Malta walking route: Blue Hole to Mdina and Valletta
Explore Malta's top attractions across its islands, from the striking Blue Hole and Inland Sea on Gozo to the historic Citadella and Ta' Pinu Basilica. The route encompasses salt pans, coastal villages, and scenic cliffs before returning to Malta's main island to visit the capital Valletta and the fortified medieval city of Mdina.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Gozo
- End
- Citadella
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Gozo
- Fungus Rock — Distinctive rock formation near Dwejra Bay, popular sunset viewing location with dramatic Mediterranean coastal scenery.
- Ta' Pinu Basilica
- Salt Pans & Wied il-Għasri — Ancient salt evaporation ponds carved into coastal rock formations, offering stunning geometric patterns and a glimpse into traditional Mediterranean salt harvesting.
- Xlendi & Sanap Cliffs — Dramatic coastal village nestled in a gorge with towering limestone cliffs, providing scenic walking trails and panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.
- Mdina & Blue Grotto — Medieval fortified city featuring narrow limestone streets and historic architecture, paired with a spectacular sea cave renowned for its luminescent blue waters.
- St. Peter's Pool & Corral Lagoon
- Comino Island — Tranquil uninhabited island sanctuary famous for the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, offering pristine beaches and secluded coves for water activities.
- Blue Hole — Natural swimming hole on Gozo's western coast with crystal-clear water, underwater arch, and collapsed natural arch formation.
- Inland Sea — Scenic lagoon connected to the Mediterranean by natural tunnel, accessible by boat tours and accessible for swimming exploration.
- Citadella — Massive fortified castle in Victoria dating from 1500 BCE, serving as acropolis for Phoenicians and Romans, extensively restored medieval fortress.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Ferry from Valletta to Gozo takes about 25 minutes. Drive to the ferry terminal at the north end of Malta's main island.
- Timing
- Visit Fungus Rock later in the day for perfect sunset viewing.
- Tip
- Take a boat tour at Inland Sea for about €10 to go through the natural tunnel out to the sea.
- Tip
- Ta' Pinu Basilica is located just a few minutes drive from Victoria with a nearby parking lot, making it very easy to visit.
- Transport
- Take the Sliema ferry to Valletta instead of driving, as driving in Valletta is limited and the ferry offers incredible city views.
- Timing
- Visit Mdina early or during off-peak times. It's nicknamed 'The Silent City' with no cars, but can get crowded.
- Transport
- To reach Comino, take a boat tour departing from either Gozo or Malta's main island. Options include group tours, private tours, or self-drive boats.
- Tip
- Comino has many caves to explore. Parts of the 1980 movie Popeye were filmed in a collapsed cave area with a sea arch.
- Timing
- St. Peter's Pool was packed during evening hours in peak summer. Visit earlier in the day for fewer crowds.
- Tip
- Xlendi village has multiple swimming spots: a secluded cove, areas by a historic watchtower, and a diving board.
- Tip
- Valletta is located about 15 minutes from the airport and is the EU's smallest capital city with an area of 61 square km.
- Transport
- Mdina is about a 20-minute drive from Valletta. It's a historic city perched on a hill with no cars allowed in the fortified old town.
Video on this route
Top 10 Places To Visit in Malta - Travel Guide