Malta / Gozo

Discovering the Maltese Islands

Trip code: W07GM 4 (6 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 2
Moderate

17.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Explore two unspoilt Mediterranean islands, temperate year-round climate, perfect for exploring on foot
  • Excellent coastal walking with spectacular views over dramatic coastlines, beautiful beaches, colourful fishing villages and azure Mediterranean waters.
  • Discover the fascinating and historic UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta with awe inspiring architecture.
  • Based on our popular 7 night, Secrets of Malta Walking

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • 7 day bus ticket for walking transfers in Malta and Gozo

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Maltese islands have played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St John, Napoleanic and the British Empires whose influences 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 on these islands to tantalise your tastebuds.

This holiday gives the perspective on two different Maltese islands, Malta being the largest of the two, only 27km long and 14.5km wide so you'll see plenty of breath taking sea views 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. In Malta you are based just outside Valletta in St Julian's, your 7 day bus pass allows you to make the most of your time on the islands enabling you to access the start of the walks and return at the end. 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. 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.

Your hotel in Malta is based in the quieter side of St Julian's or at the Hotel Verdi in Gzira. 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.

On day 5 of your holiday you are transferred to Gozo to discover your second island and the second largest of the three Maltese islands. At only 14km by 7km at its widest point, nowhere in Gozo is too far away, making it the ideal choice for a walking holiday. The slow pace of life along with the air of tranquillity also makes Gozo the perfect place to relax. Rich in history and culture you there is plenty to see on your walks around the island taking in exceptional coastal views as you go. The walks guide you around the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages.Its rugged landscape ensures spectacular views including Fungus Rock, a natural stone outcrop in the centre of Dwejra Bay, and the Inland Sea. Between autumn and late spring, the countryside bursts into life, revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, with colourful wildflowers and scented herbs.

Your hotel in Gozo is based in the capital Victoria. An elegant hotel in which you can relax, however being in the heart of Victoria there are a plethora of bars and restaurants to entertain you. Explore the medieval citadel with impressive walls and be enchanted by the far reaching views from the top across the entire island.

Terrain

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.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Malta

Arrive at your hotel for the evening. Below is a suggested itinerary for your stay on each island, however you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk on each island on each day.

You stay at Hotel Holms or Hotel Verdi.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Holm, St Julians

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Hotel Holm is a modern and contemporary boutique hotel and spa with design driven décor. Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley just 350m from Balluta Bay it offers an excellent location to explore Malta and nearby Valletta. Our customers stay in the Superior rooms on a B&B basis and you have plenty of options for dinner nearby. The hotel has Wi-Fi throughout, a 24 hour bar service, a rooftop infinity pool and and the heated indoor pool and spa facilities (treatments payable locally) are excellent.



Hotel Verdi, Gzira

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Situated right on the waterfront, the Hotel Verdi has a great location, right on the popular promenade and with shops, trendy cafés, restaurants and bars, swimming spots, and even a beach club on its doorstep. You are just a short walk or taxi from the main areas of Valetta, so whether you are interested in the shopping in Sliema, or the cultural and historical delights of the old town, you won't be disappointed. This is a great place to stay for your walking holiday in Malta.

The hotel has many features including a well-equipped gym, Scandi-style sauna, and a bijou roof-top pool. There is 24/7 reception, room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a delightful on-site restaurant and lobby bar.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Malta's 'fish tail' (9km/5.6mi or 15km/9.3mi)

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

elevation

You stay at Hotel Holm or Hotel Verdi.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Holm, St Julians

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Hotel Holm is a modern and contemporary boutique hotel and spa with design driven décor. Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley just 350m from Balluta Bay it offers an excellent location to explore Malta and nearby Valletta. Our customers stay in the Superior rooms on a B&B basis and you have plenty of options for dinner nearby. The hotel has Wi-Fi throughout, a 24 hour bar service, a rooftop infinity pool and and the heated indoor pool and spa facilities (treatments payable locally) are excellent.



Hotel Verdi, Gzira

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Situated right on the waterfront, the Hotel Verdi has a great location, right on the popular promenade and with shops, trendy cafés, restaurants and bars, swimming spots, and even a beach club on its doorstep. You are just a short walk or taxi from the main areas of Valetta, so whether you are interested in the shopping in Sliema, or the cultural and historical delights of the old town, you won't be disappointed. This is a great place to stay for your walking holiday in Malta.

The hotel has many features including a well-equipped gym, Scandi-style sauna, and a bijou roof-top pool. There is 24/7 reception, room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a delightful on-site restaurant and lobby bar.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Valletta (6km/3.7mi or 10km/6.2mi)

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

elevation

You stay at Hotel Holm or Hotel Verdi.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Holm, St Julians

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Hotel Holm is a modern and contemporary boutique hotel and spa with design driven décor. Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley just 350m from Balluta Bay it offers an excellent location to explore Malta and nearby Valletta. Our customers stay in the Superior rooms on a B&B basis and you have plenty of options for dinner nearby. The hotel has Wi-Fi throughout, a 24 hour bar service, a rooftop infinity pool and and the heated indoor pool and spa facilities (treatments payable locally) are excellent.



Hotel Verdi, Gzira

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Situated right on the waterfront, the Hotel Verdi has a great location, right on the popular promenade and with shops, trendy cafés, restaurants and bars, swimming spots, and even a beach club on its doorstep. You are just a short walk or taxi from the main areas of Valetta, so whether you are interested in the shopping in Sliema, or the cultural and historical delights of the old town, you won't be disappointed. This is a great place to stay for your walking holiday in Malta.

The hotel has many features including a well-equipped gym, Scandi-style sauna, and a bijou roof-top pool. There is 24/7 reception, room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a delightful on-site restaurant and lobby bar.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 4: Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay (8km/5.0mi or 13km/8.1mi)

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

elevation

You stay at Hotel Holm or Hotel Verdi.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Holm, St Julians

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Hotel Holm is a modern and contemporary boutique hotel and spa with design driven décor. Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley just 350m from Balluta Bay it offers an excellent location to explore Malta and nearby Valletta. Our customers stay in the Superior rooms on a B&B basis and you have plenty of options for dinner nearby. The hotel has Wi-Fi throughout, a 24 hour bar service, a rooftop infinity pool and and the heated indoor pool and spa facilities (treatments payable locally) are excellent.



Hotel Verdi, Gzira

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Situated right on the waterfront, the Hotel Verdi has a great location, right on the popular promenade and with shops, trendy cafés, restaurants and bars, swimming spots, and even a beach club on its doorstep. You are just a short walk or taxi from the main areas of Valetta, so whether you are interested in the shopping in Sliema, or the cultural and historical delights of the old town, you won't be disappointed. This is a great place to stay for your walking holiday in Malta.

The hotel has many features including a well-equipped gym, Scandi-style sauna, and a bijou roof-top pool. There is 24/7 reception, room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a delightful on-site restaurant and lobby bar.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 5: Transfer to Gozo and Optional Ta'Pinu and Gharb walk (15km/9.3mi)

Today a morning taxi transfer is provided to the ferry port where you catch the ferry (ticket included) for Gozo where a taxi transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the capital Victoria where you will stay for the next three nights. On arrival you can either relax, explore Victoria or do the optional walk to the Ta Pinu Santuary finshing in Gharb. This north western corner of the island is only accessible on foot, along easy to navigate farm tracks. First stop is the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica Ta' Pinu, a huge national shrine built on the site of a miracle in 1923. Your route then leads through unique ravine-like wieds (streams) to Gharb with a stunning Baroque church dating from 1699 and traditional stone houses. The final stretch takes you along the striking cliffs of the north coast where you are rewarded with fantastic views across Gozo's famous salt pans.

elevation

You stay at The Duke Hotel.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Duke Hotel, Victoria

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Duke Boutique Hotel is situated right in the heart of Victoria, the capital city of Gozo ands enjoy excellent views all around. The Headwater rooms overlook the Villa Rundle Gardens.All bedrooms and suites are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also the perfect spot from which to discover the stunning island of Gozo as it is within 200m from the main bus terminal. A shopping complex, supermarket, car park, bar and restaurant are on site while shops, banks, public car park, cinema and hop on hop off stops are within metres.

All standard rooms are unique in layout and furnished to high standards offering a relaxing and luxurious experience. Rooms have twin or king sized beds and are equipped with air conditioning and heating for individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen 42' TV, Ionic hairdryer 2000w, laptop safe with electricity outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high speed WIFI. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bathtub, plush robes, slippers and a magnifying mirror. Complimentary toiletries and amenities are also available in each room.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with jacuzzi hot tub
Terrace Rooms have a Private Terrace with a *Jacuzzi Hot Tub enjoying views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room is unique in layout with twin or king sized beds. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and heating for individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen 42' TV, ionic hairdryer 2000w, laptop safe with electric outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high speed WIFI. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bathtub, plush robes, slippers and a magnifying mirror. Complimentary toiletries and amenities are also available in each room. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, sunshades and pool towels. *Jacuzzi® hot tub may be heated up to 40 degrees C (32 degrees C recommended in winter)

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea (13km/8.1mi)

To the west coast of Gozo and the fascinating Punic burial site at Wardija Point. There's a mythical feeling here, like being on the edge of the world. Narrow stone-walled lanes lead down to bamboo groves and to Fungus Rock (named after the 'magic' plant which grew there), the former site of the Azure Window and the Inland Sea.

elevation

You stay at The Duke Hotel.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Duke Hotel, Victoria

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Duke Boutique Hotel is situated right in the heart of Victoria, the capital city of Gozo ands enjoy excellent views all around. The Headwater rooms overlook the Villa Rundle Gardens.All bedrooms and suites are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also the perfect spot from which to discover the stunning island of Gozo as it is within 200m from the main bus terminal. A shopping complex, supermarket, car park, bar and restaurant are on site while shops, banks, public car park, cinema and hop on hop off stops are within metres.

All standard rooms are unique in layout and furnished to high standards offering a relaxing and luxurious experience. Rooms have twin or king sized beds and are equipped with air conditioning and heating for individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen 42' TV, Ionic hairdryer 2000w, laptop safe with electricity outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high speed WIFI. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bathtub, plush robes, slippers and a magnifying mirror. Complimentary toiletries and amenities are also available in each room.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with jacuzzi hot tub
Terrace Rooms have a Private Terrace with a *Jacuzzi Hot Tub enjoying views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room is unique in layout with twin or king sized beds. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and heating for individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen 42' TV, ionic hairdryer 2000w, laptop safe with electric outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high speed WIFI. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bathtub, plush robes, slippers and a magnifying mirror. Complimentary toiletries and amenities are also available in each room. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, sunshades and pool towels. *Jacuzzi® hot tub may be heated up to 40 degrees C (32 degrees C recommended in winter)

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 7: Bays and Towers Walk (13km/8.1mi)

Beginning at Qala, it's an easy stroll to Dahlet Qorrot, a tiny harbour with gaily coloured boat houses. Then it's on through fragrant lemon groves and vineyards and past fig and peach trees to San Blas Bay, a hidden beach with gorgeous ochre-coloured sand. Your final stop is Nadur where the spectacular views at the end of the day are a great finale to your week.

elevation

You stay at The Duke Hotel.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Duke Hotel, Victoria

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Duke Boutique Hotel is situated right in the heart of Victoria, the capital city of Gozo ands enjoy excellent views all around. The Headwater rooms overlook the Villa Rundle Gardens.All bedrooms and suites are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. The Duke Boutique Hotel is also the perfect spot from which to discover the stunning island of Gozo as it is within 200m from the main bus terminal. A shopping complex, supermarket, car park, bar and restaurant are on site while shops, banks, public car park, cinema and hop on hop off stops are within metres.

All standard rooms are unique in layout and furnished to high standards offering a relaxing and luxurious experience. Rooms have twin or king sized beds and are equipped with air conditioning and heating for individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen 42' TV, Ionic hairdryer 2000w, laptop safe with electricity outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high speed WIFI. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bathtub, plush robes, slippers and a magnifying mirror. Complimentary toiletries and amenities are also available in each room.

Room upgrades: Terrace Room with jacuzzi hot tub
Terrace Rooms have a Private Terrace with a *Jacuzzi Hot Tub enjoying views of Victoria’s skyline. Each room is unique in layout with twin or king sized beds. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and heating for individually controlled room temperatures, minibar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen 42' TV, ionic hairdryer 2000w, laptop safe with electric outlet, international wall sockets, USB ports and free high speed WIFI. Bathrooms feature rain shower heads, shower or bathtub, plush robes, slippers and a magnifying mirror. Complimentary toiletries and amenities are also available in each room. Private terraces are equipped with sunbeds, sunshades and pool towels. *Jacuzzi® hot tub may be heated up to 40 degrees C (32 degrees C recommended in winter)

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 8: Leave Gozo

Depart Victoria after breakfast

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Excelsior Grand Hotel Malta, Valletta; Hotel Phoenicia, Malta.

hotel details



Excelsior Grand Hotel Malta, Valletta

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The 5 star Excelsior Grand Hotel Malta has magnificent views overlooking Marsamxett Harbour and Fort Manoel and is ideally placed just 2 minutes away from the walled old town centre of the Maltese capital of Valletta. It is a relaxing haven in the bustling city and its facilities boast both an indoor and outdoor pool, (pool towels available), gym, hairdressing salon, relaxing bar area with beautiful views, restaurant and impressive spa facilities.

There are a variety of rooms on offer, including the sea front rooms with amazing views, all rooms have satellite television with international channels, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, large safe and air conditioning and free wifi is available throughout the hotel.



Hotel Phoenicia, Malta

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Hotel Phoenicia is a large, elegant hotel just outside the old city walls of Malta's capital, Valletta, and just 3 minutes walk from the city gate. It has retained its original architecture based on the grand style of the 1920's, with a luxurious classical decor and a blend of warm hospitality and old world service.

Unusually for a city hotel, it has extensive and quiet rear gardens with an open-air rotunda, mini golf course, gazebo, and outdoor swimming pool (heated in winter). A lovely place to stretch your legs or relax with a good book away from the hubbub of the city.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
$2000
$0
11
$2000
$0
12
$2000
$0
13
$2000
$0
14
$2000
$0
15
$2000
$0
16
$2000
$0
17
$2000
$0
18
$2000
$0
19
$2000
$0
20
$2000
$0
21
$2000
$0
22
$2000
$0
23
$2000
$0
24
$2000
$0
25
$2000
$0
26
$2000
$0
27
$2000
$0
28
$2000
$0
29
$2000
$0
30
$2000
$0

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $660.

These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $660.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

Temperatures were much hotter than typical for mid-October. This made everything hot and dusty and the walking more difficult. As a result we took the shorter options where provided and improvised shorter options where not. The buses on Malta were very busy and often they would be too full to pick anyone up. Once we realised this we got out earlier to beat the crowds. Gozo was much quieter and much more our cup of tea. The people on Gozo were very friendly. We had no problems with buses on Gozo, always on time, always plenty of space. The food was excellent throughout the holiday.

Keith Guthrie, 13 Oct 2023

 

Fine

Peter Craig, 7 Oct 2023

 

The Headwater experience included a lot of good points - the holiday booking experience and the travel and accommodation were all good, with everything going smoothly and very easily for us. However, we found some of the walking in Malta much harder than expected, partly no doubt due to the unusually hot conditions (30 deg in October) and we experienced some challenges getting used to the app and following the routes. Our expectation of the activity grading level for parts of this holiday was significantly off!

Susan Herbert, 4 Oct 2023

 

We were originally booked to do another walking holiday in Greece which cancelled 10 days before departure to storms and flooding. Headwater team went all out to find us an alternative and we settled on enjoyable twin-centre holiday with just the right amount of time at each. Flights, transfers & ferry journeys all worked out perfectly. Hotels were of good quality and we felt welcomed at both. Local transport came in the form of local buses (passes provided) and were amazingly reliable. We used them every day to get around for both walks and tourist visits. Local agent, Stephania, was amazing and reachable for all queries. She recommended several restaurants, two of which we thought were outstanding.

Only disappointing factor was a room downgrade at the first hotel. It was very hot even at the end of September and there is very little shade on the walks but we started off relatively early to try and finish by lunchtime and then find a swimming option in the afternoon. Looking forward to the next one!

Deborah Jenkins, 24 Sep 2023

 

As novices to walking holidays, we had an enjoyable trip to Malta and Gozo, however due to the exceptional heat it was quite challenging! Some of the walks have a 30-60 minute bus ride before the start, so cannot be started really early (we weren't prepared to forgo a reasonable lie-in and enjoy the hotel breakfasts!), but over the course of the week we did learn how to make the most out of the buses to shorten or amend our route plans and still see much of both islands! We enjoyed the many swimming opportunities and the peaceful walks that were a nice balance to the bustle of Valetta and Victoria and the main towns.

Caroline Clack, 1 Jul 2023

 

Malta (and Gozo) are great destinations for independent travel. The bus service is superb - an extremely reliable way of getting to and from places to start and finish walks. There are plenty of excellent walks to choose from taking in a range of spectacular coastal scenery, historic sites and attractive towns and villages. Gozo is the prettier, and quieter, island of the two so suited us more but we wouldn't have wanted to miss the historic attractions on the main island. We could easily have spent 3 days exploring Valletta and the 3 cities! A final word about Headwater's local guide, Stephania. She was one of the best guides we have had for this type of holiday. She was very attentive, full of great ideas on how to improve on the walks provided by Headwater and offered a number of great alternatives to the Headwater suggested itinerary. She kept in touch throughout our stay in an unobtrusive but reassuring way. A credit to Headwater and to Malta!

Mr Spicker, 26 Jan 2023

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 2
Moderate

17.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from $1730

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE