Walking Holidays

Enjoy a wealth of historical interest and outstanding coastal walking on a Walking and Sightseeing holiday to the islands of Malta and Gozo. Choose from a week or two week holiday to Malta, or try the two-centre option, which is a two week holiday to both of these fascinating and contrasting islands.

On Gozo our guided walks follow the rugged coastline to the picturesque fishing village of Xlendi and the Azure Window, a huge natural sea arch.

The larger island of Malta has been influenced by many different cultures which remain in the form of megalithic temples, Roman catacombs and the fortified strongholds of the Knights of St John. Enjoy guided walks along the coast and sightseeing visits to the island's historic capital Valleta and the walled city of Medina

Where you'll stay

Gozo

You'll stay at the Grand Hotel, a luxury four-star hotel overlooking Mgarr Harbour, 500m from the sea. At the hotel you will find a restaurants, bar, swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, games room and cinema.

Malta

You'll stay at the Pergola Club Hotel, a modern four-star hotel with a good range of facilities. The hotel is located in the centre of Mellieha village, 1 mile from the beaches of Mellieha Bay. At the hotel you will find a restaurants, bars, lounge, two outdoor swimming pools, indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, conference room and rooftop terrace.

Walking & Sightseeing Programme Details

On these holidays there is a choice of two walks for varying abilities each day. For maximum choice we offer two weekly itineraries - ideal if you wish to book a 14-night holiday or return to the area for a second week.

MALTA - Itinerary One

Weeks of 5 March, 2 April 2005.

• Day 1: Arrival Day.
• Day 2: Inland Malta to St Paul's Bay and Mellieha. A short bus ride from the hotel takes you to Bur Marrad. From here a track winds steadily up the hill to the church at Bidneja from where more tracks lead over into the next valley and then up to a shady lunch spot beside St Martin's Grotto. A steep stony path leads past a chapel style house and on to the hilltop village of Wardija with its impressive views over St Pauls Bay. In the afternoon the long and short walks take different routes down to Xemxija Bay, where it is possible to take refreshments before catching the bus back to Mellieha. The harder walk continues past some interesting historical sites back to Mellieha.

  • Easier Walk: 5 miles (8½km); 130 metres (425 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 8 miles (12 km); 330 metres (1,100 feet) of ascent

• Day 3: Valletta - Sightseeing Excursion. The ferry ride across Marsamxett Harbour brings the monumental scale of Valletta's fortifications into focus. Stepped and narrow streets then lead across the lower end of the city, passing the 19 th century Anglican Cathedral and the 18 th century Mamoel Theatre. It is possible to visit the 'Malta Experience', an audio-visual feature highlighting the salient aspects of Malta's chequered history. Traversing more picturesque streets, the Grand Masters Palace and Armoury and St John's Cathedral are visited on the way to the Auberge de Castille, now the Prime Minister's

• Day 4: Caves, Cliffs and Catacombs. The Easier walk head along the southern coast to visit the cave dwellings and tombs at Ghar-il-Kbir and a series of distinctive prehistoric 'cart ruts'. From a dramatic lunch spot overlooking the sheer cliffs of the southern coast we continue our walk to Dingli. Here we take the bus to Rabat where it is possible to visit the catacombs, St Pauls Church and Grotto. A five minute walk takes you to the walled city of Mdina. Known as the 'silent city' its narrow streets leads towards the Cathedral with its impressive ornate dome and interior.

  • Easier Walk: 3 miles (5 km); 80 metres (275 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 8 miles (13 km); 300 metres (1,000 feet) of ascent

• Day 5: Free Day. Perhaps enjoy a grand tour of the island of Gozo, visiting Victoria, Xlendi and the Azure Window.

• Day 6: Mellieha Bay and the North West Coast. Walking from Mellieha these two walks explore the peninsular at the north-western tip of the island. A network of tracks and footpaths leads down to the coast at Anchor Bay, which the short walk visits before ascending to gain spectacular views both north and south. Lunch can be taken at Paradise Bay before returning to Mellieha with a short bus ride. The Harder walk crosses to the northern coast to discover a secret sea pool and views across to neighbouring Gozo.

  • Easier Walk: 5½ miles (9 km); 250 metres (800 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 9½ miles (15km); 200 metres (625 feet) of ascent

• Day 7: Marsascala and Marsaxlokk. Our routes link two traditional Maltese fishing villages on the South Eastern corner of the island. After leaving Marsascala the walks first make for St Thomas Tower, which stands on the headland, and St Thomas Bay. We continue along the delightful coast path where lunch can be taken and swimming enjoyed. The harder option heads for the lighthouse at Delimara Point where it is possible to see the gun emplacements used in "The Guns of Navaronne". The easier walk cuts across the peninsular to Marsaxlokk, where there is an interesting market, and it is here that both walks end.

  • Easier Walk: 6 miles (10 km); 120 metres (400 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km); 150 metres (475 feet) of ascent

• Day 8: Departure Day.

MALTA - Itinerary Two

Weeks of 26 February ; 26 March 2005

• Day 1: Arrival Day.
• Day 2: Selmum Palace and all the Bays. The castle-like Selmum Palace is a short walk from the hotel and gives excellent views of the surrounding coastline. Built in the 18 th century and once home to 'Monte di Redenzione', a charitable foundation to protect slaves. The walks head for the coast at Mgiebah Bay and continue along the cliff path to the watchtower at Ghajn Hadid. The path winds around the headlands past St Pauls Island and offers opportunities for swimming.

  • Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km); 130 metres (425 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 9 miles (14 km); 330 metres (1,100 feet) of ascent

• Day 3: Mosta, Rabat and Mdina - Sightseeing Excursion. This day of sightseeing starts with a visit to the stunning Mosta Dome. The church was built between 1833-60 and its design is based on the Roman Pantheon. It is thought to be the third largest dome in the world after St Peter's in Rome and St Sophia in Istanbul. The day continues with a short journey to Rabat where it is recommended that you visit the Catacombs and the attached museum. The day is completed with a short walk to Rabat's twin city of Mdina. Known as the 'silent city' its narrow, streets lead towards the Cathedral with its impressive ornate dome and interior.

• Day 4: Rabat and Spectacular Cliffs. The Easier walk traverse some pleasant inland countryside, passing the delightful Inquisitors Palace and on to the Laferla Cross. This sits high on a promontory with expansive views over Eastern Malta. The Harder walk heads from Rabat to the coast beyond Dingli. Here an amazing landscape unfolds as we walk along the cliff edge with typical Maltese horticulture spread below us. Heading inland we descend past ancient cave dwelling and head across a valley of orange trees.

  • Easier Walk: 6 miles (9½ km); 130 metres (375 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 9 miles (15 km); 230 metres (750 feet) of ascent

• Day 5: Free Day. Options include a day exploring the remarkable city of Valletta.

• Day 6: Red Tower and Anchor Bay to Golden Bay. Walking from Mellieha this route explores the north-west corner of the island. A network of tracks and footpaths leads down to the coast at Anchor Bay. The walk continues along the coast, passing the Knights Watchtower, to Golden Bay where the Easier walk finishes. The Harder walk will have taken in the Marfa Ridge, with its extensive views both north and south, before finishing at Golden Bay.

  • Easier Walk: 5 miles (8 km); 180 metres (600 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 8½ miles (13½ km); 300 metres (1,030 feet) of ascent

• Day 7: Cliffs and Temples by the Sea. These walks follow the southern coast of the island keeping the blue Mediterranean as a close companion. We continue to Ghar Lapsi where there is a lovely cove and restaurant. A steady ascent from the cove leads to prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim. The temples are not only historically interesting but also command magnificent views of the coastline. The harder walk end near the Blue Grotto, which is formed by a large natural arch in the cliffs. In fine weather boat trips leave from the tiny harbour and are an exciting way of viewing the grotto. 

  • Easier Walk: 4½ miles (7 km); 170 metres (550 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 7 miles (11 km); 200 metres (600 feet) of ascent

• Day 8: Departure Day.

GOZO - Itinerary One

Weeks of 5, 12 March; 9 April; 1, 15 October 2005

• Day 1: Arrival Day.
• Day 2: Victoria, Marsalforn and the Gozo Plateaux. These circular walks start from Victoria, the 'capital' of Gozo. The Easier walk takes pleasantly rural tracks that give good views over Gozo's interior before descending to the north coast at Marsalforn for lunch. The Harder walk follows rural lanes past two pleasant hill-top villages that provide good examples of older and modern Maltese domestic architecture. Our return route up the Marsalforn valley gives what is probably the most impressive views of the Citadel, standing protectively on its hill-top site.

  • Easier Walk: 6 miles (9¼ km); 190 metres (630 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 8 miles (13 km); 320 metres (1,050 feet) of ascent

• Day 3: Xlendi Bay and the Azure Window. This walk visits the North West coast at Dwerja Bay and provides an interesting insight into the production of Malta's golden limestone. Heading westward over a high plateau, heading towards the cliff edge and Dwerja Bay whose mouth is partially sealed by the bulk of Fungus Rock. The name is derived from a plant unique to this rock and credited by the Knights with medicinal healing properties. At Dwerja Point you'll find a dramatic sea-arch carved by nature from the sheer cliffs and nearby is a saltwater lagoon called the Inland Sea. In fine weather an intriguing boat trip can be taken through a natural connecting tunnel out to the open sea and a different view of the sea arch, titled the Azure Window.

  • Easier Walk: 3½ miles (5½ km); 150 metres (500 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 8½ miles (13½ km); 330 metres (1,100 feet) of ascent

• Day 4: Ta Pinu and Sculpted Cliffs. After visiting an interesting folklore museum these walks cross the valley to the church of pilgrimage at Ta Pinu. From here the two groups take different routes out to the north coast for some spectacular cliff scenery, especially dramatic if there is a strong wind off the sea. En-route eastwards there are some amazing wind 'sculptures' to marvel at as well as some quaint fisherman's store rooms formed in the softer rock of the higher cliffs. The return to Victoria can be by bus or on foot using inland tracks.

  • Easier Walk: 6 miles (10 km); 100 metres (330 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 7½ miles (12 km); 150 metres (500 feet) of ascent

• Day 5: Free Day. Perhaps take the boat to the nature reserve on the sleepy island of Comino.

• Day 6: Xewkija Dome, the Knights Harbour and Mgarr. From Mgarr the walks head past Gozo's heliport to Xewkija Church. The longer route then goes coastwards to view some ancient cart ruts and dolmens before descending to the original Knights harbour at Mgarr-Ix-Xinni. The short walk takes an inland route across the head of a fjord-like valley. The final stretch for both parties is along the southern coast to the colourful harbour at Mgarr. Rising above the harbour on the headland is Fort Chambray; built in 1723 it was the last fort to be built by the Knight of Malta.

  • Easier Walk: 6½ miles (10½ km); 180 metres (600 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 10 miles (16 km); 230 metres (750 feet) of ascent

• Day 7: Rocky Strand to Secluded Coves. These two walks, probably the hardest on Gozo, head to the North east corner of the island which is wilder and more remote than the other areas visited. The Harder walk crosses the high ground with extensive views south to Malta before traversing a delightful flat-rock shore to join the route of the short walk. Both groups then enjoy charming sea coves, verdant gardens and wonderful wild flowers before arriving at one of the most stunning viewpoints on Gozo.

  • Easier Walk: 6½ miles (10½ km); 230 metres (750 feet) of ascent

  • Harder Walk: 9 miles (14½ km); 320 metres (1,050 feet) of ascent

• Day 8: Departure Day.

Please Note: The above programme should give you a good feel for the walks at this resort but is subject to change. Each year we listen carefully to the views of our guests and make improvements to our walking programmes. Further information will be sent to you prior to your holiday; however the final selection of walks will be made by your walking Leaders.

Local transport to and from walks:

Local transport is not included in the cost of your holiday. Please allow up to 30 Maltese Lira (approx £21) per week for local transport excluding your free day.

Maps

There are 1:25,000 maps available but these are very out of date and inaccurate, and we would not recommend their purchase. 'Tourist' maps of Malta & Gozo are widely available.

Footpath information

Paths: By-roads, stony tracks and paths through terraced fields and coastal scenery.

• Harder Walk: 6-11 miles, 400 to 1,100ft of ascent.
• Easier Walk: 4-8 miles, 200 to 800ft of ascent.

Average temperatures

Average maximum temperatures on Malta are:

• February 59°F 15°C
• March 61°F 16°C
• April 64°F 18°C
• October 75°F 24°C

Prices for 2005

Prices are in pounds per person based on twin en-suite accommodation Half Board.

Single Room Supplement: Malta £5 per night, Gozo £7 per night

Local Walks' Transport: (payable locally): Allow 15L (approx £23) per week

Travel

Transfer from airport - You will fly to Malta's Luqa airport. The onward journey by coach to the Pergola Club Hotel in Mellieha takes around 45 minutes or 2 hours by coach and ferry to the Grand Hotel on Gozo.

Flights

All timings are approximate

Flight Supplements:  Gatwick - nil,  Manchester - £15

We act as agents for HF Holidays ATOL710 on the above trip

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