Located in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, the island of Malta is a tourist hotspot which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Due to its relatively small size, it is possible to explore all different parts of the island in one trip, and even find time for a quick stopover on Malta’s sister island of Gozo.
And whilst many visitors will choose to stay in and around the capital of Valletta on the eastern coast, to truly experience Malta in all its glory, consider venturing across to the beautiful west coast.
Much of this part of the island is defined by its rugged and rocky landscapes, with only a handful of sandy beaches to speak of.
But fear not, there are plenty of ways to fill your time if you find yourself with a spare few days on the west coast of Malta.
In this post, we’ve brought together some of our favourite things to see and do in this beautiful corner of the world, to hopefully help inspire your next foreign adventure.
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Discover the Dingli Cliffs
If you’re looking for the most enjoyable hikes on the island, the west coast is a great place to start your search.
One of the most famous paths in this part of Malta is the coastal walk that takes you along the Dingli Cliffs.
Along parts of the hike, you will be walking more than 250 metres above sea level, so it might be one to miss if you’re not comfortable with heights.
If you can stomach the height, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views out across the Mediterranean.
There aren’t too many other challenging aspects to the walk, and the cliffs are easy to access by car.
You can choose to walk the short stretch of the cliffs, where you can take in the breathtaking vista.
Or, if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, take on the entire trail to Wied iż-Żurrieq, which sits around 9 km south of the village of Dingli.
Wied iż-Żurrieq is one of the most popular spots for tourists to visit, not least because it’s where you will find the Blue Grotto – a small network of sea caves that can be explored by boat.
When the sun reflects up into the rock, you’ll truly be able to appreciate the vivid blue hues as the caves put on a radiant display.
Explore the village of Mellieħa
At the other end of the west coast, in the northwestern corner, you’ll find the village of Mellieħa.
Home to some of the very best beaches in Malta, a visit to this part of the island wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of the sandy stretches, which are as popular with tourists as they are with locals.
Mellieħa Bay is the most famous of the bunch, and it’s also the longest sandy beach in Malta.
Particularly during the summer months, vast crowds made up of both tourists and locals descend upon this spot, to soak up the Mediterranean sun from the best seat in the house.
The village is renowned for its laid back vibe, and it’s the perfect place to savour slow travel in Malta.
However, there are also plenty of high-octane activities waiting for you if you prefer to spend your holidays in the fast lane.
You’ll find lots of different ways to explore the surrounding seas – banana boats, water skiing and windsurfing are all great options for an adventurous itinerary.
If you’re travelling with children, then Popeye Village is a real crowd pleaser. Transport the little ones to the bright lights of Hollywood, as they get to explore a real life film set.
There are plenty of activities to choose from, including an inflatable assault course, splash pool and a mini-golf course.
There are even themed events throughout the year, so you’re sure to find plenty to keep them entertained no matter when you visit.
Unearth the town of Rabat
The final stop on our tour of the west coast takes us to the quiet town of Rabat. From foodies, to history buffs, to animal lovers, everyone will find something to love about this charming spot.
Venture into the animal kingdom at the Wildlife Park, or head slightly further inland to discover the historic St. Paul’s Catacombs.
Why not also take the opportunity to visit one of the town’s highly-rated restaurants?
Whilst Valletta is the beating heart of the island’s culinary landscape – home to three Michelin-starred restaurants – you certainly won’t be short of mouth watering options for your lunchtime or evening meals in Rabat.
You can get a true taste of the Mediterranean at the revered Fork and Cork, or enjoy the views that accompany the stunning modern menu at Root 81.
Take on the west coast
With so much to see and do along the west coast of Malta, it’s impossible to ignore this part of the island when planning your holiday itinerary.
However, there are also many remote areas along the coastline, so it’s worth planning your time carefully to ensure you get the most out of your stay.
