Coastal walk Malta-Gozo: stage 2

Long Distance Hiking Malta Gozo Section 2 11

Map for stage 2

Facts about stage 2

Route: 17,3km
Rise / descent: 410m / 574m
Duration: 06h AM
Height chart: see map (click on button below right)

Stage 2: Catacombs, picturesque bays and the "Victoria Lines"

The second stage of our long-distance hike also leads past several UNESCO World Heritage Sites (see de.wikipedia.org):

  • If you want, you can visit the "St. Paul's Catacombs" at the beginning of the hike in Rabat, which, along with other catacombs, have been on the Maltese list of proposed cultural heritage sites since 1998 (at waypoint 2).
  • Between waypoints 8 and 9 we also hike past the "Victoria Lines" in the more southern route variant, a fortification that runs across the island and resembles the Great Wall of China in some places. For a real exploration of the "Victoria Lines", however, a whole day of hiking should be planned, for example after the long-distance hike. Please refer Hike "Victoria Lines".

In addition, the trail leads past some particularly picturesque bays with crystal-clear water.

Stage 2 pictures

Route description stage 2

Long Distance Hiking Malta Gozo Section 2 05From Rabat it goes back to the coast via small side roads. We hike north on a mixture of paved roads and dirt roads, the beautiful view is a constant companion. Before the small town of Baħrija we cross a small valley overgrown with reeds and then turn left just before the first houses of Baħrija. From the outskirts of Baħrija it goes downhill to a beautiful bay with crystal clear water. The paved road ends here, we continue on a narrow path. At waypoint 8 there is a direct ascent, which, however, leads over private property. On my first hike in Malta in 2020, it was easy to get through here, but this was no longer the case in 2023: barking dogs betrayed me and led to a discussion with the owner. The alternative is more recommendable anyway, because it has better prospects: Turn right at waypoint 8 and follow the creek overgrown with reeds for a good bit uphill. Keep to the right of the reed forest and follow the more or less clearly recognizable footpaths. Further up you come to a point where the stream can be crossed without any problems. From there it goes quite steeply uphill to a hill. Once at the top, turn left and you will find the last section of the "Victoria Lines". From here you have a wonderful view!

After the descent, you meet up again at waypoint 9 with the route from 2020. It's now a long way off. The further way is now easier to find again: past a prohibition sign (waypoint 10), which obviously only refers to cars and not to hikers, you go up to a hill from which a narrow path leads down directly below the cliff edge (Waypoint 11). From here, the destination of the stage is already clearly visible: the "Golden Bay" with a hotel complex that can be seen from afar. Rather than staying here, we recommend "St Paul's Bay" on the other side of the island, which is very easily accessible from by bus (5 km / 15 minute bus ride). Please refer Accommodation in St Paul's Bay.

Latest update (03-2026): Between waypoints 11 and 12, the passage immediately after leaving Il-Gnejna beach is officially closed (see comments from Till and Daniela below). A detour is quite easy and leads past the historic watchtower above.

Waypoints on stage 2

In the map included above and in the downloadable GPX files, we have drawn the following waypoints for better orientation:

  • Waypoint 1: start of stage 2
  • Waypoint 2: St. Pauls Catacombs
  • Waypoint 3: stonemason
  • Waypoint 4: residential buildings with guard dogs
  • Waypoint 5: along the edge of the rock to the north
  • Waypoint 6: Turn right / downhill
  • Waypoint 7: Just before the town on the left
  • Waypoint 8: The direct route leads over private property. As an alternative, we recommend the variant that runs further south: A very promising detour. The ascent is along the reeds.
  • Waypoint 9: Both variants meet again at the end of the Victoria Lines
  • Waypoint 10: The private road sign obviously only refers to cars, not pedestrians
  • Waypoint 11: From here continue below the rock edge
  • Waypoint 12: Destination stage 2 (bus stop)
Frank

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8 Comments

  1. Michaela
    21 October 2023

    Hi, I'm currently hiking (mid-October, woman, hiking solo) your stage guide. A highlight of stage 2 was the circumnavigation of the rock at Qarraba at the end, for those who hike later, don't miss it. Make sure you leave some time for the last bays to swim or relax! So beautiful! I spent the sunset at the end point, the way to St. Pauls Bay in the dark by bus was easy.

    Reply
    1. Frank
      23 October 2023

      Hello Michaela,
      thanks, good tip! For all other readers: Il-Qarraba is the triangular, very picturesque rocky plateau shortly before the end of this stage.
      Best regards and have fun continuing your hike!
      Frank

      Reply
  2. Marlies Forster
    27 December 2025

    We're currently hiking your route and have completed day 1. It's so great!! Thank you for the descriptions; the "private property" sections were a little unsettling for me. Otherwise, the trail is superbly described and absolutely beautiful. Happy New Year!! Marlies and Tom

    Reply
    1. Frank
      30 December 2025

      Hello Marlies and Tom!
      Then I wish you lots of fun with the remaining stages!
      Frank

      Reply
  3. To
    March 8, 2026

    Hello Frank,
    Thank you so much for sharing the route – your GPX files make navigation on the tour really easy. We hiked stage 2 today, and I would add two points about the tour:
    – Crossing the stream to waypoint 8 was possible today through a narrow passage through the reeds (directly on the GPX route, but easy to miss)
    – Between waypoints 11 and 12, the passage immediately after leaving Il-Gnejna beach is now officially closed. A cliff has broken off and fallen onto the route.
    Best Regards
    To

    Reply
    1. Frank
      March 15, 2026

      Hello Till,
      Thank you so much for the feedback! Regarding the second point, I have a follow-up question: how did you continue your hike from that point? Did you find an easy alternative? If so, I would add that to the stage description.
      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Daniela
    March 30, 2026

    Hello Frank!
    We hiked stage 2 today, following your directions. What a wonderful experience! We've also done your tour through the Calanques, which was equally fantastic. Thank you for your effort and for sharing it with us!
    The section along the reeds was a bit difficult because there was practically no path to be seen. We then followed the GPX track, which helped us find the way again later.
    Regarding the closed section at the end of today's stage: we walked a few meters up the road from Gnejna beach and then climbed a steep section to the left until we reached the clearly visible historic watchtower. From there, the path continues across the plateau for a while and then descends again before rejoining your route. This worked without any problems. Best regards and please keep it up!

    Reply
    1. Frank
      April 3, 2026

      Hello Daniela,
      Thank you very much! I have just updated the directions with the detour.
      Frank

      Reply

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