When you’re stuck in traffic, heading to work at the start of a busy week, your mind may turn to ways in which you can experience the freedom of open space. And, while our small island sometimes feels claustrophobic – with its tight limestone buildings – it still boasts some spots which are raw and wild. In the north, head out from Rabat to discover the savage beauty of the Maltese isles with these routes.
1. Rabat – Buskett – Dingli Cliffs
Rabat forks in two – seemingly opposite – directions, with one road heading to the rugged cliffs in Dingli, and the other to the bucolic charms of Buskett Gardens. But, what few don't know is that you can hit two birds with one stone. Walk to Buskett, but don’t stop – keep heading uphill until you get to a crossroads which leads to Wardija Ta’ San Gorg on the one side, and Dingli chapel, on the cliff-face on the other. Prepare well and take plenty of water – this is a long stretch!
2. Rabat – Dingli – Fawwara – Wied iz-Zurrieq
Take the shorter route to the cliffs through the main town of Dingli and trail the dramatic drop, heading southwards towards Ghar Lapsi. Wardija Ta San Gorg is, once again, a useful marker of your route. Once you get there, you’ll be able to see the small bay below, but keep walking if you want to experience the rewards of the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq. Those last few kilometres may take an hour and a half to traverse, but they will give you the time to pump some energy through those legs! A bus can then take you back to base.
3. Rabat – Bahrija
A much shorter trek, this route is for those days you want to take it a bit easy. Start off from Rabat town centre, head to the area known as landrijiet at the foot of the town. Walk past the popular restaurant Rogantino’s, towards Bahrija centre. You can enjoy the charms of this sleepy village and head back; the round-trip will take you two hours at a minimum, but if you want to go hard-core you can always extend this walk right to the edge of Mtahleb, including the area known as Migra l-Ferha, an outcrop which is said to be the site where, in 1090AD, Count Roger captured Malta from the Arabs.
4. Rabat – Siggiewi – Qrendi
Rabat also sits atop a hill overlooking the towns of Siggiewi and Zebbug. Take the downhill on this route towards the rural spot and stop in the centre of the first town to admire its golden-hued heart. Head towards Tax-Xluq Church through the back streets and country roads leading to Qrendi. Walk past another of Malta’s small places of worship – San Niklaw Church – and take the path to the left of the church till you get to the outskirts of Qrendi. From here, you’ll be able to see the Maqluba Valley, a Natura 2000 site. Here, why not take a break while preparing for the last leg?
5. Rabat – Buskett – Siggiewi
Also known as the Girgenti walk, this trek takes you through some of the lushest spots on the main island. Once again, head to Buskett from Rabat, but instead of going to Dingli, this time head to the prehistoric cart ruts and then through Girgenti Valley, with a view of Verdala Palace. Keep to the country path until you get to a junction which will take you to the main road from Siggiewi to Ghar Lapsi. Take a dip once you get to the small fishing bay and relish the tones of times gone by.