Hiking adventures in Malta: finding beauty in unexpected places

​ME.ACTIVE - Are you looking for a unique hiking experience that's off the beaten path? Look no further than Malta. Despite its small size and dense population, Malta has many beautiful hiking spots that are sure to leave you in awe. As someone who's been here many times already, I can attest to the fact that Malta's natural beauty is second to none.

by Hanan

There's something truly special about the way Malta's rugged coastline meets the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It's a view that simply can't be captured in photographs. But hiking in Malta is about more than just breathtaking vistas. The island is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, making each hike a unique and immersive experience.​

Embark on a journey of breathtaking scenery and hidden gems

​As I lace up my boots and set out on my Maltese adventure, I'm excited to explore the hidden gems of Malta's hiking scene. From towering cliffs to hidden coves, there's always something new to discover on this beautiful island. So come along and join me on this journey through one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring hiking destinations in the world.

First hike

​This hiking day in Malta was a real treat. Although I only covered 15 kilometres (9.3 miles), I was able to soak in the beautiful sights and sounds of this stunning island. As I made my way through the rugged terrain, I stumbled upon a little-known beach that was utterly deserted. There, I spent some time basking in the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of this hidden gem.

​After my break on the beach, I continued my hike and discovered even more breathtaking sights, including Selmun, nestled between Mistra Bay and Imgiebah Bay. But the real highlight of the day came when I stumbled upon the stunning natural arch known as Marks & Dukes Window. This hidden treasure is a true gem, and I was thrilled to learn that few people even know about it. To see this arch, you need to make your way down to the sea and take some boat, because it's only visible from the water, but the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views you'll experience.

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ABOVE: Imgiebah Beach.

ABOVE: Selmun.

ABOVE: Marks & Dukes Window in L-Armier.

Second hike

​Another day of hiking in Malta took me to the beautiful island of Comino, the smaller and quieter neighbour of Malta. Despite its diminutive size - just 3.5 square kilometres (2.2 square miles) - I was able to hike for a good 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) and explore some of the island's most picturesque spots.

The highlight of my Comino adventure was undoubtedly the stunning Blue Lagoon, with its crystal-clear, cyan waters that simply took my breath away. But that wasn't the only thing that made this island special. I also discovered the beautiful Crystal Lagoon, with its breathtaking views that are sure to stay with me for years to come. And let's not forget about the incredible Saint Mary's Tower, a historic structure that dates back to 1618 and is one of the most visible landmarks on the island. All in all, my time on Comino was an unforgettable experience that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

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ABOVE: Comino.

ABOVE: Comino.

Third hiking

​For a full day of hiking adventures in Malta, I headed to the northwest side of the island, and I have to say, it was by far the most beautiful part I had seen yet. As I sat down and took in the breathtaking view of Għajn Tuffieħa Bay - one of the most stunning beaches in the north - I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of peace and freedom. It was a moment of pure bliss that I'll never forget and I felt truly grateful to be able to experience this beautiful corner of the world.

​But the real highlight of the day was undoubtedly Wied il-Ġnejna - one of nature's true wonders. This incredible place absolutely took my breath away and is a must-see for any hiker visiting Malta. In fact, I'd say it should be at the top of every hiker's bucket list!

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ABOVE: Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.

ABOVE: Wied il-Ġnejna.

Fourth hiking

​A final hiking adventure in Malta might seem a bit unusual, but trust me - this small country has so much more to offer than just stunning natural beauty. Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a true gem in its own right. In fact, it was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, and it's easy to see why.

​As I hiked along the entire sea side of the Valletta peninsula, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the city from outside its fortified walls. It was an absolutely amazing experience to take in the sights and sounds of this incredible city, with its stunning architecture and rich history. I was left with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty of this country, and I knew that my time in Malta had been truly unforgettable.

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ABOVE: Valletta.

​As my time in Malta drew to a close, I found myself filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. I had experienced so much on my hiking adventures, from stunning natural wonders to the breathtaking beauty of Valletta. And yet, I knew that there was still so much more to explore in this incredible country.

Find freedom and wonder in the great outdoors

​As I made my way back home, I couldn't help but think about all the other hiking adventures that lay ahead of me. From the towering mountains of the Pyrenees to the rugged wilderness of Serra de Tramuntana, the world is full of incredible natural wonders waiting to be discovered. And I knew that I would never tire of exploring them, one step at a time.

So if you're a fellow adventurer at heart, I encourage you to lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and set out on your own hiking adventure. Whether you're wandering through the lush forests of your local park or exploring the rugged beauty of a far-off wilderness, there's nothing quite like the feeling of freedom and wonder that comes from being out in nature. So go ahead and take that first step - you never know where it might lead you.

MALTA | ME.ACTIVE | HIKING

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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

19 January 2018
​updated 16 March 2023