Nature meets nurture: relax, unwind and recharge in Malta and Gozo’s great outdoors

With an abundance of year-round warm weather, stunning shorelines and breathtaking landscapes, Malta makes an ideal break for unwinding in the outdoors, whether you’re travelling as a family, solo, as a couple or with friends. To help you plan your next nature-soaked break, we’ve picked out Malta and sister island Gozo’s must-experience natural wonders, from beautiful coastlines, cliffs and idyllic islands, to wonderful parks and wilderness trails.

Hike a coastal trail

Rising some 250 metres above sea level, Dingli Cliffs are the Maltese Islands’ highest point and an ideal place to enjoy stunning views and wonderful sunsets. They’re located on the rugged western coast of the island, looking out to the open sea and the tiny uninhabited islet of Filfla on one side, and onto picturesque terraced fields inland. Follow the well-marked walking trails here or extend your hike on the Fawwara Trail. Starting at Dingli Cliffs, the route weaves past Wardija Ta’ San Ġorġ into Fawwara with the Haġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples to admire before ending at Wied iż-Żurrieq in the Munqar area, where you can take a boat ride to our next natural wonder: the Blue Grotto.

Snorkel the Blue Grotto

Accessible on a boat trip from the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, the Blue Grotto is formed of six natural sea caves running along the southwestern coast of Malta, featuring a jaw-dropping 30-metre archway and beautifully clear blue waters, due to its mineral composition. On sunny days, the phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora pierce through the water, casting bright shards of pink, turquoise, orange and green onto the limestone walls of the caves. There’s a viewing platform on the cliffs above, where the caves are framed by the arch that juts out of the island.

Horse ride along Golden Bay

On the northwest coast by the village of Manikata, Malta’s national park Il-Majjistral is the largest managed protected area on the island. The red sands and naturally formed dunes on the surrounding slopes of Golden Bay are beautifully preserved and form the ideal spot for unwinding in the afternoon; or head to Il-Prajjet, a cove with crystalline waters near Anchor Bay. As the sun starts to set, take a horse riding trip along the coast and Golden Cliffs to really capture the peace of this place.

Unwind on a nearby island