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The Buskett to Dingli Cliffs hike offers unforgettable views of the Maltese countryside. This five-kilometre journey is suitable for anyone seeking an easy yet memorable hike. You’re about to discover Malta’s serene countryside and stunning seascapes.
Living in Malta since 2011, I’ve explored every trail and hidden path this island offers. The Dingli Cliffs walk is one of my favourites and I recommend it to everyone.
You’ll start in the lush Buskett Woodland, walking towards the majestic Dingli Cliffs. The Mediterranean Sea view from here is incredible. You will enjoy the fresh air, the open skies, and the picturesque valleys.
In this post, you’ll find all you need for the Dingli Cliffs hike. Get ready to connect with nature and experience Malta’s beauty.
- Distance: 5 km
- Walking Time: 1 h 20 mins
- Level: Easy
- Uphill: 60 m
- Downhill: 50 m
- Highest Point: 253 m
Best time to go: anytime, but avoid mid-day heat between June and September
The Buskett to Dingli Cliffs Hike: An Interactive Map
The Buskett to Dingli Cliffs hike is a circular route that begins and ends at Buskett. This convenient setup makes it easy to start and finish their journey at the same location. Below I provided a Buskett to Dingli hike map to guide you on this scenic trail.
How to Get to Buskett Woodland
Buskett Woodland is the starting point of the Buskett to Dingli Cliffs walk.
The woodland can be reached by public transport or car. If you’re taking a bus, look for the direct routes from Valletta or use the Rabat bus and change it there. Check out this website for the schedule and routes. Please note that it takes about an hour to get there from Valletta.
Driving is faster and easier. Below is the exact location and parking area.
In general, public transportation in Malta is quite efficient, but it takes a long time to get around, especially if you want to visit natural places. Nevertheless, I recommend renting a car. Check out my guide on renting a car in Malta.
Getting There:
- Location: link to Google Maps
- Nearest bus stop: Buskett
- Walking distance from the bus stop: 5 minutes
- Frequency of the buses: every hour or less
- Parking available: car park location
The Start of the Dingli Cliffs Hike
Our hike starts in the parking area close to the Buskett Gardens. I recommend you visit the Buskett Gardens as your last stop.
So head up the road and follow the tour map. Along the way, you will see some beautiful authentic farmhouses.
After 5-10 mins of walking, you will reach a rocky offroad path.
Keep walking for another 10 minutes. You will see a vast quarry on your left. Avoid going there as it might be dangerous. The path will soon meet the road, and you will be next to Dingli Cliffs just a few minutes later.
Dingli Cliffs
Dingli Cliffs offers some of the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The cliffs are 253 metres above sea level, making them the highest point on the Maltese Islands. They have been used as a lookout point to protect the Maltese against the Ottomans and other invaders.
The views from the Dingli Cliffs are incredible, and visitors can see for miles in all directions. You can view the lush terraced fields and the tiny, uninhabited Filfla Island.
The cliffs are also an excellent spot for bird watching. And watching the sunsets is breathtaking. The sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea, casting a golden hue over the cliffs. It’s a magical sight and a great way to spend an evening in Malta.
Dingli Cliffs hike Landmark: Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel
Next on the Dingli Cliffs walk is Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel (Maltese: Kappella ta’ Santa Marija Maddalena). It is a Roman Catholic church devoted to Mary Magdalene. People also call it the Chapel of the Cliffs because of its beautiful views of the Dingli Cliffs.
The exact date of the chapel’s construction is unknown. It was first mentioned in 1446. The chapel was used by the farmers living nearby. By 1575, the chapel had fallen into disrepair and collapsed. It was later reconstructed in the seventeenth century.
The chapel is small and has a typical countryside church design. Above the entrance is a circular window that allows sunlight to enter when the door is closed.
After seeing the chapel, head inwards and return to the Buskett Gardens, the finish point of the Dingli Cliffs hike. It will take around 25 mins of walking on the road.
Dingli Cliffs Hike End Point: Buskett Gardens
The Buskett Gardens have a name derived from the Italian ‘boschetto’. It means “small wood”. The gardens are in the Wied il-Luq Valley, located east of Dingli and west of Siġġiewi. They cover an area of 47 hectares.
The Buskett Gardens is the only woodland in Malta. It is a protected oasis of lush vegetation and wildlife. They are known for various trees: cacti, Mediterranean pines, capris and orange. They are also an Important Bird Area (IBA).
The area hosts a range of bird species, including those which rest here over their seasonal migration. Visitors might be fortunate enough to see painted frogs, the only subspecies of amphibians native to Malta. You can also spot Algerian hedgehogs and chameleons.
The Knights of Malta planted the Buskett Gardens and built Verdala Palace in the 16th century. The Verdala Palace stands uphill at the edge of the Gardens. Grand Master Hughes de Verdalle built it in 1588 as a summer house and hunting lodge. Since 1987, the palace has been the summer residence of the President of Malta. It is not open to the general public except on certain occasions.
Buskett Gardens in Malta is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, especially in spring and summer. The gardens are full of colourful flowers and blooming trees in spring, creating a picturesque landscape. In summer, they provide shade from the intense Mediterranean sun.
There are plenty of activities, from strolling the grounds to enjoying a picnic lunch. Buskett Gardens is the perfect destination for a relaxing day with its peaceful atmosphere and lovely views.
