Hiking High and Low...Expect to find a herd of noisy sheep on your trail, as we did, while hiking along traffic-free dirt tracks squeezed between the farms of northeast Malta where gentle hills and small valleys present your toughest challenge. It’s a great spot to watch the sun rise and glimpse migratory birds such as quail and turtle doves. In May wild flowers such as fennel, clover, wild iris, myrtle and orchid carpet the landscape.
Elsewhere, there is a long coastline and plenty of historical attractions to explore. For a great coastal ramble, follow the well-trodden footpaths skirting the 260 metre high Dingli cliffs through Rabat. Nearby, Bobbyland restaurant serves authentic Maltese cuisine. Other villages worth visiting are Mtahleb, Bahrija and Marsaslokk.
The rugged island of Gozo, just a 25 minute ferry ride from the mainland, is perfect for day hikes, according to Xavier Hancock from Gozo Adventures. He explains: ‘Gozo is only nine miles by four miles and most routes take less than three hours, so visitors often take breaks to cool off in one of the many bays here. Even in October, the water is still warm.’
The cliffs at Ta’ Cenc nature reserve and the Azure Window, a natural rock arch, are a must-see in any walking tour of Gozo, as well as the Neolithic Ggantija temples – the oldest freestanding temples in the world, and the busy, narrow streets of Victoria, a UNESCO world heritage site.
A seven-night walking holiday to Malta and Gozo, incl. flights, costs from around £500 with HF Holidays.
