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August 2, 2020
hello frank,
I am new to your site and totally excited.
We want to hike the Malta / Gozo coastal hike next year.
Now I would like to know the level of difficulty of the hike. Is this feasible even for beginners?
Thank you for your help.
Tina
August 4, 2020
Hi Tina,
yes the coastal hike on Malta and Gozo is also doable for beginners. The technical level of difficulty - i.e. the nature of the hiking trails - is not demanding. What you should bring with you, however, is good physical condition, good hiking boots and a head for heights.
If you overestimate yourself in terms of fitness, most stages can also be shortened excellently, as both islands have good public transport. For example, I would shorten the first stage right at the beginning (see description of stage 1), then you save about 1 hour of hiking time.
Have you ever looked at the following page? https://www.wanderndeluxe.de/malta-wanderurlaub-in-der-weltkulturerbe-stadt/ That might also be an alternative for you.
Regards
Frank
4 November 2020
We have today posted a link to your Victoria Lines hike on our "Friends of the Victoria Lines Trail" Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofTheVictoriaLinesTrail/: Splendid photos.
4 November 2020
Hello Ray!
Thank you so much! I didn't know that Victoria Lines even had its own Facebook page. Great!
Regards
Frank
March 8, 2022
Hello Frank,
we are back and I wanted to thank you again for this great tip and your very helpful elaborations. From February 24.02th to March 04.03.22th, 7 we were on the road in Malta and Gozo according to your elaborations (with small modifications) and we really liked it at this time of the year. I was a bit concerned beforehand as many pictures on the internet gave me a different impression of Malta, but I have to say the coastal walk is just great in spring! There were so many flowering plants and lush shades of green, the cliffs were incredibly impressive and the rock formations incredibly beautiful. A little tip for everyone who wants to see the sea on the day of arrival, we stayed the first night at Water's Edge in Birzebbuga, just 4 km on foot from the airport and the next day we took the bus a bit and then via the Coast walked to the first starting point. We had booked accommodation in advance for the first 2 days and then the rest on site. Carol from The Garden Gate remembered you, we talked about how we got on this trip. The people on Malta and Gozo were all very nice and helpful. Federico from the Mood Farmhouse in Garph prepared us an incredible breakfast, gave us great tips for a variant of the tour and gave us a good price for XNUMX rooms directly in Victoria with an acquaintance. In Maria's townhouse in Victoria we were lucky that we got a room with a spiral staircase on the roof and could enjoy the sunset over the roofs of Victoria.
As with our first tour on the Amalfi Coast, we met like-minded people who were also walking your hikes and again we had a lot of fun meeting up at some points and so there was a big hello on a roof terrace in Valletta funny anecdotes about the tour.
We say thank you very much for this really great hike and are curious what you plan to do next :-)
Regards
Nicole, Uwe and Jan
March 9, 2022
Hello you three!
I am very happy about your feedback! Cool that there were some like-minded people on the tour - in my experience, you always meet very nice people when hiking! For the next tour I will probably do a well-known hike again - for me it will definitely be really relaxing because I don't have to pay attention to anything and only have to stick to the suggestion that has already been worked out :-) That's a shame for my website, of course, but at the moment I don't have the time to write much anyway... So you'd better stick to the hiking supplies already described here!
Many greetings
Frank
28 November 2020
Hi Frank,
I am currently planning my next tour and since I already did your La Gomera round tour three years ago, I came across you again ...
I think Malta and Gozo are totally exciting, but would you consider doing the tour as a woman traveling alone?
Best regards,
Anja
29 November 2020
Hi Anja,
nice that you feel like visiting Malta and Gozo! Malta is considered a country with very low crime rates (see https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/laender/malta-node/maltasicherheit/211188#content_1). Therefore, as a woman traveling alone, I wouldn't worry there. In Valletta, like in any big city, you should of course take care of yourself, but I don't see any particular danger there. If you are traveling in the off-season, however, you have to expect to be really quite lonely. I was there in the absolute low season (in January, before Corona) and sometimes for hours during the day. Even the small villages were often deserted in the evening - a mixture of eerie and mystical. I saw this loneliness as a luxury and not a threat. It will probably be even more lonely and therefore more luxurious in 2021 ...
Regards
Frank
23 January 2022
Hi Frank,
the tour really appeals to me and since I still have to take my remaining vacation days, I will probably fly to Malta in March and do your tour. Where would you recommend me to stay an extra day on Gozo?
Best regards,
Anna
24 January 2022
Hi Anna,
it definitely makes sense to stay a day longer on Gozo than necessary for the long-distance hike. Then you can visit the island's capital with the impressive cistern in peace. With Gozo's bus connections being quite good, there really isn't a better place to spend an extra day for purely practical reasons. I stayed twice at the end of stage 4 and loved the solitude in this corner of the island. I then visited the island's capital Victoria separately at the very end and stayed there again.
Since Valletta, the island capital of Malta, is also well worth seeing, I recommend planning a total of 10 to 14 days for the trip anyway.
As you can see, it's going to be quite difficult with just one extra day ;-)
The good thing about it is that you really can't go wrong.
Best regards,
Frank
12 April 2021
Hello Frank,
it all reads wonderfully! Unfortunately we had to cancel our Malta / Gozo trip last year, and some hikes were also planned. I am happy to have found your site because I did not know that you could go around the entire island - either as a backpacker or with a permanent residence.
Is the path well signposted and with hiking signs or do you need a map or GPS?
I am looking forward to catching up on the trip and hike and will definitely take your report with me! :)
Best regards,
Rainbow wrasse
12 April 2021
Hello Julia,
Thank you for your great feedback! You should definitely take a map or at least the GPS data with you on your trip (Link: Downloads). The hiking trails are only rudimentary and sometimes very difficult to find. On Gozo there is the official “Gozo Coastal Walk”, but based on the tips I received on the way, I sometimes hiked differently than the signs.
Have fun catching up on your trip!
Frank
30 October 2021
Thank you for the GPS tracks. Unfortunately, stage 4 is no longer entirely up-to-date. 10 percent of it leads over private property. Signs warn against entering. In fact, a few bird "watchers" scared us away when we wanted to take a shortcut through private property. Nevertheless, the GPS track is very helpful because the stage is hardly signposted. In case of blockages, you just have to follow the beaten path ... And 90% fit in without it
31 October 2021
Hello Adrian, thank you very much for the update! Can you limit the 10 percent somehow, for example using the waypoints? The subject of private property is such a thing in Malta and Gozo anyway. I also wrote a separate article about this: Prohibition signs and private paths. Seems to apply to stage 4 as well.
31 October 2021
Hello Frank,
after we hiked the Amalfi Coast in April according to your template, see comments from April 13, 2019, we are now attracted by the hikes in Malta and Gozo and those near Marseille. I'm trying to weigh what is better for us. We can start in January / February and run in three, which of course makes booking overnight stays a little more difficult. In any case, I am already very impressed by your side and the individual elaborations, we will report again and until then I will enjoy your pictures. Do you have any advice on flights, are there any tips for giving up backpacks? We are not very experienced ... which also speaks for the train ride to Marseille, but we also made it to Naples ;-) so it shouldn't fail because of that.
Kind regards
Nicole Schaefer
1 November 2021
Hello nicole,
yes I remember your detailed comments :-)
For January / February I would definitely recommend Malta & Gozo - please note the current entry requirements, Malta is particularly strict when it comes to vaccination status and quarantine. Flying with a backpack is actually completely unproblematic: Depending on the airport, the backpack is checked in at normal check-in or as bulky baggage at a separate counter. We always proceed as follows when traveling by air:
I hope I haven't forgotten something important now, but in principle it is. I've done it successfully many times and I'm still traveling with the same backpack as 10 years ago.
Regards
Frank
15 November 2021
Hi Frank, I am so excited to come across your great wealth of helpful information. We've been doing long distance treks form some time using Cicerone Guidebooks. As I'm planning a trip to Malta and Gozo I haven't been happy with the Cicerone Guide. Your itinerary suits me perfectly and I so thankful for this resource !!!
We just booked flights on Air Malta and didn't book a checked bag as we have always been able to carry on our backpacks… ..even on budget airlines. (We use 36L packs & go extra light). The only concern I have is we had originally thought we would leave our trekking poles at home. After seeing your photos I think we are going to need them. —— Have you ever carried on collapsed trekking poles in a small pack. In the US the TSA prohibits this, but I'm thinking it might be possible in Europe? Any experience with this?
I'm sure I'll have additional questions as I get further in the planning. In the meantime… .. THANK YOU for being there and sharing your knowledge and wisdom!
Warm Regards,
LuAnne
15 November 2021
Hello LuAnne,
thanks for the praise! :-) In my experience - at least in Europe - hiking poles can only be transported in checked baggage. We were last on vacation on La Palma (a typical hiking island), there was even an extra prohibition sign at the check-in: No hiking sticks in hand luggage!
In Malta and Gozo, I didn't have any hiking sticks with me either. I think that worked relatively well because the track isn't particularly steep.
I hope this helps you further! Best wishes
Frank
17 December 2021
Hello Frank! Wow, great site and great travel report, I've caught fire for Malta and Gozo and am thinking of doing your hike for a week at the end of January. However, I am considering setting out with the tent. Do you know about campsites there? Food and water shouldn't be a problem, right? Do you come by somewhere to shop at least once a day?
Thank you, Juliane
22 December 2021
Hello Juliane,
sorry for the long delay, was on the road for a few days and then your question slipped through me. As far as I know, there are only two campsites on Malta, allegedly none on Gozo. Wild camping seems to be allowed, but you need a permit from the respective municipality. Sounds complicated or not really easy to do ... But you can get food and water on the go without any problems.
I got my information from this page: https://airmalta.com/de-de/maltas-highlights/spazieren-trekking-auf-malta/campingplatze-auf-malta-und-gozo.
Good luck with your plans!
Frank
September 13, 2022
Hello Juliane,
Did you do the tour with the tent?
If so, what was your experience and did you get permits for it?
Best regards,
Nadine
2 January 2022
Hello Frank,
I find your Malta-Gozo hike very scenic and culturally very charming :) The only point that keeps me from planning a concrete plan for this year is your reference to a head for heights. Unfortunately, I am not quite. But I have already walked the E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran or parts of the GTA, which was okay because there were always only very short sections that stressed me there due to the lack of a head for heights. How close to the cliff are the trails on the Malta-Gozo hike? Or can the path be taken with a certain distance to the edge?
Thank you for your feedback.
2 January 2022
Hello Inga,
difficult question. I think fear of heights is very different. What is still okay for one person is horror for another. Therefore, as a precaution, I have classified the hike as “requires a head for heights”. The fact that the path runs directly (at a distance of 1 meter or less) on the vertical cliffs is the absolute exception. In some places, because of the more spectacular photos, I explicitly wanted to hike close to the abyss. In many cases there are several parallel trails at different distances from the cliff. But I no longer have all the passages in my head that could be a problem for you or others. The landscape is simply too varied for this and the subject of a head for heights is too diverse.
Suggestion: What do you think of a hiking holiday with permanent accommodation? Please refer https://www.wanderndeluxe.de/malta-wanderurlaub-in-der-weltkulturerbe-stadt/. If one of the stages is an insurmountable and unavoidable obstacle for you, you could simply turn around without throwing the entire overnight planning upside down.
Regards
Frank
2 January 2022
Moin Frank,
first of all a big compliment for you and your side !!!! You can't even say “hobby” anymore !! We are traveling the same way and really appreciate not having to spend the night in dormitories on our well-deserved vacation.
We have already run the GR 221 in Mallorca and the Rota Vicentina; now your site about Malta has cast a spell over us.
We would like to start in March, if Corona allows it (fully vaccinated and boosted ..) ..
Flights currently probably from the north from Berlin (?!) on Wednesdays and Sundays.
So we have 10 days ... can you make a recommendation for worthwhile intermediate days or would you prefer to end up in Valletta ??
Thank you in advance for your information and greetings from the Bay of Lübeck
Olli
3 January 2022
Hey Olli,
yes, my hobby grows and flourishes over time :-) And if you can travel carefree again, hopefully even more!
With 10 days in Malta and Gozo, I would actually follow the recommendation on the stage overview page: https://www.wanderndeluxe.de/kuestenwanderung-malta-gozo-etappenuebersicht/. There are still worthwhile hiking destinations in the south of Malta, which can certainly be organized spontaneously (at the end) from Valletta. Unfortunately, I don't have any details on this.
Greetings from Hamburg
Frank
9 Maj 2022
Hello Frank,
I'm impressed from your side. I would like to go hiking for 7-8 days in mid-June and searched the internet for a long time and didn't really find anything until I came across your site.
I love the Malta / Gozo Trek and would love to do it. So far I've always walked well signposted paths (James Way :-D) I'm a bit concerned that I can easily get lost. Are there any signs along the way or should one stick to the GPS data.
Do you meet a lot of people on the way, or is the way rather lonely.
... and do you think the hike is doable in June or is it too hot until then?
I would be happy if you would answer me.
Best Regards
Jannick
11 Maj 2022
Hello Jannick,
the hike on Malta and Gozo is actually quite free-style, ie the route can only be found with GPS data. The path is probably also rather lonely - at least the main hiking season should be over by June. I would therefore recommend the hike in autumn or next spring.
I always use the following site to help with weather planning: https://www.wetteronline.de/reiseplaner/valletta. In Malta at the beginning of June I get daily highs of 27-29 degrees on average. But there have also been days with 40 degrees Celsius...
I hope this helps you further!
Regards
Frank
15 December 2022
Moin Frank,
I returned from my Malta/Gozo hike on Sunday - following in your footsteps!
Many thanks for the tips on this great experience - and of course for all the information and the GPS files, without which I would not have managed.
As you wrote before, your route is quite free style, especially in Malta, while in Gozo you can still find red marks of the Gozo Trek.
I would like to give you a few hints:
Stage 1 WP7: Here the path is no longer visible. I climbed over the fields, climbed up the embankments to finally come back to the said dirt road.
Stage 2 WP4: The dogs were all there, some in the kennel, some running free or they were sleeping. I stopped, woke her up by calling and talking to her. Violent barking followed, but none of them became aggressive. Had to get within five feet of them and apart from noise all was peaceful. Uncomfortable, but doable...
Stage 2 WP8: Your tip is worth its weight in gold here, because the "trail" leads very close to the cliffs. Based on your description and the GPS data, I was able to comfortably go the "private route" and was happy not to have to go the other way.
Stage 2 SS11: After the beach (where I could still swim!), the path should run directly along the sea. However, this was not possible and I had to go up very quickly. Since I'm not free from giddiness, it took a lot of effort for me to walk up this path. That was the worst part of the trail for me!
I stayed in Saint Pauls after stage 2 and took the bus directly to the Gozo ferry the next morning, from where I started my hike to Xlendi. There was (despite absolute off-season) a selection of overnight stays and restaurants.
The 4th stage then led me from Xlendi (straight up the mountain, which was very doable) via the Azure Window/Inland Sea and San Lawrenz to the Ta Pinu Basilica and back to your route at Wied il-Ghasri (stage 5 SS5 ).
I stayed in Marsalforn twice. On my "rest day" I followed your route to Ramla Beach for a swim, then took the bus to Victoria (the citadel and the procession "The Immaculate Conception").
Some of the clay paths were quite slippery on the side of the mountains/hills facing away from the sun, so that it always got a bit more “exciting” in between.
Stage 6 was then relaxed and varied, since you run on both the east and south side of the island and these are structured quite differently.
Yes, this tour was quite lonely and not possible without GPS data. I didn't meet long-distance hikers, sometimes day trippers. That's why I felt very comfortable and would like to thank you again for making this possible for me with your publications.
In spring I walked the Cami de Ronda from Portbou to Sant-Feliu de Guixols and 3 years ago I walked the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. But this way Malta/Gozo was again special, more challenging, more lonely and stranger. It was my great pleasure!! THANK YOU :-)
Greetings from Hamburg
Max
27 December 2022
Hi Max,
Thank you for your feedback and the tips on the critical waypoints! I will indeed be heading back to Malta at the end of January and repeating the trek. Maybe I can find better ways in a few places. But the hike will remain "free style" in many places :-)
Greetings back to the neighborhood!
Frank
27 January 2023
Hello Frank,
Thank you for your research and putting the tour together!
We walked the lap in 2023 days in early January 5 in a relaxed manner - but wildly with our own tent;)
Here are a few helpful tips for all independent hikers:
– Gas cartridges can easily be bought on the 1st stage from the airport to the Blue Cave with a short detour to the gas station (G. Camilleri Service Station) in Inż-Żurrieq (190gr/2€).
– Out of 4 nights we slept 3 nights in caves in the rocks. However, caves are not the rule and extremely rare. It took a bit of luck to find the right shelter at the right time. Often these can only be reached by short scrambles - I could provide the coordinates if required.
– On Gozo it is relatively easy to follow the path with the red dots, arrows, splashes of color etc. In Malta, the GPS track is essential.
– The supermarket in Marsalforn on Gozo is a good place to stock up on provisions.
– Drinking water can easily be refilled in the small coastal towns in the public toilets. This may be a bit irritating at first glance, but the PT is in a much better and cleaner condition than in GER.
Basically, the tap water in Malta and Gozo is minimally chlorinated due to the water treatment, but it is still drinkable. Anyway, it didn't do us any harm.
We can particularly recommend the first week of the new year as a travel time, as the Christmas decorations sometimes seem a bit bizarre at 20 degrees and sunshine, but it is definitely an experience in itself.
All in all it was a very nice tour with impressive steep cliffs, varied terrain and a lot of peace and quiet. A great winter holiday just the way we like it ;)!
Greetings from the Sauerland
Henrik
March 27, 2023
Hello Frank,
Thank you for your research and putting the tour together – Malta, Gozo –
We plan to do the tour after Easter 2023.
Have you been to Malta / Gozo in January/ February and do you still have the latest updates?
Thank you and greetings from Austria
Hubert
6 April 2023
Hello Hubert,
yes, we were in Malta and Gozo in January/February. The route is still feasible, the only really relevant update is the route variant on stage 2 between waypoints 8 and 9. I have already installed this in the GPX files and on the website. If you bought the PDF hiking map: Unfortunately, this variant is still missing there. I'm very busy with work at the moment and haven't had time to update this yet.
Perhaps a reference to the topic of bird hunting again: This could give you a little trouble in April, since that is officially the hunting season (see https://www.wanderndeluxe.de/kuestenwanderung-malta-gozo-vogeljagd/).
Regards
Frank
15 April 2023
Hello Frank,
We came across your site and, inspired by you, are planning to go on your tour in early - mid-May.
We were wondering if it makes sense to book accommodation for the entire stay in advance? Or whether it is also possible to book accommodation spontaneously?!
Regards
Alina and Diana
16 April 2023
Hello Alina and Diana,
I myself only have hiking and travel experience on Malta and Gozo in the absolute off-season. I think the islands are much better visited in May. If you want to book spontaneously, you may have to travel a little further if everything is already fully booked at the stage destination. This is not a problem in Malta and Gozo thanks to the relatively dense bus connections and the good infrastructure. In a pinch, you can also travel a short distance by taxi or with the help of Bolt's taxi app.
I hope this helps you.
Regards
Frank
19 April 2023
Perfect thank you!
In addition, the question of whether you have a recommendation where you can/should stay a day longer because it is so beautiful? We have a little more time and would like to take a day off on the way.
21 April 2023
Hi Diana,
I would generally recommend Gozo because it's quieter and more tranquil there. In January this year, for example, we spent two days at the finish of stage 4. But it's beautiful almost everywhere :-)
Regards
Frank
6 Maj 2023
I just followed your Gozo route almost to the letter, I wish I had done same for Malta but also I made my own . I found the Gozo route perfect without any issues and I thank you for it. you do see the odd private sign but they are clearly unofficial and I just passed without any issues.
7 Maj 2023
Hi Wayne,
Thank you for your feedback, that sounds good!
Frank
September 18, 2023
Hi Frank
You mentioned the public bus network very briefly... We are unsure whether all of the lines actually operate in the “winter months”. On the official website we once read something from summer to mid-October, but what comes after that is not clear. Have you traveled by public transport in Malta/Gozo during the winter months and can you tell me something about that?
Many thanks and best regards
Evelyne
September 18, 2023
Hello Evelyne,
Yes, I went there twice in the winter months and got along really well with the buses. The timetables probably change between summer and winter traffic (at least that's how I understand the somewhat misleading text on the official website https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/general-bus-service-information). But that's the only limitation - some lines may run less frequently in winter.
I hope this helps you!
Regards
Frank
18 October 2023
Hello Frank,
First of all, thank you very much for your extensive research and for allowing us to take part in some great tours!
We have just returned from Malta/Gozo. A beautiful tour with incredibly great views on the coast. We just found the many hunting stands for migratory bird hunting very frightening.
On Stage 2 SS 8, some of us followed the new route to gpx. However, it was very overgrown and also led through signposted private property, but there was no one there. The other part went more or less to the left of the old path. Here a path outside the private signs was marked with arrows and orange stakes. Some nice person here probably had a heart for hikers!
At the end of stage 3 we can highly recommend the accommodation Villa Serenity B&B in Sannat. For us the absolute best accommodation on the whole tour!
The bus network is actually very well developed, but a bit unreliable. We have now had the experience in October that buses are canceled or are so overcrowded that they do not stop at the bus stop. We then switched to bolt.
Thanks again!
Silke
7 November 2023
Hi Silke,
Unfortunately I'm just now getting around to answering you! Thank you for your feedback, especially about the two route variants on stage 2. I have included the reference to “Bolt” in the “Interesting facts / local transport” section.
Regards
Frank
23 October 2023
Hello Frank,
I found out about the long-distance hike via Malta and Gozo through your site and did it relatively spontaneously last week - and I'm really excited about the tour, Malta and Gozo.
Thank you for the inspiration and for providing the route maps! Without these you would be a bit lost in some places and it also made the few private sections of the path more pleasant.
All in all, a top adventure hike and highly recommended.
Kind regards from Ulm to the far north,
Oliver
7 November 2023
Hello Oliver!
Thank you for your great feedback! When planning the hike, I was also a little worried about the many “private” sections of the trail. That's why I'm glad that most hikers get through okay :-)
Many greetings from the south
Frank
24 October 2023
I just finished the hike and thank you for the help from this website! There is little marking in places and the GPS track makes orientation much easier. The one private route from day 2, I got through the section mentioned without being noticed. Private roads keep popping up every now and then, but there were actually alternatives or there was no one there anyway.
I'm actually not a fan of sun-baked islands with little vegetation and I was surprised at the beauty I was able to experience here every day. Magical and impressive, wonderful bays, I definitely recommend the hike! Also culturally, I enjoyed looking at a few churches and I was allowed to have Medina almost alone in the early evening hours. I also recommend the Catacombs of Rabat, which turned out well after stage 2 because I started hiking at 7:00 and had a lot of time after walking.
It was almost too hot for hiking in October and there was still a heat wave here. I would recommend starting in November, but I was able to swim a lot in October.
I had two particularly nice accommodations in Nadur, Laremi Bed & Breakfast and Rosalba, both cheap accommodations in high stone houses with lovingly prepared breakfasts!
There are buses, I had a book with me and time, there were almost always delays, once over an hour.
And perhaps important for some: I was traveling alone as a woman and always felt absolutely safe. The path is easy to walk, the first time that I only went with hiking sandals and only had the actually better light hiking boots in my backpack as an emergency.
Regarding the bird cages along the way: It was explained to me that it is only during the migratory bird season and similar to fishing, the birds are released after being caught, which reassured me. Nevertheless, hopefully a tradition that the old people still follow and that will hopefully slowly but surely disappear.
7 November 2023
Hello Michaela,
Thank you very much for your feedback too! I will refer to your comment here in the future, especially if I have any questions about “traveling alone as a woman”!
Best regards,
Frank
20 January 2025
Hello Frank!
After following in your footsteps on the Amalfi Coast last year and being extremely impressed, we want to be inspired by your tour of Malta/Gozo at the beginning of May this year. However, I am a little concerned that Malta is too built up and touristy for our taste, especially during our travel period. I am therefore considering cutting the time in Malta significantly shorter and planning a little more time for the tour around Gozo, perhaps also including a detour to Comino. Do you think that could be a good option? Maybe just 1 night in Malta (e.g. Rabat) and then on to the ferry? Or would it really be a shame to skip the first two stages?
Thank you for your feedback!
Greetings Sonja
24 January 2025
Hello Sonja,
I can understand your concerns, but tourism in Malta mainly takes place on the eastern side of the island - around Valletta. The island is also quite built up there (you can see this on Google Maps in the satellite view). Stages 1 and 2, however, run in the west and are actually very rural and relatively isolated over large parts. I think the first two stages are very worthwhile!
I wasn't there in May, but the ratio should be similar to that in winter.
I haven't been to Comino yet - but it's purely a day trip destination and therefore, in my opinion, more touristy than a hike on Malta.
Best regards and have fun hiking!
Frank
March 7, 2025
Hello Frank,
We would love to follow in your footsteps, perhaps soon in Malta… do you know if you can rent hiking poles in Valletta, since you can’t take them in your hand luggage?
Thanks and Greetings
Babsi
March 7, 2025
Hello Babsi,
Unfortunately, I don't know anything about it. You can certainly buy hiking poles in Malta - there are two Decathlon branches, for example. However, I doubt whether there is a rental service.
In my opinion, hiking poles are not absolutely necessary for the terrain, but depending on personal preference they are of course better and safer.
I hope you get along like this!
Regards
Frank
March 7, 2025
Hello, we just returned from hiking on Gozo and Malta. Interestingly enough, we were able to carry on hiking poles from Paris, Charles de Gaulle to Malta Int. We had them tied on the outside of our backpack, put them on the TSA belt and not one word was said. We did keep the rubber tips attached, but I can't imagine that making any difference. We were even successful in carrying them back to the USA on 2 different flights. We were very surprised, and this may never happen again. I would only try this with inexpensive hiking poles you can afford to lose. As Frank said, there are 2 Decathlon stores in Valetta and you could purchase them there.
And I would also add that we enjoyed much better trails and hiking on Gozo than on Malta. We stayed in Victoria, Gozo and used the bus system to get to and from the trails in January. We stayed a week on Malta, but didn't find the hiking as satisfying.
All the Best to You!! L Evans
March 16, 2025
Hello LuAnne!
Thanks for your feedback – also on the topic of hiking poles. I think it makes a difference whether you fly with just carry-on luggage or checked baggage. We've never had any problems with checked baggage. As a hiker, however, you usually carry so little that it usually passes as carry-on luggage – if it weren't for the poles. So, basically, you have to weigh up whether to pay the extra for checked baggage or buy hiking poles locally for the same price.
Regarding your preference for Gozo – I can understand that very well; Gozo is much quieter and more tranquil.
Regards
Frank