7 of the best bike trails in Malta

Fall head over wheels in love with Malta’s hills and valleys as you spend your holiday tackling the intense terrain of the Mediterranean’s hidden gem. Forget trying to figure out complicated bus systems, see the sights on two wheels and cycle past scenic countryside, beautiful bays, picturesque fishing villages and some of the longest standing temples in the world. Watch as the landscape changes round every twist and turn and enjoy routes suitable for all levels. Here’s our pick of the seven best bike trails in Malta. 

Nicknamed The Great Wall of Malta, this high-altitude route is a line of retired fortifications that spans 12 kilometres along the width of the island. Separating the north from the more populated south, the wall provides a quiet, off-road route to spend the afternoon cycling along. Boasting spectacular sea views, on a clear day you’ll be able to see Sicily resting on the horizon. Whether you’re a pro or just hopping on to the saddle for the first time, this trail is a great one to kickstart your holiday. 

Nestled in between a myriad of rolling hills, the small town of Mgarr has tons of options when it comes to cycling trails. Decide whether you want to go east or west and find yourself deep in farm country or down by the sea in a matter of minutes. The village itself surrounds a large parish church and is home to the Skorba and Ta’Hagrat collection of temples which are well worth having a wander around if you feel like resting your legs. A great place to stop and take in the Maltese countryside, the village sits as part of a route between Bahrija and Mosta and thoroughly deserves its spot as one of the best places to cycle in Malta. 

A great place to take the bikes all year round, Tarxien in the south east region of Malta is ideal for some off-road action. With an array of ancient temples, green valleys and a lot of undeveloped land, you’ll find locals and tourists alike touring the area on two wheels. Take a well-earned break and make a pit stop at Taxien Temples. The megalithic temple complex is among the oldest freestanding structure on Earth and makes up part of the island’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

It may be one of the smallest villages on the island but Hal Gharghur is arguably the prettiest place in Malta. Tucked away on a hilltop, the stunning settlement is located between the villages of Nazzar to the west and Madliena to the east. Head there for an afternoon of leisurely cycling and wind through its narrow streets taking in sights such as the Lieutenant’s Palace and the Old Bakery. Grab a drink at one of  the social bars dotted around the village and sit down with the locals to hear their ancient Maltese tales. Don’t leave without taking a picture of the view from the so-called ‘Top of the World’. A real sight for sore eyes, this trail is good for so much more than just a bike ride and is well worth spending the time to get to know it. 

Overlooking the largest sandy beach in Malta, Mellieha sits on top of a hill surrounded by fertile valleys, steep terrain and reasonably quiet main roads. Perfect conditions for an experienced biker, the beautiful panoramas and unique village scenes are worth the tough cycle. Brace yourself and push through the uphill climb – you won’t regret it when you see what’s waiting for you at the top. 

For those looking for longer routes, this next one is the ultimate challenge. Covering the north of the island, the trail stretches across 35 kilometres and passes through a plethora of towns and villages meaning there’s plenty of opportunity to give your legs a quick break. The silent city of Mdina is the penultimate stop on the tour and is ideal for cyclist with its car restrictions. Make your way here and take some time to mingle with pedestrians as you transport yourself back in time to the era of horse-drawn carriages. Along the way you’ll pass through Dingli and its infamous cliffs, Mosta with its renowned church and end up in Rabat, the quaint village lined with shops and eateries so you can tuck into a-well deserved meal after a long day of exercising. If you do nothing else, make sure to attempt this route as it’s without a doubt one of the best cycling trails in Malta. 

Next to a nature park, this trail is loved just as much by a vibrant collection of birds as it is by cyclists. Stretching from Dingli along the coast, this route takes you past a Bronze Age village, stone chapels and prehistoric temples, finishing at the famous Blue Grotto. A spectacular one to pick if you’re interested in seeing some historical sights, as well as coastal views, the Fawwara Trail is not to be missed.

Thinking of heading to Malta soon? Make sure to tag us in your photos of the best cycling trails in Malta using the hashtag #ryanairstories for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed.

Flights to Malta

- Lucy Norris 

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