Islands of Malta Coastal Walk

After arriving in Malta make your way to your accommodation in Rabat for check-in. Later you can take some time to explore all the major sights in Rabat, chapels, cathedral, including its impressive Medina fortress, one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe. This labyrinth of narrow alleys and limestone buildings fascinates thousands of travellers, who go there every year to discover this key city in Malta's history. Rabat is an historic city that is home to Roman and Christian vestiges. Its main attraction is the Catacombs of St. Paul, underground tunnels where the saint took refuge during his stay in Malta.

In the morning a short transfer will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hagar Qim. Between 3600 and 3200 B.C., Neolithic civilizations built this incredible stone complex using advanced techniques. Because of the temple's excellent state of preservation, it is believed that it may have been covered by a stone vault that protected it from the sun and the elements. In addition, one of its walls contains the largest megalith in Malta, at 5.2 metres long and 57 tons. The temple builders used spherical stones and ramps to place these large stones vertically. After a visit here, start your first coastal walk toward Dingli Cliff. It is a pleasant walk on a path and asphalt road. You then climb along fields and vineyards to the famous Dingli cliff viewpoint. From Dingli Cliff viewpoint it is possible to walk all the way back to Rabat passing through Buskett or take the bus. Walking: 8.5km/5.3mi, +360m/1181ft, -290m/951ft

In the morning at 8.45am there will be a transfer to Imgarr from where you will commence your coastal walk to Popeye Village, set of the 1980's "Popeye" musical, now a village with a theme park offering boat trips and dining options. Along the way you can stop for a swim in Ghajn, a nice beach spot underneath Clay Cliffs. Finishing with a transfer to Cirkewwa, take the ferry to Mgarr on Gozo Island. From here a short transfer will take you to your accommodation in Gharb. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +185m/607ft, -260m/853ft

Today you start your walk from Gharb. The walk from Gharb to the coast (Wied il Ghasri) runs on asphalt road and secondary country roads passing by the imposing Ta Pinu Abbey. Continue along the coast to Dwerja Bay with beautiful panoramic views of the cliff. From here you can take a short boat trip in Dwerja Bay (cash only) to visit the grottos. Finish your walk at Dwejra Bay from where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset before heading back to Gharb by bus. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +260m/853ft, -360m/1181ft

A short transfer will take you to Xlendi from where you start a lovely coastal route passing farmers fields, always with the stunning view of the cliffs. In Sannat you walk a short section on asphalt road through the village and then along a panoramic road with the view of Medina fortress. You reach Mgarr ix-Xini bay, a nice place to stop for a swim and lunch, just before the last few kilometres along the coast to the port. From here you take a bus to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Also known as Rabat, Victoria is known for its medieval citadel with fortified walls. There are a number of sites worth visiting within the citadel including the Gran Castello Historic House, now a folklore museum, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gozo Cathedral resplendent with its decorated ceiling and the Old Prison, whose walls have the etchings of former prisoners. The next 3 nights are spent in Victoria, allowing plenty of time to take in these attractions at your leisure. Walking: 12.5km/7.8mi, +-500m/1640ft

A short bus ride will take you back to Xlendi from where you start a steep ascent to the top of the cliff passing farming land typical of this rural area until you reach the west coast. Fields run all the way up to the coastal cliffs and you will hear songbirds as you immerse yourself in these rural scenes. At Dwejra Bay from you can enjoy a breath-taking sunset before heading back to Victoria by bus. Walking: 6.5km/4mi, +290m/951ft, -280m/919ft

Today is the day to relax and you have two optional walks to choose from: Walk A: enjoy the unique island of Comino, the tiny island between Malta and Gozo. A short bus ride will take you to the ferry port in Mgarr from where you will board a ferry to Comino. Once you have seen its famed and stunningly beautiful Blue Lagoon, walk around the island for some solitude and stunning views. On arrival back at the harbour, board a ferry back to Gozo and make your way by local bus or taxi back to Victoria. Walk B: a short walk along the coast from Marsalforn, where you can visit the salt pans, to the famous red sand Ramla Beach. You follow an undulating coastal path with several swimming spots along the coast. There are few sections on loose and steep terrain, be careful. Walking: 3km/1.8mi, +-140m/459ft or 6km/3.6mi, +-100m/328ft