Malta’s 10 best places to walk take you from the dramatic clifftops of Dingli and the medieval lanes of Mdina to the colourful harbour of Marsaxlokk and the seafront promenade of Sliema. These scenic walks range from easy 20-minute strolls to leisurely two-hour coastal routes — no specialist equipment needed.
This compact, sun-kissed archipelago rewards those who trade wheels for walking shoes. Ambling through cobbled lanes, along seafront promenades, and across limestone cliff tops lets you connect with Malta’s rhythms in a way no bus ride ever could. These are not rugged hikes; they’re leisurely, scenic and cultural strolls, moments to savour the salt in the air, the splash of fishing boats, and the charm of villages where time seems to linger.
Staying at one of our Verdi Malta hotels? All ten walks are accessible by public bus or a short taxi from St Julian’s or Gżira — we’re happy to arrange transport.
|
Walk |
Difficulty |
Distance |
Time |
Best season |
|
1. Valletta Waterfront & Barrakka Gardens |
Easy |
1.5 km |
45 min |
Year-round |
|
2. Mdina to Rabat |
Easy |
1 km |
30 min |
Year-round |
|
3. Dingli Cliffs (short version) |
Easy |
2 km |
45 min |
Oct–May |
|
4. Marsaxlokk to St Peter’s Pool |
Easy |
2.5 km |
1 hr |
Apr–Oct |
|
5. Sliema Promenade to St Julian’s |
Easy |
3 km |
1 hr |
Year-round |
|
6. San Anton Gardens & Attard |
Easy |
1.5 km |
40 min |
Year-round |
|
7. Xlendi Bay Coastal Path (Gozo) |
Easy–Mod |
2 km |
45 min |
Apr–Oct |
|
8. Victoria Lines Walk |
Moderate |
5 km |
2 hrs |
Oct–May |
|
9. Golden Bay to Ghajn Tuffieha |
Easy |
1 km |
30 min |
Apr–Oct |
|
10. Valletta to Birgu (Three Cities) |
Easy |
Walk + ferry |
2 hrs |
Year-round |
1. Valletta Waterfront Promenade & Upper Barrakka Garden
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.5 km | Time: ~45 minutes | Terrain: Paved
An easy, scenic city walk that threads together Malta’s maritime story and its grand baroque beauty. Stroll the waterfront, admire historic architecture, then climb to the Upper Barrakka Garden for sweeping harbour views.
Tip: Time it for the Saluting Battery ceremony at noon or 4pm, a cannon fired from the bastions, free to watch. After the garden, head down to the waterfront cafés for a coffee and pastizzi.
2. Mdina to Rabat Walk
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1 km | Time: ~30 minutes | Terrain: Cobbled stone
A short yet atmospheric stroll linking the “Silent City” with its lively neighbour. Wander Mdina’s medieval streets, pass through its gates, and follow the gentle path to Rabat – home to ornate churches, winding alleys, and centuries-old catacombs.
Perfect for a relaxed cultural wander.
Tip: Visit St Agatha’s Crypt and Catacombs (open daily, €5 entry) for an atmospheric underground experience beneath Rabat’s streets.
3. Dingli Cliffs Coastal Walk (Short Version)
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2 km | Time: ~45 minutes | Terrain: Flat grass track
This isn’t a trail; it’s a vantage point on the edge of the world. Begin near the small chapel of St. Mary Magdalene and meander along the flat stretch, pausing often for panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
A favourite for photographers, couples, and anyone who loves a dramatic sunset. For more routes and practical tips, see our guide to Malta’s stunning hikes.
Best season: October to May, the hillside turns green after the rains, and you’ll avoid the peak summer heat. For more coastal routes, see our guide to Malta’s best hiking trails
4. Marsaxlokk Waterfront & St. Peter’s Pool Access Path
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2.5 km | Time: ~1 hour | Terrain: Paved promenade + dirt track
Start in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where colourful luzzu boats bob in the bay. After a gentle wander along the promenade, take the easy dirt track leading to St. Peter’s Pool.
Pair your walk with a seafood lunch for the perfect half-day outing in Marsaxlokk.
Tip: Sunday is market day in Marsaxlokk, arrive early for the fish market and stay for the seafood lunch. It’s the best place on the island to eat freshly caught lampuki (mahi-mahi) in season (September–November). See our Malta markets guide for what to expect.
5. Sliema Promenade to St. Julian’s
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 3 km | Time: ~1 hour | Terrain: Paved, fully accessible
An urban coastal walk that hums with life. Paved, accessible, and lined with cafés, it takes you past landmarks such as Independence Garden and the charming curve of Balluta Bay.
It’s perfect for people-watching, gelato in hand.
Our Verdi Gżira Promenade hotel sits directly on the waterfront, a short walk from the Sliema end — making this the perfect morning or evening route straight from your room.
6. San Anton Gardens and Attard Village Stroll
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.5 km | Time: ~40 minutes | Terrain: Paved
Step into Malta’s leafy side. San Anton Gardens – with its fountains, flora, and elegant symmetry – offers a peaceful pause. From here, a gentle wander into Attard reveals quaint streets and glimpses of Malta’s residential charm.
Did you know? The gardens surround the President’s official residence. The gardens surround the Verdala Palace, the official residence of the President of Malta, and have been a public garden since 1882.
7. Xlendi Bay Coastal Path (Gozo)
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate | Distance: 2 km | Time: ~45 minutes | Terrain: Limestone footpath
On Malta’s sister island, Gozo, this short seaside route delivers dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and secluded swimming spots. A perfect mix of easy walking and marine adventure. If you’re looking to make a day of it, you can explore more of Malta and Gozo’s best beaches as part of your trip.
8. Three Cities – Vittoriosa Waterfront & Fort St. Angelo
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 5 km (section) | Time: ~2 hours | Terrain: Rocky path
History at every step. The Vittoriosa waterfront walk leads you past fortified walls, yacht marinas, and into the shadow of Fort St. Angelo. Museums and cafés tempt you to linger.
For a memorable twist, cross the harbour by traditional dgħajsa boat.
9. Għar Lapsi to Blue Grotto Lookout (Drive + Walk Combo)
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1 km | Time: ~30 minutes | Terrain: Sandy beach + cliff steps
Drive to Għar Lapsi for its fishing hamlet charm, then enjoy the short cliffside paths that frame the Blue Grotto’s cobalt waters.
Tip: Combine with a boat trip for the full spectacle.
10. Mellieħa Village & Parish Church Loop
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Walk + short ferry | Time: ~2 hours total | Terrain: Paved
This hilltop village walk wraps you in panoramic views, limestone charm, and the graceful silhouette of the Parish Church.
Tie it into a visit to Mellieħa Bay or the WWII shelters for a full half-day of exploration, and take time to learn more about Malta’s most atmospheric churches while you’re here.
Your Walking Base in Malta
Whether you fancy a harbour promenade or a cliffside photo stop, you’ll want a base that puts Malta’s walking gems within easy reach. Verdi Hotels Malta offer just that.
Take it slow, take plenty of photos, and let Malta’s landscapes, villages, and harbours unfold one step at a time. After all, in Malta, every road is a scenic one when you’re on foot. Whether you are walking the back streets of Gzira Silema or St. Julians or the Natura 2000 in Pembroke which covers everything from military to nature all next to Verdi St. Georges Bay Marina.
Frequently asked questions about walking in Malta
What are the easiest walks in Malta?
The Valletta Waterfront, Sliema Promenade and San Anton Gardens are all flat, paved and suitable for all fitness levels including those with limited mobility.
Do I need walking boots for Malta’s trails?
For the Sliema Promenade, Valletta and gardens walks, trainers or flat shoes are perfectly fine. For Dingli Cliffs and the Victoria Lines, comfortable trainers with good grip are recommended. No specialist hiking boots are required.
What is the most scenic coastal walk in Malta?
The Dingli Cliffs walk is the most dramatic coastal walk, with unobstructed views from 253m above the sea. For a more accessible seafront walk, the Sliema to St Julian’s promenade is the most scenic urban coastal route.
Can I walk from Valletta to Mdina?
Not easily on foot — they are about 13 km apart. Take the bus from Valletta to Mdina (routes 51, 52 or 53, roughly 30 minutes), then walk the Mdina–Rabat route on foot.
When is the best time to walk in Malta?
October to May is ideal, when temperatures are between 15–22°C and the island is green. July and August can be very hot (30°C+), so if walking in summer, go early morning before 9am.
