From Cliffs to Coastlines: Hiking in the North of Malta.

Step into nature – here are the 5 best hiking routes in the North of Malta.

The Maltese islands are the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature. Malta boasts sandy beaches, coastal hiking trails, and gorgeous scenery. Malta may be rocky and rugged; however, green hills, small towns, and blue waters are ideal for outdoor activities, particularly hiking. With plenty of natural and man-made wonders, hiking on the Maltese islands is the perfect way to take in the landscape. So, why not make the most of your holiday in Malta by embarking on a hiking tour of Northern Malta? This area is the best location to hike on the Maltese archipelago for a few reasons:

Here, you will find some of Malta’s most incredible natural attractions. The north of Malta boasts some of the most beautiful scenery on the island, with rich vegetation, small caves, and high cliffs. In the north, you will also find Malta’s largest and most popular beaches: Riviera Beach, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Paradise Bay, and Armier Bay. Other unique places in this area that are worth exploring are the Coral Lagoon and Comino.

Due to the north’s rolling landscape, these areas have fewer people and less traffic. Finding quiet places to disconnect from city noises and get closer to nature is easy. There are numerous cliffs and viewpoints from this side of the island, which will provide spectacular views of Malta and its smaller sisters, Gozo and Comino.

In this guide, we will detail the best hiking routes that can be found in the north of Malta, where our school and many of the island’s natural attractions are located.

1. Malta’s Watchtower Route

This route begins at Ghadira Bay in Mellieha. This is one of Malta’s longest beaches, with white sand and turquoise waters that will motivate you to start your trek.

The Marfa Watchtowers Trail starts at the beach and heads uphill into the countryside. You’ll see wooded glades, still used today as hunting grounds, and walk along the picturesque Marfa Ridge.

Before descending to a sandy cove, you will pass olive groves, hermitages, and religious statues. Here, you will find defence towers that date back to the 17th century. As you continue your trek, you will find an abandoned NATO base to explore.

In the final kilometres of your hike, you will see the famed Red Tower, also called Il Torri Al-Hamra, by the locals, a primary symbol of Northern Malta. You can also see the Ghadira Nature Preserve from here.

This trail is perfect for capturing Malta’s rich cultural and geographical heritage.

• Length: 14.45km
• Duration: 3.5hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Ghadira Bay

2. The Great View Loop from Xemxija and St. Paul Island

This route starts in Xemxija, a short distance from our BELS Malta English school and student residence. If you are improving your English at our schools, you will be making friends from all over the world; why not bring them along for a hike through the area? It is a great way to spend a weekend, where you can explore nature, connect with friends, and exercise all at the same time.

Start your tour at St. Guzepp Fadiem Church; walk along the path out of the city, past Mistra Bay, until you reach the viewpoint of St. Paul’s Island. This stunning view is perfect for picture-taking, as you will see the St. Paul statue on the small island.

The route continues around several small cliffs, past the ancient ruins of Fort Campbell and the scenic beach of Imgiebah. From here, another path will lead you back to the main road in Xemxija.

This hike is perfect for those who want to explore Malta’s natural beauty while close to more populated areas.

• Length: 8.27 km
• Duration: 2h 17 min
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Xemxija – Mellieha

3. Hike to the Famous Popeye Village

If you loved the show Popeye as a child, this is the hiking trail for you. It will take you through Popeye’s Village, one of the most picturesque places in Malta, where the movie starring Robin Williams was filmed.

Your adventure begins with a bus ride to the Ghajn Tuffieha bus stop, right behind Golden Bay. Pass through rocky paths until you reach the Rock Cut Observation Post. From here, you will find stunning views of Gozo on the horizon.

Follow the route along the coast until you find the path that will take you directly to Popeye’s Village viewpoint. Take an opportunity to rest and photograph the colourful houses and turquoise waters surrounding them. In the summer, this will be the perfect time to take a dip in the Mediterranean.

This route is best walked at midday; the sunset views from this location are breathtaking when the sky is clear.

• Length: 9.36 km
• Duration: 2.5 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Manikata – Mellieha

4. Take a Trip to Comino

If you searched for images of Malta before your visit, you probably saw the tiny island that sits between Malta and Gozo. This is Comino, home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters. While the Blue Lagoon may be the most popular tourist attraction on the small island, Comino also offers a dynamic hiking trail that covers the entire island in a matter of hours.

Once you arrive on the island by ferry, head east towards the bays of San Nicolas and Santa Marija. You can explore this coastal area before heading back towards the Blue Lagoon. On the way, you can visit the former isolation hospital and the tower of Santa Marija, an iconic fixture featured in the film The Count of Monte Cristo. Complete your route in the crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

In the winter months, be sure to bring comfortable clothes, food, and water for the entire day; there are no kiosks on the island during this season and you cannot purchase refreshments.

• Length: 6.51 km
• Duration: 2hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Comino Island

5.  Trail across Ghajn Tuffieha

One of the most beautiful routes in Malta is the one that leads to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, a popular coastal spot among locals. This area is filled with numerous coves and vast rocky cliffs, offering an amazing view of the surrounding landscape and horizon. It’s definitely a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and scenic beauty.

This route begins at the Gnejna bus stop, where you will go around the small cliff that leads to Gnejna Bay. From here, you can admire the beautiful coves and impressive rock formations at Ghajn Tuffieha. Make your way carefully around the coast to Riviera Beach. Follow the stairs to the top and go around the cliffs towards Golden Bay. If you want to make your route a little longer, you can return to the starting point by taking alternative paths along the way. Bus stops are at each location, so you can halt your trip if you need a rest. Or cool down with a dip in the sea. This area is perfect for relaxing by the sea after a long hike.

• Length: 5,9 km
• Duration: 1h 48 min
• Difficulty: Low – Moderate
• Trailhead: Ghajn Tuffieha

Bonus: Venture Further and Hike in the South of the Island

If you want to explore additional hiking trails in Malta, use public transport and head to the South. Dingli Cliffs and Blue Grotto are two not-to-miss cliff edges on the Southern Coast,

Join BELS English Schools in St.Paul’s Bay and Hike with your New Friends

Once you have your guide, choose your route and start your hike. Going hiking in a group is always enjoyable, and our students at BELS Malta English School love to come together for such activities. It’s an excellent opportunity to make new friends, explore the Maltese islands, and practice English with other language learners.

If you are curious to discover ways to combine a language immersion trip with exciting new adventures, contact us at [email protected]. We will advise you directly from the school and help you plan your perfect trip.