If you need some ideas for a good hike around the Maltese countryside, the local explorer Pierre Farrugia and his videos describing each of his treks can definitely provide some help. In his most recent video, he covers the countryside surrounding the northernmost town in Malta, Mellieha, in a circular route that covers 6 kilometres.

Pierre Farrugia started his hike at St Agatha’s Tower, more commonly known as the Red Tower, a large watchtower that was built between 1647 and 1649. The tower is located at the northern ‘fishtail’ of Malta, with a view of both the east and west coasts.

From there, the hiker first descended towards the popular Ghadira Bay on the east coast of the island, passing through the Ghadira Nature Reserve, one of Malta's only permanent areas of inland water, which makes it an extremely important habitat for birds and other wildlife. The calm scenery of Malta’s largest sandy beach then gave way to more countryside views, as, reaching the end of the bay, Pierre crossed over to the west coast.

The west provided views that were just as beautiful, particularly when the trek led to Popeye Village, the 1980s film set that was later turned into a theme park. At the cliffs overlooking the coloured houses, Pierre was cautious to remain far from the cliff edge, given that it is eroding over time, and advised fellow hikers to do the same.

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Despite the strong winds that characterised his trek, the hiker emphasised the ease with which one can follow the path along the cliffs that eventually led him back up to the Red Tower, having hiked through an elevation of 100m. This northern area of Malta is generous in its panoramic views, its altitude providing a perfect viewpoint for the surrounding seas and countryside.

Have you ever been hiking in the north of Malta?