Malta Coastal Walk, an impressive hike around a beautiful Mediterranean island

​ME.ACTIVE - A few days before I boarded the airplane to Malta, I thought, "Let's do something active and hike around the island." And that's  what I did.

by Hanan

I hiked an incredible journey in 8 days, traversing 162 kilometres (101 miles) of rugged terrain in my trusty hiking boots. And let me tell you, the feeling of accomplishment I experienced after completing this epic adventure was truly indescribable. I was left with a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of this stunning destination, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you here.

How my love affair with Malta began

A few years back, I visited this enchanting island for the first time and was immediatly captivated. Last winter, I found myself spending most of my time her, and this year, I can't wait to be back again for even longer.

"The crystal-clear blue sea that surrounds the island all year round."

What draws me to Malta time and time again? Well, for starters, the Mediterranean climate and breathtaking scenery never fall to leave me in awe. But it's not just the natural beauty that has me hooked - the warm and welcoming nature of the Maltese people, the rich history and culture, and the crystal-clear blue sea that surrounds the island all year round are just a few of the many reasons I keep coming back.

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Read also | '6 reasons why you will return to Malta'

And let's not forget about the food - it's simply amazing, and surprisingly affordable compared to my home country. All of these factors combined make Malta the perfect destination for me, and I can't wait to continue exploring all this incredible country has to offer.

Let's hike and tell you a new story

by Hanan

"I'm currently standing in Spinola Bay, all set to embark on an exciting new adventure - a long distance hike around the entire island of Malta. The route is approximately between the 155 and 165 kilometres (96 and 102 miles) in lenght, and as for how long it will take me to complete it, I really can't say for sure. But that's all part of the thrill - the unknown is what makes this journey so exhilarating."

"I'm going to let my instincts guide me, taking each step as it comes and allowing the stunning Maltese scenery to unfold before me at its own pace. I'm excited to see where this adventure takes me and what new stories and experiences I'll have to share. So, here's to setting off on this new journey and seeing where it leads!"

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ABOVE: Spinola Bay in San Giljan.

Day one

"As I embark on my first day of the Malta Coastal Walk - a hike around the entire island - I'm already amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the Pembroke Heritage Trail."

"I make my way along this route and I'm immersed in the stunning biodiversity ofthe Mediterranean, as well as the fascinating history of the island's military past. But the most impressive part of this trail is undoubtedly the Madliena Tower - a magnificent watchtower that was first built way back in 1658, on or near the site of an ancient medieval watch post."

"The Maltese armed forces keep a close eye on it and use it as a warming beacon."

"Although the tower is no longer in active use, the Maltese armed forces keep a close eye on it and use it as a warning beacon to let people know when there's a military training or shooting practice taking place nearby. If you happen to come across the tower during one of these exercises, it's best to steer clear and go around. But even from a distance, the tower is a truly unforgettable sight to behold."

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ABOVE: Madliena Tower.

Day 1 -6h50m
30 October 2019
Balluta Bay -> Bugibba
​19.6 kilometres - 12.2 miles

Day two

"I'm currently on my second day of walking along the Maltese coast, and I'm finding it incredible challenging to choose which pictures to take. The natural scenery here is absolutely breathtaking, and it's hard to capture its beauty in just a few photos."

"As I make my way along cliffs, I find myself constantly pausing to take in the stunning views of the crystal blue water below. It's a serene and tranquil moment, and feel completely at peace in this beautiful environment."

"It's definitely one of the highlights of my trip so far."

"I've managed to capture to many photos of the area, but there are so many differents views to choose from that it's difficult to decide which ones to keep. Perhaps I'll share more about this area later, but for now, all I can say is that it's truly magnificent. This particular region is known as Selmun, and it's definitely one of the highlights of my trip so far.'

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ABOVE: Selmun.

Day 2 - 5h30m
​31 October 2019
Bugibba -> Ghadira Bay
​16.1 kilometres - 10.0 miles

Day three

"I'm now on my third day of walking along the coast of Malta, and the weather hasn't been ideal today. Unfortunately, I think I have to keep my hike short today, due to a heavy thunderstorm that rolled in unexpectedly."

"The Coral Lagoon is a stunning natural formation that's situated off the beaten path, making it an ideal spot for those who wants to get away from tourist crowds. The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding cliffs offer a breathtaking backdrop. As I hike towards the lagoon, I'm treted to stunning views of the Maltese countryside."

"The sun is shining just enough for me to capture the beauty of the lagoon."

"While the Coral Lagoon is certainly one of the most beautiful spots on the island, it's also a bit of a hidden gem. Due to its remote location, it's ofte overlooked by tourists, which means you'll have plenty of room to explore and enjoy the peacefulness of this stunning natural wonder. If you're up for a challenge and don't mind a bit of a hike.

Despite the weather, the Coral Lagoon is definitely the highlight of my day till now. Fortunately, the sun is shining just enough for me to capture the beauty of the lagoon in all its glory. It's easily one of the most incredible places on the island, but surprisingly, it's relatively unknown due to its difficult accessibility. It's not serviced by public transportation, so if you want to visit, you'll need to lace up your hiking boots and be prepared for a trek. Trust me, it's worth the effort."

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ABOVE: Coral Lagoon.

Day 3 - 6h00m
​1 November 2019
Ghadira Bay -> Popeye Village
​16.9 kilometres - 10.5 miles

Day four

"I'm on my forth day of hiking along the Maltese coast, and I have to say it's been quite a challenge so far. But ven with the difficult terrain, the views are absolutely stunning. It's not what the most people expect from Malta, but there are quite a few climbs on the agenda today. While Malta may not have any mountains, the cliffs still make for a challenging ascent and descent that leaves me feeling out of breath."

"The second challenge of the day is navigating the narrow and slippery paths at the cliffs. Sometimes there are no paths at all anymore, and I find myself to climb back up the cliff after descending for 30 minutes between rocks. I admire how nature had reclaimed these paths through erosion caused by water and wind."

"I feel alive and energised by the beauty that surrounds me."

"Dispite the difficulties, this hike is absolutely worth it. Ir's exactly the kind of experience I love, just nature at its best. I feel alive and energised by the beauty that surrounds me, and I'm excited to see what the rest of my journey has in store."

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ABOVE: Gnejna Bay.

Day 4 - 6h30m
​2 November 2019
Popeye Village -> Bahrija
​16.8 kilometres - 10.4 miles

Day five

"Today it's mostly flat, and I think I'll be able to cover quite a distance on my fith day walking along the coast of Malta."

"I walk at the top of cliffs and a lttle bit more inland, as existing coastal paths run on private land. Either the owners have closed the paths with a large fence, or they have a large barking dog, making it impossible to continue along the coast."

"The cliffs are up to 250 metres high and form a natural wall."

"At the Dingli Cliffs, I can walk almost anywhere close to the coast. The cliffs are up to 250 metres (820 feet) hgh and form a natural wall of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) long, making it a great spot for taking in the breathtaking views. It's also the highest point of Malta, making is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike."

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ABOVE: Dingli Cliffs.

Day 5 - 7h00m
​3 November 2019
Bahrija -> Zurrieq
​24.2 kilometres - 15.0 miles

Day six

"On this sixth hike along the Maltese coast, it's not the most pleasant experience, but I do get a nice ending later in the colourful Marsaxlokk."

"Marsaxlokk is especially famous for the many luzzus in its harbour. The colourful traditional Maltese fishing boats, the luzzu, are one of the symbols of Malta. The painted eye on each side of the prow is an old Phoenician custom, believed to protects the boats from evil."

"Colourful buildings and boats, as well as the smell of fresh fish."

"But before I arrive in Marsaxlokk, I make my way through three industrial and harbour areas. Fortunately, there is always a piece of nature in between these noisy areas."

"The last strech of the hike is worth the effort. The colourful buildings and boats, as well as the smell of fresh fish from the many seafood restaurants, show the charm of this beautiful little village. It's the perfect ending to my sixth day along the Maltese coast."

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ABOVE: Marsaxlokk.

Day 6 - 5h30m
​4 November 2019
Zurrieq -> Marsaxlokk
​18.3 kilometres - 11.4 miles

Day seven

"I don't know what to expect from my seventh hiking day along the coast of Malta. It's a part of Malta that I've never visited before, and apart from the famous St. Peter Pool, I've rarely seen photos or heard stories about it. But I'm excited to explore and see what nature has in store for me."

"As I make my way along the coast, I'm pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the surroundings. The views are stunning, with the white cliffs in Il-Ponta tal-Munxar standing out in particular. It's moments like this that reming me why I love to hike."

"Discovering more hidden gems along the way."

"The hike may be challenging at times, but the rewards are worth it. The scenery is breathtaking, and I feel grateful to be able to experience it firsthand. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey along the Maltese coast and dicovering more hidden gems along the way."

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ABOVE: Il-Ponta tal-Munxar.

Day 7 - 6h30m
​5 November 2019
Marsaxlokk -> Rinella Bay
​22.7 kilometres - 14.1 miles

Day eight

"Today is my eight and final day hiking around Malta. As I make my way through mostly city, two places stand out to me as highlights: the fortified Three Cities and the Maltese capital Valetta."

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​Read also | 'Unique experience in Malta with the Rolling Geeks'

"I try to capture both in one picture from the Grand Harbour. In the photo, you can see Valletta on the left, Fort Saint Angelo on the right, and me in the middle, if you hadn't noticed."

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ABOVE: Grand Harbour.

Day 8 - 7h40m
​6 November 2019
Rinella Bay -> Balluta Bay
​27.7 kilometres - 17.2 miles

"Bye the way, today I reach my final destination: Balluta Bay, the same place where I started my journey eight days ago. I've hiked around the entire island of Malta, it turned out to cover a distance of 162 kilometres (101 miles). It's been an incredible journey filled with stunning views and new experiences, and I feel grateful to have been able t take it all in. I'm already looking forward to my next adventure."

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The entire route day by day

Not my first hike in Malta

When I first arrived in Malta, I decided to explore the nearby island of Gozo. Truth be told, I fell even more in love with Gozo than I did with Malta. Duting that first visit, I spent four days hiking around the entire island of Gozo, and it was an unforgettable experience.

As I walked around Gozo, I discovered stunning landscapes, hidden coves, and charming villages. The people were friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. I was amazed by the natural beauty of the island and the rich history that could be seen in the architecture and the archaeological sites.

"It was truly a breathtaking sight that I will never forget."

One of the highlights of my trip that time was the Azure Window, a natural rock arch that had been formed over time by the sea. Sadly, the arch collapsed a few weeks later due to natural erosion, but I feel grateful that I got to see it during my visit. It was truly a breathtaking sight that I will never forget.

MALTA | ME.ACTIVE | HIKING |
​STORY

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POST BY
Thierry Hanan Scheers
With a backpack  and hiking boots Hanan travels around the world. Destination? Somewhere, nowhere and everywhere.
backpacker and storyteller

PHOTO
Thierry Hanan Scheers

15 November 2019
​updated 20 February 2023