Trade the Beach for the Cliff, and discover Malta as anyone else. Malta: The Definitive Guide for Active Travelers
Malta. For many, it’s just a summer seaside holiday, but for me, it’s an island where history can be found on every corner, and, most importantly, a perfect terrain for active exploring and hiking. Since I visit Malta often, I have traversed it criss-cross, and from my personal experiences and recommendations, I know that the true magic lies outside the hotel resorts.
This extensive Malta travel guide and tips is intended for everyone who is not looking for a quick itinerary, but a comprehensive perspective from a traveler who knows the island intimately. It serves as a central HUB that will direct you to my detailed experiences in Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, and the best routes on the coastal cliffs. Get ready for Malta for active travelers – history you literally have to earn by walking!
Historical Heart of Malta: Valletta vs. Mdina.
Discover Contrast of Ancient and Modern Pulse. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Malta, you can’t bypass these two cities. Both are full of history, but their atmosphere is diametrically opposed.
- Valletta: The Pulsating Fortress: Valletta is an armored fortress that guards the harbors and never truly sleeps. It’s a place where politics, culture, and tourism mingle. My personal observation: Valletta comes alive the most in the evening, when the cruise ships leave, and you can enjoy a calmer passage through its monumental streets.
- Mdina: The Silent Medieval Embrace: Mdina, nicknamed the Silent City, is the complete opposite. It’s a place to slow down, surrounded by quiet, deserted alleys and aristocratic stone houses. My recommendation: An ideal trip for the soul, where you can temporarily escape the modern hustle of Malta. Literally, in the St. Paul’s Catacombs. Did you know that one of the apostles, Saint Paul, hid here and preached Jesus’s teaching from this place for several months?
Want to know more about both cities? Read my detailed insights here:
- Valletta, the pulsating heart of Malta
- Mdina the silent city of Malta
- St. Paul’s Catacombs: into the underground of Rabat and the secrets of Mdina
Malta, Gozo, Comino: Discover All the Islands
The Maltese archipelago does not end with the main island. Malta for active travelers must include a ferry trip. The choice depends on the type of activity you are seeking.
| Island | Primary Activity | Atmosphere |
| Malta | Hiking, history, urban bustle. | The most comprehensive and busiest. |
| Gozo | Tranquility, countryside, natural scenery. | Peaceful, slow-paced, ideal for a full-day hike. |
| Comino | Blue Lagoon. | A tourist hit, but the sea color is unique. |
- Comino – Blue Lagoon: It may be a tourist magnet and a commercial mess, but the shade of the sea is fascinating. Tips: Definitely go here outside the main season to avoid having your experience spoiled by crowds. And most importantly, escape the Blue Lagoon area. There are much more beautiful places on the island.
- Gozo: A guaranteed escape from the Maltese hustle. From my trips, Gozo is the place for the best and most peaceful hikes. Moreover, you can easily get there by public transport and ferry. By the way, buses and ferries are the best way to move around the overcrowded island. A car is only a burden.
All information about transport, weather, and why to visit these islands can be found here: Malta: weather, transport, what to see and Blue Lagoon at Comino and Gozo.
Hiking and Cliffs: Malta Unknown to Tourists
This is the section I love and why I keep returning to Malta and keep discovering something new. Malta is not just beaches, but also dramatic coastal cliffs, ideal for hiking, even outside the main season.
- Bugibba Cliffs: Amazing coastal cliffs where you truly realize the power of nature. My finding: When the wind is blowing, it’s an adrenaline rush, but the rough sea by the cliffs is worth the effort. It’s a great place for reflection.
- The most beautiful cliffs and walking trails, however, can be found on the south coast, in the somewhat secluded Quaraba Bay, on the iconic Dingli Cliffs, and at the sea gates of Blue Grotto and the mystical sacrificial site of Hagar Qin. However, few tourists reach these places.
- Green Oases: Even though Malta is densely populated, I found places to rest. My tip for an escape: San Anton Presidential Gardens near Hal Attard – a wonderful and publicly accessible garden, an unexpected piece of greenery in the city. Not to mention that the true spirit of the old islanders can be found right in the inland parts of the island, Hal Attard and Hal Lija.
Want to know where to discover hiking trails in Malta? My personal tips:
- Bugibba Cliffs: reflections with the touch of the Atlantic
- Dingli Cliffs
- Gnejma, Qarraba Bay, Popeye: maybe the most beautiful walking trail in Malta
- Blue Grotto a Hagar Qin: Impozantný trail za históriou
- Hal Attard, Hal Balzan, and Hal Lija to the San Anton Presidential Gardens
4. Practical Tips and Plan B: Transport, Flights, and Bad Weather
Malta, especially outside the main season, has become a destination for cheap flights. If you want Malta for active travelers, it is important to know the logistics.
- Transport: (My personal take): Cars are a nuisance. You can’t park. You’ll get scratched. Buses will take you everywhere and are quite reliable. Express buses marked X1 – X4 and regular lines run across the entire island. We also tried bicycles, but believe me, Malta is not very well prepared for cycling outside of a few bike paths. You can get anywhere from the airport by bus for the price of a regular ticket.
- Weather: Malta isn’t always about the sun. My bad weather tip: If you are caught by rain, the Malta National Aquarium combined with a walk along the cliffs (when the weather clears) is a great alternative. If you like contemporary art, you can’t miss Spazju Kreattiv. Last time I was there, I discovered a wonderful collection of historical photographs of Malta by Richard Ellis.
Where to hide from the rain? Read more:
- Malta National Aquarium
- Spazju Kreattiv Malta
- Richard Ellis, the Lost views of Valletta
- Cycling Malta: Qawra, Buggiba, Mellieha and St. Paul’s Bay
Conclusion: Malta That Never Gets Old
I believe that this Malta: The Definitive Guide for Active Travelers, based on my personal and authentic experiences from many trips, will help you plan your journey for active exploration of the island. Instead of a short vacation, you will discover a destination that offers hiking, history, and deep experiences all year round.
For detailed experiences, routes, and tips, continue reading in my separate travel diaries below.
