- Buskett Gardens - We start our walking tour with a visit to Buskett Woodlands (also known as Buskett Gardens), this 30-ha site is located in the fertile valley of “Wied il-Luq” in Siġġiewi and is one of the few woodland areas found in Malta.
The gardens contain broadleaved deciduous woodland, native coniferous woodland, with sclerophyllous garrigue and maquis shrubland, as well as groves of fruit trees. Many different trees and shrubs grow in the gardens, including numerous fruit-bearing trees. Renowned as one of the greenest areas in Malta, the gardens are at their best in the spring but also provide shade from the harsh mid-summer sun and offer a quiet place for a walk in the winter months.
We will walk along the valley within these woodlands where we will have the opportunity to appreciate a variety of trees found in the Mediterranean region, including the national tree of Malta (the Sandarac Gum tree) and some of the oldest trees found on the island, dating back at least 500 years.
- Verdala Palace - We will be able to enjoy great views of the beautiful Verdala Palace; perched on a hilltop adjoining and overlooking Buskett Gardens, this palace was built by Grand Master Hughes de Verdalle in 1588 as a summer residence and hunting lodge. The building now serves as the President’s summer residence. The palace is a landmark and not open to the public except for certain occasions.
- Misraħ Għar il-Kbir - The second part of our walk will take us to “Għar il-Kbir” (meaning the Big Cave), a complex of caves located between Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs, dating thousands of years, it is commonly believed that several families of troglodytes inhabited these caves until 1835. The general structure of the cave system has eight caves spread across two levels.
- Dingli Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction) and Caves - Here we will also see the mysterious “Curt Ruts”, a complex network of tracks carved in the rock, the age and purpose of the tracks remain uncertain. In general, most archaeologists presume that the site developed about 2000 BC after new settlers came over from Sicily, starting the Bronze Age in Malta, but no archaeologist has provided a concrete theory regarding their purpose.
- Girgenti Palace - The tour proceeds to the Inquisitor’s Girgenti Palace, situated near the village of Siġġiewi, in the heart of the Maltese countryside, Girgenti Palace is a delightful mélange of architectural splendour and rustic charm. Dating back 400 years, it was originally used as a countryside lodge by Malta’s inquisitors, and today serves as the Prime Minister’s summer residence. Here we can see spectacular views of the surrounding woodland, naturally irrigated by a nearby spring.
- Dingli Cliffs - From here we will proceed to Dingli Cliffs, located off the village of Dingli on Malta’s western coast; at around 253 meters above sea-level, these cliffs represent the highest point of the Maltese islands.
The cliffs propose a majestic sight; the views overlooking the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas, with the uninhabited small island of Filfla on its backdrop, are truly breath-taking! Given their impressive height, the cliffs can be considered as natural forts, since no attacker can approach the island from the west. Apart from the fantastic views of the sheer cliffs and clay slopes, this area features several endemic plants and typical Mediterranean flora, including wild orchids, aromatic shrubs, and the national plant of Malta (the Cheirolophus Crassifolius). Both the Buskett Woodlands and Dingli Cliffs are “Natura 2000” protected sites, which is a network of protected areas covering Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
- St. Mary Magdalene Chapel - The final part of the tour continues along a trail parallel to the cliffs, offering fantastic views and a cool breeze throughout, perched on the edge of the cliffs, marking the highest point on the Maltese islands is a gorgeous tiny chapel built in 1646, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.
A hawker selling local fruit, homemade products and Maltese coffee is also located here, and there are benches to enjoy the views from the highest cliffs of the Maltese islands.
- Expert guidance from a certified botanist.
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service.
- Food & drinks (an optional packed lunch can be added to your booking)
- Tips (optional)
- Ferry tickets for guests staying in Gozo are not included (must be paid on spot, price €4.65 p.p.)
Experience the allure of the natural world and expand your knowledge about Malta’s diverse ecosystem with a certified botanist. Explore Buskett Gardens, which are among the rare forested regions in Malta, and marvel at the stunning vistas from Dingli Cliffs, the loftiest spot on the Maltese islands.
Delight in the ideal blend of recreation, learning, gentle activity, and scenic tours with awe-inspiring views, grand landscapes, and a hint of historical relevance.
Relish a serene stroll off the popular paths in these serene destinations and their vicinity, far from the standard tourists’ trails and bustling masses.
- The walking distance covered during this tour is approximately 6 km.
- Various stops are included at panoramic and historic sites.
- Although this tour includes some historic attractions, this is not a history tour, the focus of this tour is not history but nature, the tour is overseen by a fully qualified botanist and although he is knowledgeable on some aspects and areas of the Maltese history, he is not a history guide.
- We suggest wearing comfortable trekking shoes and casual but adequate clothing in conformity with the weather conditions (sandals & flip-flops are not recommended).
- Along the way we will stop for a coffee break or a snack at a restaurant/snack bar in Dingli (food or drinks are not included in the price).
- An optional packed lunch can be added to your booking; select the option including packed lunch when booking.
- The optional packed lunch includes a traditional Maltese “Ftira” (a traditional leavened Maltese bread with fillings such as tuna, fresh tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives), some savoury snacks and a bottle of mineral water.
- Guests are allowed to bring their own food/snacks and beverages during this tour.
- The difficulty level of this tour is considered easy, there is an approximate 15-minute walk on a high-inclined footpath.
- This is a private activity, only you and your party will be participating.
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
