Green valleys and limestone cliffs in the north-west of Malta
Challenging

North Tour

Our big loop: the Silent City, the Dingli Cliffs, Golden Bay and home along the north coast.

Distance
65.2 km
Climbing
876 m
Riding time
≈ 5 h 20
Shape
One way

The ride

The ride we built for people who want to see the whole of northern Malta in one day. From Sliema you head inland past Ta' Qali to Mdina, the walled medieval capital, and on through Rabat and the pines of Buskett to the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island with a 250-metre drop to the sea. From there the route crosses the quiet farmland of the west to Mġarr and drops to the red sand of Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay.

The second half follows the coast north past Popeye Village in Anchor Bay to Għadira, Malta's longest sandy beach, then turns for home along St Paul's Bay, the Salina salt pans and the coast road through Pembroke. It is a long day with real climbing — exactly the kind of ride pedal assist was made for.

Terrain: inland climbing to Mdina and Dingli, rural lanes in the west, then rolling coastal roads. Suggested rental: full day.

Good to know: • This is the route where the battery matters most — take the roadside assistance option. • Mdina is car- and bike-free inside the walls. Lock up at the gate and walk in. • Golden Bay and Għadira are the swim stops; bring a towel.

North TourLos Arditos, SliemaMdinaDingli CliffsGolden BayPopeye VillageGħadira BayLos Arditos — 31 St Ignatius Junction, Sliema. Every tour starts here.

Elevation

Long day with sustained climbing. Keep an eye on the battery.

0 m125 m250 m0 km20 km40 km65.2 km
876 m of climbing in total, topping out at 244 m. Sampled from the GPX track.

Highlights along the way

  1. 1

    Mdina — the Silent City

    Walled medieval capital, views across half the island

  2. 2

    Buskett Gardens

    Malta's only real woodland

  3. 3

    Dingli Cliffs

    Highest point in Malta, 250 m above the sea

  4. 4

    Għajn Tuffieħa & Golden Bay

    Red-sand beaches of the north-west

  5. 5

    Popeye Village, Anchor Bay

    The 1980 film set, still standing

  6. 6

    Għadira Bay

    Malta's longest sandy beach

  7. 7

    Salina salt pans

    Knights-era salt pans on the ride home

Ride the North Tour on a Los Arditos e-bike

Collect at 31 St Ignatius Junction, Sliema — Every day 9:00–12:30 & 15:30–18:00. Helmet, lock and full battery included, from €20.

More routes from Sliema

Los Arditos e-bike on the cliffs above a turquoise bay on Malta's south-east coast
Moderate

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32.9 km410 m2 h 40

E-bike on the Sliema seafront with the Valletta skyline across the harbour
Easy

Valletta Harbour Loop

Two hours, one capital city, zero hills worth mentioning. The warm-up ride.

13.4 km131 m1 h

E-bike parked on the Grand Harbour waterfront facing Birgu and Senglea
Moderate

Three Cities & Grand Harbour

Four hundred years of fortifications around the greatest natural harbour in the Mediterranean.

33.3 km430 m2 h 40