Malta, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and deep-rooted spiritual heritage, offers pilgrims a uniquely meaningful journey. In January 2023, the archipelago’s role in global pilgrimage traditions reached a historic milestone with the inclusion of the Camino Maltés into the Camino de Santiago network. This integration enhances Malta’s status as a spiritual destination, and solidifies its place in the Mediterranean’s interconnected heritage of sacred travel.
The Camino Maltés begins in Rabat and connects key religious and historical sites across the archipelago, eventually linking Malta to broader European pilgrimage routes. Far from being a mere hiking trail, this sacred path weaves through centuries of history and faith, bridging the Camino’s legacy with Malta’s unique cultural and religious identity. Along the way, pilgrims retrace the footsteps of countless travelers who, over centuries, sought meaning and solace on these islands.
But Malta’s spiritual significance predates its formal inclusion in the Camino network, rooted in its role as a crossroads of Mediterranean pilgrimage. Indeed, Christianity on the archipelago traces back to 60 CE, when the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked and found refuge there, as described in the biblical Book of Acts. His introduction of Christianity to the islands firmly established their importance in the early Christian world. Over the centuries, Malta became a waypoint for travelers journeying to sacred destinations such as Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela.
This rich heritage finds one of its most significant expressions in the Camino Maltés, offering visitors not only a pilgrimage route but a transformative journey through history, nature, and culture.
The Camino Maltés: A path of spiritual and cultural Discovery
The Camino Maltés is a significant pilgrimage route that embodies Malta’s spiritual legacy and its historical ties to the Camino de Santiago. The route connects Valletta and Rabat to neighboring Mediterranean landmarks via both land and sea, highlighting Malta’s centuries-old role in maritime pilgrimage. Pilgrims today follow in the footsteps of medieval travelers who relied on the island as a sanctuary during long and arduous journeys.
The Knights Hospitallers established their headquarters in Malta in 1530 and played a pivotal role in deepening these connections. Known for their mission of faith and hospitality, they ensured safe passage for pilgrims and fortified Malta as a haven for Christian travelers. Their efforts are documented in historical records, such as the Liber Bullarum, which includes a 17th-century permit issued to pilgrims heading from Malta to Compostela.
As pilgrims navigate the Camino Maltés, they encounter a treasure trove of sacred landmarks. The journey begins in Rabat at St. Paul’s Grotto, a site that commemorates the Apostle Paul’s refuge. It continues through Malta’s historic towns, such as Mdina—the “Silent City”—with its majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Valletta, where the Baroque grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral (by far, the Mecca of Baroque art in the Mediterranean) is sure to captivate all visitors. The route also passes coastal landscapes, including the Grand Harbor, which served as a maritime gateway for pilgrims traveling between Europe, North Africa, and the Levant.
A defining feature of the Camino Maltés is its seamless blend of spiritual depth and cultural exploration. Pilgrims retrace the maritime journeys of medieval travelers, linking Malta to Sicily, Sardinia, Barcelona, and eventually Compostela. This dual emphasis on land and sea captures the island’s historical role as a Mediterranean hub.
Malta’s devotion to St. James, the patron saint of Spain, further underscores its ties to the Camino. Evidence of this ancient veneration can be found in frescoes, chapels, and historical records across the islands, highlighting Malta’s longstanding cultural connections to Spain and its enduring role in Europe’s sacred traditions.
Hiking and Exploration Beyond the Camino Maltés
For pilgrims who wish to extend their experience beyond the Camino Maltés, Malta’s landscapes present a wealth of hiking and exploration opportunities. Each trail invites contemplation while offering a glimpse into the archipelago’s spiritual, natural, and historical treasures.
- Dingli Cliffs: Towering above the western coast, the Dingli Cliffs offer awe-inspiring vistas of the Mediterranean. A walk along these rugged cliffs provides a visual treat and a moment of serenity leading to contemplation. The nearby Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, perched dramatically at the cliff’s edge, offers refuge for those who look for a silent prayer corner. This area is also rich in archaeological significance, with remnants of prehistoric cart ruts etched into the rock in the nearby Misrah Ghar il-Kbir site.
- Victoria Lines Trail: Often referred to as Malta’s “Great Wall,” this historic fortification stretches across the island and presents a hike that seamlessly blends history and nature. Following this route, hikers traverse varied terrain while enjoying panoramic views of Malta’s countryside. Along the way, ancient forts and bunkers tell the story of Malta’s strategic importance throughout history –stories of hope against all hope
- Gozo Coastal Walks: On the sister island of Gozo, coastal trails beckon pilgrims to explore its unspoiled beauty. Walks around the Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs reveal dramatic seascapes and serene vistas, while nearby routes lead to the Ġgantija Temples, UNESCO-listed prehistoric structures that echo Malta’s ancient heritage –megalithic structures that are older than the Egyptian pyramids themselves! These trails connect the natural with the spiritual, fostering a deeper connection to the island’s layered past.
These routes offer pilgrims the chance to marvel at Malta’s natural beauty, deep spiritual history, and allow moments for contemplation and awe, and a deeper engagement with the journey’s spiritual undertones.
Malta’s Historical and Religious Landmarks
As pilgrims traverse the Camino Maltés, they encounter some of Malta’s most iconic spiritual and cultural sites. These landmarks are not just points on a map or stations to be covered to get to a destination, but storied places that reveal the depth of the island’s historical and religious significance.
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral (Valletta): This Baroque masterpiece is a must-visit for those walking the Camino Maltés. Its opulent interior, featuring Caravaggio’s renowned The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, is a testament to faith, artistic brilliance –and the political power amassed by the Knights in the second half of the 16th century, after the Maltese victory against the Ottoman empire after the Great Siege of Malta. The cathedral’s role in the Knights Hospitallers’ legacy adds another layer to its spiritual importance.
- Mdina: Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is a historic gem with its winding streets, noble palaces, and contemplative atmosphere. St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina stands as a focal point of pilgrimage, honoring the Apostle’s connection to Malta. Its interior, adorned with intricate artistry, naturally invites moments of quiet prayer and meditation.
- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: While not tied directly to Christianity, this underground temple complex offers a glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric spirituality. Its sober, majestic architecture highlight the island’s ancient reverence for sacred spaces, enriching the pilgrimage experience with a sense of timeless wonder.
These landmarks form the heart of Malta’s cultural and spiritual identity, making the Camino Maltés a journey through layers of history and devotion.
Malta underground: From Neolithic shrines to Saint Paul’s grotto
Recreation for Rest and Renewal
Pilgrimages are oftentimes journeys of renewal. Malta offers ample opportunities for pilgrims to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate.
- Scuba Diving: Malta’s underwater world is as captivating as its landscapes. Dive sites such as the Blue Hole on Gozo and the wrecks near Valletta provide a meditative experience, merging adventure and spiritual search with the tranquil beauty of the sea.
- Boat Excursions: A post-pilgrimage boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on Comino is an excellent way to wrap up. The turquoise waters and dramatic coastal scenery invite quiet reflection, allowing pilgrims to absorb the spiritual significance of their journey.
- Local Crafts and Cuisine: Malta’s traditions offer another layer of connection to history and religious traditions. Visiting artisan workshops, where craftsmen create delicate lace or intricate filigree jewelry, provides insight into the island’s cultural heritage. Sampling local dishes like pastizzi or ftira enriches the senses, grounding the pilgrim in the island’s vibrant culinary traditions.
Cultural and Natural Experiences to Enrich the Journey
Beyond its main pilgrimage routes, Malta offers a variety of destinations and activities to enhance the experience. These sites complement the spiritual journey, connecting pilgrims with Malta’s unique natural, religious, and cultural offerings.
- Buskett Gardens: A serene woodland near Rabat, the gardens are ideal for a restorative walk or a quiet moment of meditation to wrap up the pilgrimage experience. Originally cultivated by the Knights Hospitallers, the area serves as a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban landscape.
- Marsaxlokk: This picturesque fishing village is renowned for its colorful luzzu boats and lively Sunday fish and farmer’s market. Marsaxlokk offers a glimpse into Malta’s maritime traditions, making it a charming stop on the pilgrimage.
- Blue Grotto: Accessible by boat, the Blue Grotto’s sea caves showcase the island’s intense coastline and crystalline waters. The interplay of light and color in the caves creates a mesmerizing experience, perfect for contemplation.
These activities and destinations deepen the pilgrim’s connection to the archipelago, offering moments of joy, contemplation, peace, and discovery.
Malta as a Pilgrimage Destination
As can be seen, the Camino Maltés makes Malta a beacon for modern pilgrims, bridging spiritual reflection with cultural and religious exploration. By linking historic landmarks, sacred sites, and the island’s natural beauty, the Camino offers a truly holistic experience. Beyond the Camino, the additional opportunities for hiking, diving, and exploring Malta’s history create a comprehensive journey that nourishes both body and spirit.
For those ready to embark on their pilgrimage, Malta promises inspiration, renewal, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of apostles, saints, knights, and pilgrims from all ages. Whether beginning your journey on the Camino Maltés or exploring the broader spiritual heritage of the islands, Malta invites every traveler to uncover the richness of its sacred landscapes and cultural treasures.
Are you ready to begin your journey? XirCammini, Malta’s official Camino organization, supports individuals and groups walking the Camino Maltés and other routes within the Camino de Santiago network –and beyond!
Contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +35679046942 to plan your pilgrimage. As a registered Voluntary Organization (VO1646), XirCammini is dedicated to preserving and promoting historical and faith-based walks in Malta and Europe.
Let the Maltese archipelago be your starting point for Compostela and beyond—a gateway to exploration, transformation, and inspiration. See more on VisitMalta.com
