Best Family Hikes and Nature Walks in Malta During the Holiday Season

Best Family Hikes and Nature Walks in Malta During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a wonderful time to explore Malta’s scenic landscapes with your family. With cooler temperatures, fresh air, and stunning winter views, nature walks and hikes around the island are perfect for creating memorable family moments. Whether you’re looking to enjoy Malta’s coastline or explore its countryside, these family-friendly hikes offer a mix of beauty, tranquility, and mild adventure. Here’s a list of the best nature walks to enjoy with your family during the holidays!

1. Dingli Cliffs Walk

The Dingli Cliffs are one of Malta’s most breathtaking spots, offering expansive sea views from the island’s highest point. This walk is ideal for families seeking an easy hike with spectacular scenery.

Route Highlights: The walk along Dingli Cliffs offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the small, uninhabited Filfla Island, and beautiful cliffside landscapes.
Why Visit? The mild winter weather makes the cliffs especially enjoyable, with fresh breezes and fewer crowds.
Family Tips: Bring binoculars for the kids to spot seabirds, and don’t forget your camera to capture the amazing coastal views. There are a few picnic spots along the way where you can pause for snacks.

2. Majjistral Nature and History Park

Located in the northwest of Malta, Majjistral Nature and History Park offers diverse trails that range from gentle paths to slightly challenging routes, making it suitable for families with children of all ages.

Route Highlights: The park boasts rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and Mediterranean flora. You’ll find plenty of interesting spots to explore, from historical ruins to unique rock formations.
Why Visit? Winter is an excellent time to spot blooming wildflowers and migratory birds in the park.
Family Tips: Take a map or guide, as the park is large with numerous trails. Encourage kids to bring a nature journal to record interesting plants or animals they see along the way.

3. Buskett Gardens Nature Walk

Buskett Gardens is a magical place for a holiday season nature walk. Known as Malta’s only woodland area, it’s filled with tall trees, winding pathways, and little hidden spots, making it an enchanting spot for children.

Route Highlights: Families can explore scenic trails under the tree canopy, discover small ponds, and even find a viewpoint with a lovely view of Verdala Palace.
Why Visit? During the winter, Buskett Gardens is lush and green, providing a beautiful contrast to Malta’s more rugged landscapes.
Family Tips: Pack a picnic to enjoy among the trees, and look out for wildlife like rabbits, birds, and even chameleons. Kids will love the fairytale-like atmosphere.

4. Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs in Gozo

For families looking to venture over to Gozo, Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs is an unmissable destination. This gentle hike leads to some of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal views, and the holiday season offers a quiet, serene experience.

Route Highlights: The hike features stunning cliffside views, with wide-open paths that lead to the edge of towering cliffs above the Mediterranean.
Why Visit? Winter provides a cooler, breezy climate, making the hike pleasant and refreshing, with fewer tourists around.
Family Tips: Keep a safe distance from the cliff edges, especially with younger children, and consider visiting around sunset for breathtaking golden hour views over the sea.

5. Victoria Lines Trail

The Victoria Lines Trail is a historic and scenic trail stretching across Malta, known for its combination of cultural landmarks and natural beauty. This trail offers a unique blend of history and landscape, ideal for families who want a bit of exploration with their hike.

Route Highlights: The walk features stone fortifications, breathtaking countryside views, and sections that run along the Victoria Lines—Malta’s own “mini Great Wall.”
Why Visit? The trail is scattered with remnants of Malta’s military history, making it educational as well as visually stunning.
Family Tips: Choose a short section of the trail if you’re hiking with younger kids, as the entire route is extensive. Pack snacks, water, and a camera for impromptu history lessons along the way!

6. Mellieħa Ridge and Red Tower Walk

For a moderate hike with incredible views and a historic twist, head to Mellieħa Ridge and visit the iconic Red Tower along the way. This trail provides coastal views and an opportunity to explore one of Malta’s historical landmarks.

Route Highlights: The trail runs along the ridge with scenic overlooks of Mellieħa Bay, leading up to the striking Red Tower, which offers panoramic views of the coast and nearby islands.
Why Visit? The winter air adds crispness to the views, and the cooler weather is ideal for enjoying the climb to the tower.
Family Tips: The tower is a great place for kids to learn about Malta’s history, as it was once used as a watchtower. Be sure to bring along a small entry fee if you wish to explore inside the tower.

7. Comino Coastal Walk

If your family is up for a bit of adventure, plan a day trip to the small island of Comino for a coastal walk. Known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline, Comino provides a truly special holiday hike experience.

Route Highlights: The coastal paths lead to stunning views of the Blue Lagoon, St. Mary’s Tower, and untouched natural landscapes.
Why Visit? Winter is the perfect time to visit Comino without the summer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the island’s beauty in peace.
Family Tips: Pack a picnic, as there are no facilities on Comino, and make sure to catch the ferry schedules. The walk around the island is flat and easy, suitable for children of all ages.

Final Thoughts: Family Adventures in Malta’s Great Outdoors

The holiday season is a fantastic time to get outdoors and enjoy Malta’s natural beauty. These family-friendly hikes and nature walks offer a wonderful way to bond, stay active, and appreciate the island’s landscapes. Remember to pack snacks, water, and comfortable walking shoes for your adventure, and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the memories. So bundle up, get outside, and make the most of Malta’s stunning trails this holiday season!