There are so many great and famous hikes around the world that most would not even consider Malta when planning a vacation. However, this little archipelago is home to a wide range of beautiful treks and day trips, which offer both geographical and cultural wonders.

These four hikes are some of the best in Malta and are a great way for visitors to get a holistic experience of this beautiful country

Dingli Cliffs

The Dingle Cliffs are one of the most picteresque and popular trails in Malta. Their popularity not only relies on their natural beauty, but also on the rural nature of the surrounding countryside. The cliffs offer a large variety of options for all abilities. There are gentle slopes with a pleasant cafe at the end or much longer, full day, hike options that will provide challenge for more experienced hikers.

All of these routes can be found a short walk from Dingli town itself, which has frequent bus links from Rabat, Valletta and St Julians.  As well as the hiking opportunities, there are also sites of prehistoric interest along the cliffs, which provide a fascinating short break. As well as these Bronze Age sites, the cliffs also include a small church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, at the highest point in all of Malta. As you can imagine, this church offers spectacular views to the surrounding areas.

Valletta City Walk

Although when thinking of hiking we automatically picture wide open spaces and isolation, Malta also offers a great capital city. These hiking tours not only create an opportunity to take in the amazing views on foot, they also include a huge amount of culture for those willing to take on the historic city of Valletta on foot.

One of the most popular of these tours is  ‘Malta’s Medeival Capital’ tour. Starting in the Upper Barracca Gardens, it begins by showing you the opulence of the world’s deepest harbour and takes you through a tour of the city and of Malta’s fascinating history. If you fancy being more independent on your hike around Valletta, there are a large range of tours that you can download and complete on your own.

Using these virtual walks will not only give you a wider insight into the culture of the place but it will also give you the opportunity to see the capital of Malta as a local. You might come across a hidden cafe or a beautiful view you can’t imagine isn’t in the guide books, either way it will show you the beauitful city of Valletta as you never would have before.

Golden Bay to Bahrija

For hikers who are looking for a bit more challenge on their holiday to Malta, this 6 mile hike from Golden bay to Bahrija could be just the thing. Starting in the holidaymakers hotspot, this hike travels south along the coast path towards the small town of Bahrija. Due to the high altitude of this village, hiking is ideal, although a bit of a challenge.

The brisk north winds combined with the sunshine means offers a truly refreshing and scintiallating walk up to some spectacular views. The panorama from Bahrija allows the dedicated hiker to see around Northern Mata as well as the South West of Gozo. On really clear days Sicily can even be seen in the distance. Bahrija has two churches, one of which is still in use and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. There are celebrations held here on the 11^th November. They include adults giving gifts of dried fruit and mixed nuts to the children, ideal snack food after the trek up to the churches.

Comino Circuit

Comino is the smallest of Malta’s three main islands and this is much of its charm. Being only 3.5 square kilometers the island is mostly uninahabited, having only one hotel. The main draw for the area is the blue lagoon, which is very popular in summer for day trippers as it has excellent snorkelling and windsurfing opportunities.

Here, there is also the same historical signifance that surrounds all of Malta. This island was inhabited during the Roman period as well as being used as hunting ground by The Knights of Malta. For hikers this island is a paradise; it has no main roads or, aside from the hotel, private areas and hikers can essentially go where they please. This gives visitors the opportunity to take in and marvel at the atmosphere of the place which is only helped by the scent of wild thyme and herbs that the lack of cars or urban life allows to waft right across the island.

For such a small country, Malta is the hikers dream. It supports a range of difficulties and, perhaps what is so individual to this spectacular place, a incredibly ecclectic range of locations and backgrounds for your hikes. Whether you fancy a short morning walk ending in a goreous restaurant, something to break up the beach days or even an adventure on a new island that’s like nowhere you’ve ever been, Malta has it to offer in spades.

If you have been on one of these hikes or you’ve found your own individual hiking expreience in Malta then leave a comment below to let us know.

This is a guest post sponsored by The Radisson Malta and written by Steve Ewins; an Avid Traveller and Blogger who has visited more than 80 countries.

All Photos released under the creative commons license.