Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 19:41

historical-town-of-mdina

Secrets of Malta Walking Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Malta
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: W07ML

Trip Overview

The largest of the Maltese islands, there is so much to explore in Malta with its rich and varied history.

The Maltese islands have played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St John, Napoleanic and the British Empires whose influeces can be seen all over the island. The awe inspiring architecture is clearly evident, especially in the UNESCO world heritage site of Valletta, Malta’s capital city. With so many rich and colourful traditions and excellent gastronomy, there is plenty to tantalise your tastebuds.

Based just outside Valletta in St Julian’s, this holiday is perfectly flexible, use your 7 day bus pass to reach the start of the walks and take the bus back at the end and you can explore the best that Malta has to offer. We have suggested a 7 day itinerary for you, however you can take it at your own pace and walk where and when you want each day. Walk around Malta’s ‘fish tail’ where the watch towers along the coast are evident of its history and where there are stunning views across to Gozo and Comino. Take time to enjoy nature at the Majjistral Nature Park and vist ancient tombs and relics along the way.

Being only 27km long and 14.5km wide you’ll see plenty of breathtaking sea views in Malta, with dramatic sandstone cliffs, time worn salt pans and perfect fishing villages where the traditional and colourful Luzzo boats can be seen bobbing around in the bays. Enjoy the sites of the capital Valletta, the smallest capital in Europe and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s full of narrow streets, impressive architecture, fountains and ancient city walls, however if you need a rest, there are plenty of cafes, restaurant and bars in which to stop and watch the world go by.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights single centre accommodation
  • 6 days centre-based walking
  • Walk as little or as much as you like
  • Low altitude throughout
  • Self-guided holiday.

Highlights

  • Excellent coastal walking with spectacular views over dramatic coastlines, beautiful beaches and azure Mediterranean waters.
  • Discover the fascinating and historic UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta with awe inspiring architecture.
  • Explore ecologically diverse nature parks, woodlands and the ancient Punic tombs of Malta.

Is This Trip for You?

The walking is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, enjoys the occasional weekend walk and can walk 2-5 hrs per day.

The terrain is moderate with some small hills and the walking is often along ancient roads and old farm tracks. There are some steep descents to the coast and the occasional rough, stony section.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

W07ML map

Land Only

  • Start City: St Julians
  • End City: St Julians

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Malta

Arrive at your hotel in the quieter area of St Julian’s

Day 2
Malta's 'fish tail'

Discover Malta’s ‘fish tail’ with breath taking cliffs beautiful beaches and stunning views to Comino and Gozo.

A shorter optional walk is also available.

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Xemxija Trail to Majjistral Park

Explore Malta’s ancient relics and Punic tombs, pass a 1,000-year-old carob tree and continue to the ecologically diverse Majjistral Nature Park.

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Xemxija Hill, Mistra and Selmun

Excellent views of Mistra Bay, Xemxija and St. Pauls Bay following the coast line to Selmun.

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Valletta

An impressive coastal walk of Malta’s capital city with UNESCO World Heritage site status, with stunning views of its surrounding natural harbours

A shorter optional walk is also available.

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Rabat area

Explore the area of Rabat, one of Malta’s oldest settlements and the walled city of Mdina. Head towards the coast with dramatic cliffs.

A shorter optional walk is also available.

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay

Dramatic sandstone cliffs and magnificent sea views between the two fishing towns of Marsascala and Marsaxlokk Bay, famous for its Sunday Fish Market!

A shorter optional walk is also available.

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Leave Malta

The tour ends after breakfast in St Julian’s

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Secrets of Malta Walking

hotel-holm

This single centre holiday is based in the queiter side of St Julian’s just 350m away from the front at Balluta Bay and you will find your hotel tucked away in a quiet, narrow alley. A modern and contemporary hotel with striking decor, it’s rooftop infinity pool is a perfect place to relax after a days walking. Your stay here is on a B&B basis as there are so many excellent restaurants nearby for you to find the best spot for dinner. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital.

Single supplement from CAD 885

Joining Instructions

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in St Julians on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour for flight inclusive bookings from Malta Luqa Airport to the hotel in St Julians, and vice versa for the return. Transfers can also be arranged for land only bookings for a supplement. Please ask your Sales Consultant for further details.

Flights:
Flights can be arranged from most UK airports, with connecting transfers as required, prices and details on request. The above prices include our standard flights/transfers: Arrival – Air Malta Heathrow to Malta Luqa 11:25/15:35, transfer to ferry port (35 mins) then ferry to Gozo 18:00/18:25. Transfer to hotel from ferry port (10mins).
Return – Transfer to ferry port (10 mins), ferry to Malta 12:00/12:25, transfer from ferry port to airport (35 mins) then Malta Luqa to Heathrow 16:55/19:25.

Business/club/first class seats are available on request.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: St Julians
Location end: St Julians

Transfer Details

When flights are arranged through us, transfers are included from Malta Luqa airport at 15:35 to St Julians and back to Malta Luqa airport at 12:00 For Land Only bookings, transfers can be arranged for a supplement.

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

Malta

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Malta. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Malta

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Electricity

Malta's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Malta's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip; opening hours do vary, and are usually displayed outside. Credit cards are widely accepted, but if you are unsure then just ask. There is a 24 hour, seven days per week service available at Malta International Airport.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need money for lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks as well as any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. Dinners can cost between €15-40 depending on the type of restaurant you visit and would not include drinks.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.