ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Maltese magic in the sun

For an inspiring walking break during the colder months,
sunny Malta is the perfect destination

Sunrise from Malta coast
VisitMalta logo

With sunshine on 300-plus days a year on average, Malta is the ideal place for a winter walking holiday. As well as mild weather from November to March, the island and its neighbour Gozo offer some of the most breathtaking views and varied landscapes in the Mediterranean. 

You can follow dramatic clifftop paths and explore the rocky limestone slopes of the Maltese ‘garrigue’. There are lush green valleys, too, filled with thousands of wild flowers in early spring. And along the way, you’ll discover incredible prehistoric sites, cave chapels, and the palaces of the Order of the Knights of St John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. 

Whatever your walking level, there’s a route to suit, whether it’s hiking to the pretty fishing villages on Malta’s south coast, or Gozo’s idyllic Ħondoq ir-Rummien beach. Visit Malta has put together a collection of trails – so start planning your 2025 adventure today.

Discover Maltese history and culture

Alongside wonderful walking, Malta has unrivalled heritage to explore. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the walled capital of Valletta, with its historic streets and baroque cathedral; the prehistoric Megalithic Temples, thought to predate the pyramids; and the subterranean Neolithic burial chamber at Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

VisitMalta logo

With sunshine on 300-plus days a year on average, Malta is the ideal place for a winter walking holiday. As well as mild weather from November to March, the island and its neighbour Gozo offer some of the most breathtaking views and varied landscapes in the Mediterranean. 

You can follow dramatic clifftop paths and explore the rocky limestone slopes of the Maltese ‘garrigue’. There are lush green valleys, too, filled with thousands of wild flowers in early spring. And along the way, you’ll discover incredible prehistoric sites, cave chapels, and the palaces of the Order of the Knights of St John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. 

Whatever your walking level, there’s a route to suit, whether it’s hiking to the pretty fishing villages on Malta’s south coast, or Gozo’s idyllic Ħondoq ir-Rummien beach. Visit Malta has put together a collection of trails – so start planning your 2025 adventure today.

Discover Maltese history and culture

Alongside wonderful walking, Malta has unrivalled heritage to explore. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the walled capital of Valletta, with its historic streets and baroque cathedral; the prehistoric Megalithic Temples, thought to predate the pyramids; and the subterranean Neolithic burial chamber at Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Coastal scene in Malta
Valletta, Malta
Palm trees and rural landscape in Malta

The island has a vibrant culture, too, including tempting food. Sample traditional dishes such as aljotta (fish soup) or bragioli (a herby beef dish), and local liqueur bajtra, distilled from prickly pears. And there’s ample opportunity for fine dining, with seven Michelin-starred restaurants – not bad for an island only 316km2/122 square miles in size.

If you’re after thrills beyond hikes, try horse riding along the golden sands or kayaking, sailing or snorkelling in the clear-blue waters. But don’t forget to make time for relaxing on the beautiful beaches and swimming in the Mediterranean – the average sea temperature is 20°C, the highest in Europe. Finally, keep your camera handy when the day ends: Malta is famous for its golden hour sunsets.

The island has a vibrant culture, too, including tempting food. Sample traditional dishes such as aljotta (fish soup) or bragioli (a herby beef dish), and local liqueur bajtra, distilled from prickly pears. And there’s ample opportunity for fine dining, with seven Michelin-starred restaurants – not bad for an island only 316km2/122 square miles in size.

If you’re after thrills beyond hikes, try horse riding along the golden sands or kayaking, sailing or snorkelling in the clear-blue waters. But don’t forget to make time for relaxing on the beautiful beaches and swimming in the Mediterranean – the average sea temperature is 20°C, the highest in Europe. Finally, keep your camera handy when the day ends: Malta is famous for its golden hour sunsets.

Woman standing in a cave by Malta coast
Rocky beach scene in Malta
Church in Valletta, Malta

Need to know

Malta is the largest of three islands in the Maltese archipelago, located between Sicily and North Africa. Gozo, just 6.5km/4 miles away, has a sleepier feel, while tiny Comino is ideal for day hikes.

Best of all, it’s only three hours away, with regular flights from airports in the UK and Ireland. Gozo is reachable from Malta by ferry. 

For accommodation, choose from characterful farmhouses, boutique hotels and larger resorts – whatever your preference, you’re guaranteed a friendly welcome.

Make 2025 the year you tick Malta off your list of walking destinations – #ExploreMore and discover the real Malta, and you’ll never want to leave.

Woman standing in a cave by Malta coast
Rocky beach scene in Malta
Church in Valletta, Malta

Need to know

Malta is the largest of three islands in the Maltese archipelago, located between Sicily and North Africa. Gozo, just 6.5km/4 miles away, has a sleepier feel, while tiny Comino is ideal for day hikes.

Best of all, it’s only three hours away, with regular flights from airports in the UK and Ireland. Gozo is reachable from Malta by ferry. 

For accommodation, choose from characterful farmhouses, boutique hotels and larger resorts – whatever your preference, you’re guaranteed a friendly welcome.

Make 2025 the year you tick Malta off your list of walking destinations – #ExploreMore and discover the real Malta, and you’ll never want to leave.

KM Malta Airlines logo

Fly with the national airline, KM Malta Airlines this winter

Return flights start at £130 in Economy Basic Class and £300 in Business Basic Class.


Price is per person for a return flight in January 2025, including taxes and charges (Economy Basic and Business Basic). Price is subject to change. Prices correct as of 11.11.2024.


Learn more about walking in Malta at visitmalta.com/en/hikes-and-walks-malta-gozo #ExploreMore #VisitMaltaUK

Two ramblers walking near Malta coast

We are the Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity. We open the way for everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking. And we step up to protect the places we all love to wander. Click to find out more