A Note on Cycling in Malta
Before you set off, it's worth knowing that while Malta is compact, it isn't entirely flat. The main island has some significant hills and can have dense traffic, particularly in the corridors around Valletta and Sliema. Dedicated cycling infrastructure
is still developing, so you'll often be sharing the road with cars. For this reason, many riders, especially casual ones, find the quieter roads of Gozo more relaxing. However, for those with a bit of confidence, or by opting for an e-bike to conquer the inclines, cycling the main island offers incredible rewards. The best times to ride are from autumn through spring to avoid the intense summer heat.
The Southern Route: Fishing Villages and Ancient Temples
For a ride steeped in culture and coastal charm, the southeastern loop is hard to beat. A popular route connects the relaxed fishing town of Marsaskala with the iconic village of Marsaxlokk. This gentle ride takes you along the Delimara peninsula, a stretch of open sea views, scrubland, and scattered chapels. Marsaxlokk harbour is the main event, famous for its market and fleet of brightly painted 'luzzu' boats bobbing in the bay. This area is relatively flat, making it beginner-friendly. For a longer and more historic ride, you can start further north and incorporate the Three Cities—Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Bormla. Cycling the quiet, narrow streets of these fortified harbour cities is like pedalling through an open-air museum, with a history that centres on the Great Siege of 1565.
The Western Route: Dramatic Cliffs and the Silent City
If you crave dramatic landscapes, the western coast of Malta delivers. The route from the medieval walled city of Mdina to the Dingli Cliffs is a classic. You'll start in the 'Silent City' of Mdina, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, before winding through the neighbouring town of Rabat. The journey culminates at the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta, offering staggering 250-metre drops to the sea below. This route involves more climbing but rewards you with some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. From the cliffs, you can continue through quiet farmland and connect to routes that lead towards the sandy beaches of Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa in the northwest.
The Northern Route: Sandy Beaches and Island Views
The north of Malta is home to the island's best sandy beaches and offers some fantastic coastal cycling. A scenic and relatively quiet route runs from Mellieħa towards Ċirkewwa, the location of the Gozo ferry terminal. This area gives you splendid views across the channel to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Along the way, you can stop at Għadira Bay, Malta's longest sandy beach, or take a slight detour to see Popeye Village, the film set from the 1980 movie. This part of the island feels more open and rural, and a ride here can easily be combined with a swim stop, making it a perfect day out. The terrain is rolling, with some hills, but the coastal roads are a joy to ride.
Bonus Ride: A Lap of Gozo
While technically a different island, no cycling guide to Malta is complete without mentioning Gozo. Just a short ferry ride away, Gozo is widely considered a cyclist's paradise due to its lighter traffic and more tranquil atmosphere. A circular coastal route of about 40-45 km allows you to see the entire island in a day. You'll pass stunning landmarks like the Ta' Pinu Basilica, the ancient Ġgantija Temples, the salt pans near Marsalforn, and the dramatic cliffs at Dwejra. The route offers constant sea views and winds through charming small villages where time seems to slow down. For many, it's the ultimate Maltese cycling experience.
