Xemxija Heritage Trail
Explore ancient history on the Xemxija Heritage Trail, featuring Roman roads, caves, beehives, and Malta's oldest carob tree.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat.
Xemxija Heritage Trail
Best Time
Avoid midday heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient history on the Xemxija Heritage Trail, featuring Roman roads, caves, beehives, and Malta's oldest carob tree.
"An untouched place of history to trek through, with ancient sites and wild flora."
Wear Proper Footwear
Rocky and uneven paths! Sturdy hiking boots are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on this scenic trek. A picnic is a great idea! :water_wave: :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Carob Tree
Trail Entrance
Stand beneath Malta's oldest living tree, a carob over 1,000 years old. A truly ancient marvel. :evergreen_tree:
Roman Apiary & Beehives
Carved into Rock
Discover fascinating Roman beehives carved directly into the rock. A unique glimpse into ancient beekeeping. :honeybee:
Cave of the Gallery
Along the Trail
Explore this ancient cave, once inhabited and used as a prehistoric tomb. History whispers from its walls. :cave:
Roman Road & Baths
Valley & Ridge
Trek along ancient Roman roads and discover remnants of Roman baths. A journey through millennia. :roman_bath:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Check Information Boards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Proper Footwear
Rocky and uneven paths! Sturdy hiking boots are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on this scenic trek. A picnic is a great idea! :water_wave: :apple:
Use Navigation Apps
Many info boards are illegible. Use Google Maps or similar for site details. :iphone:
Explore the Caves
Discover ancient caves and Roman structures carved into the rock. So much history! :cave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Proper Footwear
Rocky and uneven paths! Sturdy hiking boots are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on this scenic trek. A picnic is a great idea! :water_wave: :apple:
Use Navigation Apps
Many info boards are illegible. Use Google Maps or similar for site details. :iphone:
Explore the Caves
Discover ancient caves and Roman structures carved into the rock. So much history! :cave:
Enjoy the Views
The trail offers great views of the surrounding valleys and coastline. :mountain_snow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Xemxija Heritage Trail for its rich history, ancient sites like Roman roads and beehives, and the impressive oldest carob tree. The natural beauty and solitude are also highlighted. However, many note the trail's neglected state, particularly the illegible information boards, and the uneven, rocky terrain which requires sturdy footwear.
"What an amazing ancient Roman trail from the Starting point all the way across the valley to the top of the mountain ridge. Traversing woodland, ancient paths, the amazing wild flora and wildlife on the way through, what an untouched place of history to trek through."
Ryan
"Excellent walk with lots to see if you include the Roman Baths area. We just followed the route using Google although I did see someone with a leaflet. But rough underfoot, proper shoes for walking. Took us two hours. Some of the information boards are not legible."
Lorraine Kane
"This is a lovely country side walk. Moderate difficulty, length but great views along the way. We saw a good amount of nature on the walk, and there was no issue with cell service along the way. We enjoyed it. We ended our hike at Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park after 3.8KM and hailed a Bolt back home. You could hike back if you wanted. Lots of sites to see along the way with labels of what your seeing."
John Galea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is located behind Saint Paul's Bay. You can reach the starting point by car or public bus. Some visitors mention using Bolt for a convenient ride back home after the hike.
Parking is generally available near the trailheads, especially if you're arriving by car. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot. :car:
Yes, the Xemxija Heritage Trail is situated in the hills behind St. Paul's Bay, making it easily accessible from the town. :bus:
Yes, public buses serve the St. Paul's Bay area, and you can then walk to the trail's starting point. Check local bus routes for the most direct options. :bus:
While some information boards exist, they are often illegible. Using a GPS navigation app on your phone is highly recommended to identify points of interest. :iphone:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission cost to explore the Xemxija Heritage Trail. It's a free, open-air historical site. :moneywithwings:
As an outdoor heritage trail, it is generally accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. :sunrise:
No booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit the trail spontaneously. :calendar:
Official guided tours are not widely advertised. However, you can explore independently or consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth experience. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
While information boards are often unreadable, researching the key sites like the Roman Apiary and Cave of the Gallery beforehand will greatly enhance your visit. :scroll:
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail is characterized by rocky, uneven paths, woodland, and some steep sections. Proper hiking footwear is essential. :hiking_boot:
The duration can vary, but many visitors report taking around two hours to complete a significant portion of the trail, including exploring sites. Some shorter walks take about thirty minutes.
You'll find prehistoric standing stones, Roman roads, Roman baths, ancient caves (like the Cave of the Gallery), Roman beehives (apiary), and Malta's oldest carob tree. :ancient_roman: 
Some reviewers note that the trail can be neglected, with illegible information signs. However, the natural beauty and historical significance remain.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or water fountains directly on the trail. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. :water_wave:
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient carob tree, the carved Roman beehives, the cave entrances, and the panoramic views from the ridge offer excellent photographic opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Yes, the historical sites are accessible for photography. However, capturing clear shots of the illegible information boards might be challenging. :iphone:
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more dramatic lighting for landscape and historical site photography. :sunrise:
Drone regulations in Malta can be strict. It's essential to check current aviation authority rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. :drone:
Visitors often highlight the unique Roman apiary and the ancient carob tree as must-capture subjects. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven. While some information boards are hard to read, you can make it an adventure to discover the sites together, perhaps using a simple map or app to identify what you're seeing. The moderate difficulty makes it manageable for most active children.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the ancient carob tree and the opportunity to explore a landscape steeped in history. The Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park is often mentioned as a connected destination, offering further exploration opportunities. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water for your hike.
🏛️ History Buffs
+2While the lack of legible information boards can be a drawback, it also adds to the sense of discovery. Researching the key sites beforehand will greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of this historical landscape. The trail provides an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience for those eager to delve into Malta's ancient heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing Ancient History
+2One of the most striking features is Malta's oldest living tree, a carob tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old, marking the trail's beginning. This living monument connects the present day directly to the island's ancient landscape. The trail also leads to the Roman Baths, providing further insight into the daily lives of those who inhabited this region centuries ago.
+1While the historical significance is immense, many visitors note that the information boards are often weathered and illegible. To truly appreciate the sites, it's recommended to do some prior research or use a reliable navigation app that identifies historical points of interest. Despite this, the trail offers an authentic and largely untouched experience of Malta's ancient heritage.
Navigating the Terrain and Trail
While the trail is generally easy to follow, especially with the aid of GPS, some sections can be challenging. The length of the walk can vary depending on how much you explore, with some visitors completing a substantial hike in about two hours, while others opt for shorter thirty-minute strolls.
For those who prefer not to hike back, hailing a Bolt or other ride-sharing service from the end of the trail (potentially near Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park) is a viable option.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit