarr Harbour to Ix-Xlendi Bay, taking in the lower-lying coast at Xatt l-Aħmar to the fjord-like Bay of Mġarr ix-Xini, past Xlendi Tower which has stood guard since the time of the Knights of St. John.
Comino Walk
A short stroll exploring the wildlife haven of Comino. The circular route starts and ends at Bejn il-Kmiemen (Blue Lagoon). The trail follows the main pathways but can easily be extended by going off the beaten track to explore more of the island especially along the wild cliffs on the east side. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular site among day-trippers and can get quite crowded on sunny days as early as May but otherwise few people venture along the coast or into the heart of Comino.
Diving and water sports in Malta
Both above and below the water, Malta is exceptional. With a wonderful climate and more than 120 underwater sites, from geological wonders to ancient shipwrecks, the Maltese islands are consistently voted one of the world’s best diving destinations, with the diving season running from March to November.
Malta’s seabed is studded with wrecks of boats, planes, and statues such as the awesome HMS Maori or the 10,000 tonnes Um El Faroud, HMS Southwold - a type II British Hunt-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in World War Two - and a World War Two Blenheim bomber. There's also the Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park, with its dense scattering of ancient amphorae.
The abundance of shore dives, to depths of between 5 and 60 metres, means you don't even have to venture far from shore to explore the crystal clear waters.
And when it comes to boat dives, the range of options is astonishing. Whether it's exploring underwater caves brimming with sea life, or investigating wrecks, and no matter your preferred depth, the choice of amazing dives is truly astounding. As well as ships and planes there's even a 13-tonne statue of Christ, which was relocated to Qawra Point in May 2000. It was originally sunk near St. Paul's Islands and blessed by Pope John Paul in 1990, to protect the fishermen of Malta.
Another must-see is the Crystal lagoon on Gozo. After a 5-metre descent, divers enter a 30-metre tunnel illuminated by the brilliant light of the lagoon, making it ideal for underwater photography. Known in particular for the vast array of bream found in its waters, visitors can expect to be dazzled by stingrays, eels and octopuses too.
If you prefer to keep your head above the water, Malta’s beautiful coastline is a delight for kayaking and SUP, with the waters around three glorious islands to explore. There are many nooks, inlets and sea caves to investigate - one highlight is the Coral Lagoon, a collapsed cave at the north western tip of the main island, accessed through a narrow slit in the cliff face. The entire tiny island of Comino is a protected nature reserve and you can paddle round it in a couple of hours.
There are ample opportunities to try multiple water sports in Malta, such as sailing, surfing, paragliding, and even the newest water sport of flyboarding in which you fly over the water on a hydroflight device that uses the pressure of water to propel and keep you in the air! And with such beautiful crystal-clear water, even a refreshing swim or snorkel is a memorable experience on Malta.
Other things to try and the best family activities in Malta
Malta’s plethora of prehistoric ruins, archaeological sites, mysterious caves, beautiful bays and network of country lanes can also be easily explored by bike, while options from a short walk to horse riding and Segway tours are also popular family activities.
Cycling
Whatever type of cyclist you are, the relatively small size of Malta and Gozo and delightfully smooth roads, make both islands ideal for cycling. With rental facilities galore and specialised bike hotels too, this is a great place to hit the saddle and give cycling in Malta a go.
Horse riding
With many certified riding stables throughout the islands, catering to all ages, families especially will enjoy a variety of scenic rides, both beachside and along country trails, as well as sunset rides over the dramatic cliffs - all truly memorable experiences.
Rock climbing
Climbing has soared in popularity among visitors to Malta, and with its exhilarating rock faces and splendid views, it’s not hard to understand why. Climbing can be enjoyed year-round in Malta, and with 1,300 awesome routes to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Whether you're an experienced climber, happy to brave the precipices alone, or a complete novice, the climbing options are endless. And with many centres offering a variety of packages, from lessons to guided holidays, booking a climbing holiday in Malta has never been easier.
Abseiling
With magnificent cliffs making up miles of beautiful Maltese coastline, and spectacular scenery galore, the Maltese Islands are a year-round abseiler’s paradise! Whether you’re a complete beginner, an expert, or a parents wishing to give their kids a thrilling adventure, Malta’s got something for every type of abseiler.
Segway
It doesn't take long to master a Segway and, suitable for anyone over 12, they make a fun, low-impact way for families to explore together - whether that means sightseeing around Valletta, gliding along the steep Dingli Cliffs - officially the highest point on the island - stopping at various points of interest en route, or taking a sunset tour along the splendid beaches.
Ziplining
Fly off a cliff or zoom down a valley, or whizz over the Grand Harbour - ziplining is an exciting way to experience Malta and Gozo. The zipline at Migra I-Ferha is the fastest on Malta, taking you from one cliff edge to another 50m above the sea.
Trail running
Whether it's coastal runs with dramatic cliff views or inland routes through the countryside, there are trails in Malta to suit every type of runner! From spectacular hill runs such as along the magnificent Cliffs of Dingli to runs amidst the magnificent Ġgantija Temples, no two trails are the same in the Maltese islands.
Malta's must-see sights and rich history
With over 7,000 years of history, Malta is the ultimate holiday destination for any history buff! Home to some of the oldest free-standing temples in the world, the islands have also played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, Napoleon and the British Empire. Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the glorious Cultural Capital City of Valletta, the jaw-dropping Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum - an underground temple consisting of halls, chambers, and passages cut into rock - and seven magnificent Megalithic Temples, such as Ħaġar Qim.
The two temples of Ġgantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures. The Ġgantija temples are the oldest, free-standing monuments in the world and are a testament to the Island’s inhabitation for at least 1,000 years before the famous Egyptian pyramids of Giza were constructed.
Valletta, founded in the 16th Century by the Knights of St John, has hundreds of monuments, all within a relatively small space, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Also well worth a visit is the ancient capital Mdina, founded 4,000 years ago. With narrow, cobbled streets shrouded in an air of mystery, Mdina will plunge you back in time.
The Maltese are proud of their culture and celebrate it with firework displays, rowdy festas, and outstanding hospitality. The magnetism of Malta is impossible to resist.
For more information about visiting Malta, go to visitmalta.com
