Walking Holiday? Yes. Walking optional.

Blog – Diary of a “non- walking walker” on a walking holiday in Malta

Some folks might think it a mad idea – going on a walking holiday when you are unable to walk very far due to a foot injury.  Yes, I could have cancelled but I had never visited Malta before and I would be meeting up with a group of walking friends – some of whom I had met on my first ever Preferred Travel holiday back in 2018.  And on arrival, there were also some more familiar faces from previous holidays with both Involved and PTS.  Add to this the choice of an excellent hotel, bus stops right outside ………. and it was minus two at home.  It was a no brainer; off I went to Malta in November with my trusty NHS crutch!  And it brought a whole new perspective to a walking holiday.

Whilst my friends were out walking, I became a leisurely sightseer – something which could be a rather interesting proposition and be attractive to folks wanting to travel together but with differing needs from their holidays.  Obviously, transfers to and from the hotel were with the walkers as per the norm; I attended the welcome briefing to get a greater understanding of what Malta had to offer, meet up with Jose again and pick the brains of the local guides to determine exactly what I could do with my week.

On day one, the group had a choice of walks on the south west coast, checking out cliff paths, ancient temples and caves.  All too much for me so I stayed local, visiting the impressive church in Mellieha and watching the locals flock to the veggie man.  He arrived in his truck, tooted his horn, and then sold and prepared his fresh produce for the grateful locals before moving on around the corner, tooting his horn and repeating this all over again. I set off, crutch in hand, to stock up with a bottle of local wine and a 6 pack of water for my room. The tiny shopkeeper – who must have been aged 90 if she was a day – took pity on me and very kindly offered to carry said produce back to the hotel for me. Standing as I do at 6ft 6, I simply could not accept her kind offer but it really made me chuckle on my struggle down the street.  It was then time to hit the roof top pool and a welcoming sun bed until the temperature cooled in to the mid teens and I retreated to the indoor pool and sauna.  It was soon time to meet up with the walkers for a pre dinner aperitif and hear about their day – and to tell them about my new, young lady friend.

On day two, probably half of the entire group set off by bus to Mdina the former capital, now known as ‘the silent city’. Perched high on a hill, it is one of the best preserved walled cities and was an incredible defensive site with great look out points over the island.  And a rather superb cake shop too; we only went in there to take cover from a torrential rain shower – and on the assurance that everything was calorie free – not!  And it would be rude to sit there with an empty plate.

Day three saw the walking parties set off on another coastal walk starting at Popeye Village. For me, it was a leisurely breakfast and then I went off in search of a bus stop; I asked a young lady at a petrol station for directions – she kindly offered me a lift to the stop. The local ladies are so friendly – and could have been the granddaughter of lady number one. I took the local bus to Golden Bay, enjoyed a Pinsa lunch (the Maltese take on pizza) overlooking the sea and then met up with Jose, Luccio and the walkers for a photo shoot on the beach. (A spot of AI was involved in the ‘simply must do’ creation of a photo with a passing parrot).

Day four gave the opportunity to visit Mosta and Valetta – both fall in to the category of ‘absolute must see’ destinations.  The story of how the basilica in Mosta still stands today is unbelievable; it was hit by a WW2 bomb in August, 1942.  It crashed through the dome, bounced off of an internal wall and landed just feet away from the congregation – but did not explode.  Everyone and the basilica survived.  Valetta – the capital – is one incredible city in terms of its position, architecture, military history and more; a great place for a city break.  And no one should miss the firing of the cannon in the park overlooking the harbour at either 12 noon or again at 4pm – a tradition dating back hundreds of years.  The capital was tastefully decorated ready for Christmas.

Day five provided the opportunity for a short ferry ride to the island of Gozo – a stark contrast to Malta. The island is so green, with fertile manicured crop fields – and even more churches!  The day was spent on the hop on / hop off (literally) bus with two other non-walkers; the bus toured the island through the narrowest of streets such that from the top deck you could have changed the light bulbs or cleaned the windows of the balconies of the buildings either side of you.  Hats off to the drivers – they were brilliant.  Our lunch stop in the harbour of Xlendi was so memorable – yes, it was an enjoyable meal in a waterside cabin but the sea was so rough that we quite expected the waves to come crashing through the window and the fish land directly on our plates.  Our next stop was in Victoria giving the opportunity to visit the Cittadella which provided a great lookout over the coastal area that the walkers were enjoying.  Their photos were superb – particularly the ones taken by the sand cliff wave formations; I so wanted to do that walk!

The final day in resort included a return to the WW2 shelter and a chat with the 91 year old attendant who recalled spending his formative years underground – on one occasion in 1942 sheltering in there and not seeing daylight for 3 consecutive days and nights.  On our final evening, the multi talented Jose invited us to join him at a local music venue for a farewell drink and ‘entertainment’.  The room had the most imposing central staircase which had been adorned with extensive Christmas garlands – making a great setting for a group photo shoot.  And then, the opportunity for the most memorable grand entrance of the star of the show  ……………….. “Ladies and Gentlemen, for one night only, direct from Valencia, the one and only international music sensation – Jose.”  He entertained us with his accordion, harmonica and song repertoire. What a way to finish a week.

And for me – and indeed anyone else who cannot presently or maybe does not want to walk – but wants to accompany friends or relations who do walk – then this was a great opportunity to visit, see and enjoy the islands of Malta and Gozo whilst the walkers are out there doing the very same.

Sincere thanks to Involved Holidays, Jose, Luccio and his colleagues for an enjoyable non-walking, walking holiday!

Footnote – (no pun intended) – I so want to be rid of the crutch however; I am considering keeping hold of it as it is proving to be quite a lady magnet.

Martin

December, 2025