Malta Travel Forum

Hi guys,

I'm in the early stage of my holiday plannings for next year (10 days in March or early April). At the moment, my favourite destination will be Malta.

What do you think, is it a good time? I'm thinking of spending as much time as possible outside -- is Malta a good place for hiking?
Does anyone now a nice (and not too expensive) breakfast hotel?

Thanks in advance

Tobias.

Malta is March/April will be nice, I think.....not too many tourists (it's a very small island). Climate info here:

http://www.maltaclimate.com/

I can certainly recommend Duncan's in Marsaxlokk:

http://www.duncanmalta.com/marsaxlokk.htm

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/73696/6eca2/3/

Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village with a bus service to/from Valetta, but it may be too out of the way if you want to explore the island properly and don't have a car. If that is the case you might want to stay in Valetta itself, from where excellent bus services radiate all over the island.

Bus timetables and route information here:

http://www.atp.com.mt/atp/servlet/ControllerServlet?action=loadUserPage&userPageName=mainPage

As for hiking...well, Malta is small and very built-up in parts (especially its northern coastline) so there are no really 'wild' areas. But there is plenty of beautiful coastline, and a wealth of prehistoric and historic sights to see. Have a look at the VT Malta pages for info and ideas.

You might be interested in http://www.walkmalta.co.uk/ and there is more than one book of walking routes on Malta, if you google 'malta walking'.

Malta is very small and there's not that much dramatic scenery. I'd re-think you destination.

It used to be known as the island of smells & bells - it's scruffy and putting it bluntly its full of farts and fogeys at that time of the year. If you want hiking I'd and a bit of sun one of the places that you might consider is the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus.

You could take the boat to Sicilly [hydrofoil about 1½ hours] where there's opportunities for walking

Look at The Ramblers Association for ideas of where to hike abroad in - they even organise walking holidays

I disagree with that rather damning comment about Malta. I am neither thing beginning with f, and I enjoy being there.

But I don't go anywhere near the touristy north coast if I can help it.

Cyprus is much, much bigger of course....so 'proper' hiking is much more possible. But it too has its share of concrete tourism, especially along the south coast.

I've hiked around Europe for a number of years now. I've led hiking trips in some countries too, Malta is a good place to hike. However, never hike in summer. Best hiking is February to April. Climbing is not a problem either. For the summer, if you want breath taking views jump into a canoe and paddle around the west coasts of the main islands or around the small island of Comino.

I can provide data and technical info about the outdoors if needed.

Feel free to contact me again

HikingDiver

Tobias, Malta could be a good option yet there are areas which are also built up and hence not really hiking trails as one might expect. Nonetheless, there are other areas which could be great walks/ hikes especially on the northern tip of the island. I would also suggest that you spend 3 days in Gozo which is 25 minutes away by ferry. You will find varius hotels and prices and a good start to compare is chooseMalta.com