30 km
Distance
5 days · 3 walking
Duration
+530 m
Elevation gain
Moderate
Difficulty
Autumn–Spring
Season
Three days of walking across Gozo, Comino and the Maltese cliffs, with a swim at the end of every day. The Cittadella, the Blue Lagoon and the Inland Sea, and evenings given over to Valletta.
Malta is an ideal destination for anyone who likes walking in a Mediterranean setting. There are no high mountains, but the archipelago has a dense network of paths crossing cliffs, hidden bays, terraced farmland and archaeological sites, with the sea always in view.
The routes are easy to moderate and show you the more authentic face of Malta, Gozo and Comino, well away from the beach resorts. The best season runs from autumn to spring, when the weather is mild and the countryside is green.
Three days of walking between cliffs and sea, with a swim at the end of each day and the evenings given over to the towns.
Highlights
The Cittadella of Rabat
An ancient fortification perched on a crag some hundred and fifty metres up, dominating the whole island of Gozo. The visit closes the first day of walking.
The Blue Lagoon on Comino
The smallest island in the archipelago is uninhabited and wild. The coastal loop ends with a swim in the lagoon that made it famous.
The Inland Sea at San Lorenzo
A lagoon linked to the open sea by a tunnel cut through the rock. Close by are the Blue Hole and what remains of the Azure Window, which collapsed in 2017.
How it works
The trip lasts five days: one out, three walking and one back. Private groups with a minimum of eight participants.
Each day starts around eight with the coach transfer to Cirkewwa harbour, followed by the ferry to that day's island. The base for all three nights is Mellieħa. Hotels, transfers and ferries are arranged and booked for the group, but are paid by participants: see the detail below.
What is not included
The price is quoted on request, depending on group size and season. Not included:
- accommodation and breakfast
- evening meals
- ferries to Gozo and Comino
- coach transfers and any other transfer
Hotel, ferry and transfer bookings are still arranged for the group: you do not have to deal with them, but the cost is yours. What the price does include is set out in the quotation.
Good to know
You will need swimwear every day: each day ends with a swim.
The Maltese cliffs are exposed to the sun for long stretches, with no shade: a hat and sun cream are essential even in autumn.
The evenings run late — Valletta is visited after dark, with the return to the hotel around eleven.
The programme may change according to sea and weather conditions.
The route, stage by stage
-
Day 1 — Gozo, the cliffs and the Cittadella
11 km · +300 m · 5 hours · km 11
Leave the hotel around eight, coach to Cirkewwa harbour and ferry to Gozo. The walk runs above spectacular cliffs to Mgarr ix-Xini, with a swim on arrival. Then coach to Rabat and a visit to the Cittadella, the fortress that dominates the island from a hundred and fifty metres. Back to the hotel in Mellieħa, dinner around nine.
-
Day 2 — Comino and the Blue Lagoon
8 km · +120 m · 4 hours · km 8
Ferry to Comino, the smallest island in the archipelago, uninhabited and wild. A coastal loop ending with a swim in the Blue Lagoon. Back around four, then on to Valletta: dinner and a tour of the capital, returning to the hotel around eleven.
-
Day 3 — San Lorenzo and the Inland Sea
11 km · +110 m · 5 hours · km 11
Back to Gozo, by coach to Xlendi and the San Lorenzo loop. We visit the Blue Hole and what is left of the Azure Window, and swim in the Inland Sea, the lagoon joined to the open water by a tunnel in the rock. Return to the hotel and dinner in Mellieħa.
Stops and refreshments
- Mellieħa
- Base for all three nights. Accommodation, breakfast and dinners are not included in the price.
- Rabat, Gozo
- Visit to the Cittadella at the end of the first day's walk.
- Valletta
- Dinner and a tour of the capital on the evening of the second day.
What to bring
Multi-day treks- Hiking boots with a lugged sole
- Swimwear and a towel: every day ends with a swim
- Hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Lightweight windproof jacket
- Water, at least 2 litres per person
- Small daypack
- Valid travel document
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