Best Day Trips in Malta for Outdoor Adventure
We love weaving soft adventure into our travels – those active experiences that get you moving without requiring intense physical effort or high risk. In Malta, you’ll find plenty of options: swimming in crystal-clear waters, hiking coastal trails, and wandering through charming historic towns. While there are plenty of “best of” lists out there for Malta, ours is a little different. We’re zeroing in on the best day trips in Malta for soft adventure – the kind of experiences that get your body moving and your curiosity flowing.
Sure, you’ll see a few familiar stops on our list – like Mdina and Valletta – but we’ve chosen them for how they invite exploration on foot.
Keep reading for our favorite active things to do in Malta!
Tips for Planning Outdoor Adventure Day Trips in Malta
Malta may be small, but here outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming come naturally. With its rocky coastlines, crystal-clear sea, and charming old towns, it’s a place where active day trips are part of the fun.
Thoughtful planning can help you squeeze the most out of each day, especially if you’re visiting for a short stay or docking for just a few hours on a cruise.
Combine Multiple Activities into One Day Trip
Many of the island’s top outdoor adventure spots are within close reach of one another. Heck, Malta is so small, no one location is really too far from another!
Still, it’s relatively easy to link a few highlights into one adventure-filled day, especially if you’re willing to get out there early in the day.
For example, start your morning with a cliffside walk at Dingli Cliffs, then head inland to explore the walled city of Mdina, and wrap up with a swim at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. That’s three active things in Malta in a single day!
Optimizing Transportation
Public transportation in Malta is affordable and reliable, but it can be slow depending on the route and time of day.
If you’re on a tighter schedule or want more flexibility, renting a car or booking a taxi or ride share for part of the day can save time and give you more control.
Alternatively, if you’ve got plenty of time on the island to explore, using public transportation can make you feel more connected with locals. Plus, navigating bus schedules and transfers is sort of an adventure itself!
Packing Essentials
When it comes to active days in Malta, certain items are key to enjoying the day:
☀️ Sun protection: Malta can get hot, especially in the summer months. Combine that with minimal tree cover in most areas of the island, and sun protection is essential. Plan ahead with sunscreen, a hat, and UPF clothing.
💧Water: Time in the heat plus active days means you can easily become dehydrated. Always bring water on any outdoor adventures. Reusable water bottles are a great option. If you don’t want to drink tap water (which is safe to drink in Malta), grab some water at the store before heading out for your day’s adventures.
🩱Swimsuit & swimming essentials: Whether your day trip involves swimming or not, we recommend packing your swimming essentials. Malta practically dares you to jump into the sea at every turn!
👟Comfortable shoes or sandals: Malta’s terrain can be rugged, with rocky coastal paths, uneven streets, and plenty of stairs. Comfortable, supportive shoes or sandals are key for exploring without discomfort. Your feet will thank you!
Planning an active trip? Don’t miss our 10 Must-Have Items for Soft Adventure Travel.
Best Day Trips in Malta for Outdoor Adventure
Take a Ferry to Gozo for Cliffs, Beaches & Small-Town Charm
Gozo is like a mini Malta in terms of its size, population, and number of tourists. At only 26 square miles, you can see much of the island in a single day (though we should note that a single day will never truly do this charming little island justice).
You can find a number of active things to do in Gozo. From its beautiful beaches (both rocky and sand options), to its stunning coastal cliffs, and charming capital city of Victoria, you’ll wish you had more time for outdoor adventures here.
For an active day trip to Gozo, plan to leave early. This is also helpful in the summer, when the sun can be quite strong and hot. A morning arrival can allow you to do a hike or other land-based activity before it gets too hot. Then, head to a beach to cool off once the sun gets high!
Check out our detailed post on our Gozo Island day trip, including hiking the beautiful Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs.
Plan ahead: check ferry schedules on the Gozo Channel website.
Hike Dingli Cliffs & Swim at Għar Lapsi
Back on Malta island, a visit to Dingli Cliffs and Għar Lapsi make for the perfect pair of outdoor activities. These can easily be done in a half day. We recommend starting at Dingli Cliffs, then heading to Għar Lapsi to swim, once you’ve worked up a sweat.
Just as Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs are the must-see coastal cliffs on Gozo, Dingli Cliffs are a must-see on Malta’s main island. Located along the island’s rugged west coast, these dramatic limestone cliffs plunge steeply down toward the Mediterranean, offering sweeping, unobstructed views that seem to stretch endlessly to the horizon.
At around 250 meters above sea level, they’re the highest point in Malta, making them a spectacular spot for a scenic walk, a picnic at sunset, or simply taking in the fresh sea breeze and peaceful atmosphere.
On clear days, you can even spot Filfla, a small uninhabited islet just offshore.
About a 15-minute drive further south, Għar Lapsi is a sheltered rocky cove on Malta’s southwest coast, great for swimming, snorkeling, and even diving. The natural pool is protected from strong waves. It’s popular with both locals and visitors thanks to its easy access, nearby parking, and on-site public restrooms.
Paired with Dingli Cliffs, Għar Lapsi is a solid pick for a low-key adventure stop with great Mediterranean views.
Wander the Ancient Streets of Mdina & Rabat
A list of the best day trips in Malta isn’t complete without mention of Mdina and neighboring Rabat, two towns steeped in centuries of history and charm.
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is a fortified hilltop town that once served as Malta’s capital. Its narrow, winding alleys are perfect for a slow wander, inviting you to soak in the medieval architecture, noble palaces, and limestone walls that glow in the sun.
There’s something cinematic about strolling through Mdina’s quiet streets, especially early in the morning or at golden hour, when the crowds thin. Be sure to pause at the bastion walls for panoramic views over Malta’s countryside.
Just outside Mdina’s gates, Rabat offers a more lived-in, local vibe, along with its own trove of historic sites, including Roman ruins, catacombs, and churches.
The two towns flow seamlessly into one another, making it easy to turn your visit into an extended, leisurely walk – perfect for travelers looking to blend cultural discovery with light activity.
Mdina and Rabat also make a great starting point for a full day of exploration, if combined with Dingli Cliffs and Għar Lapsi. After wandering the streets and grabbing lunch, head to the coast for dramatic views and a refreshing dip. History, movement, and Mediterranean waters – all in one satisfying day!
Swim & Stroll Malta’s Most Beautiful Beaches
For a laid-back beach day with room to move, head to Malta’s northwest coast, where two of the island’s most beautiful sandy beaches – Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa – sit side by side. These wide, golden-sand beaches are ideal for swimminh, walking, or simply relaxing in a scenic natural setting.
Golden Bay is the more developed of the two, with several restaurants, public toilets, and beach clubs right at the water’s edge.
Għajn Tuffieħa, just a short walk down a long staircase from the nearby bluff, offers a slightly quieter atmosphere and a wilder feel, especially appealing to those craving fewer crowds and a bit more tranquility.
We’re partial to Għajn Tuffieħa, but either beach offers amazing swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Plus, the beaches are west-facing, so you’re in prime position for an unforgettable Mediterranean sunset, if you stay long enough.
If you’re feeling especially active, a short coastal trail links the two beaches and continues up over the headlands for beautiful views and photo-worthy moments. Just be sure to wear secure sneakers or sandals.
With ample parking, food options, and natural beauty, this duo is perfect for an active day of beach hopping, gentle hiking, and sunset soaking.
Interested in more swimming options in Malta? Check out our post on our favorite spots for swimming in Malta.
Discover Local Life in Malta’s Historic Three Cities
Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Malta’s Three Cities – Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) – offer a quieter, more authentic slice of Malta, full of history and local charm.
This area is especially close to my heart, as it’s where my Malta family is from – visiting here feels like walking through living heritage.
The Three Cities are compact enough to explore on foot in a single morning or afternoon. Wander through narrow stone streets, admire centuries-old fortifications, and soak in sweeping views of the Grand Harbour from Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens.
Whether you choose to roam in the early hours or later in the day, be sure to linger for a waterfront meal – there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can relax and take in the view. Morning strolls pair perfectly with a long lunch by the marina, while afternoon exploring rolls seamlessly into a sunset dinner.
Looking for more information on the Three Cities? Check out our detailed post on Malta’s Three Cities.
Take a Scenic Walk Through Valletta’s Gardens & Harbor
If you’re staying in central Valletta (or arriving by cruise ship) this is one of the easiest daytime adventures to enjoy without going far.
Valletta’s Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens offer some of the most stunning views in all of Malta, perched high above the Grand Harbour. These beautifully kept public gardens are quiet pockets of green (rare in Malta!).
They’re perfect for a peaceful stroll.
From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, take the public lift (or the stairs, if you’re feeling up for it!) down to the Valletta Waterfront. It’s a lovely place for a relaxed walk along the water, with views of the Three Cities across the way, and boats drifting through the harbor.
If you’re feeling up for it, continue your walk around Valletta’s peninsula. As you circle the tip, you’ll pass Fort St. Elmo, and then enjoy sweeping views toward Manoel Island and Sliema to the north.
This area makes for an easy-going outing in Malta’s capital. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time, or those wanting a gentle yet active day with minimal logistics.
Wrapping Up: A Soft Adventure Kind of Day
Malta may be small, but it’s packed with opportunities to move, explore, and connect with its landscape and history – all without needing to gear up for anything extreme.
From cliffside walks and golden beaches to hilltop towns and harbor side strolls, we hope you’ll enjoy some of our best day trips in Malta for outdoor adventure. No matter what you choose, know that it’s easy to shape your days in Malta around light adventure and meaningful moments.
Whether you have a day or a week, Malta invites you to slow down just enough to savor it – and keep moving just enough to feel alive in it.
👉 Want to dive deeper into what soft adventure travel is all about? Check out our guide on what soft adventure travel is (and why we love it), and our favorite beginner-friendly soft adventure activities.