CAMPING

When camping in Malta, you have to take into consideration the sustainability of your practices due to the small size of the Country and the large population. The saturation of outdoor activities is having a negative impact on our natural areas, hence we have to make sure to follow regulations and be extra cautious. 

1. Always make sure that it's legal to camp (not in private land without permit from landowner or in Restricted areas such as National Parks with Legislation to prohibit camping etc). 

2. Avoid pitching the tent on protected plants (especially if in bloom), find a flat area and don't remove any vegetation (SL. 549.44).

3. Do not attach ropes in protected trees such as pine (SL 549.123). For other trees, make sure the stem is thick enough to handle the weight and also put fabric around the stem so that the rope wont damage the tree bark. Always remove ropes and zip ties when you are leaving the site!

4. If you plan to stay for several days, it's encouraged to move the tent just a few meters every 2-3 nights to not impact the ground vegetation negatively. 

5. Keep any litter contained at all times, not just cleaning before you leave (SL.549.40). Try to reduce the amount of waste you bring by repacking in reusable containers before you leave from your home. 

Dispose of waste at home! If you could bring it there, you can bring it home. The reason some sites along the shore won't have bins is because there is a colony of protected seabird nesting along the cliffs. 

One example is the Shearwaters which nests near Ahrax, Mellieha. The campsite doesn't have waste bins so that rats won't be attracted to the area. Rats would eat the food waste and then go for the chicks or eggs of the Shearwaters. This bird species only lays one egg per season, so your food waste can cause great damage!

6. If you plan to do a camp fire, see our guide for 'BBQs and campfires'.

Now, let's talk about restrictions.

The following Local Councils have Byelaws in place to regulate camping. If not mentioned below, as far as MRU is aware, camping is allowed on Public land (any Council who claims to have a byelaw and not stated here - please get in touch so we can update this post).

‼️For Natura2000, if it's a commercial event or more than 20 people, you need to obtain a permit from ERA - Environment & Resources Authority . 

See our map for Natura2000 sites (green polygons).

Marsaskala 

Camping prohibited 

Marsaxlokk 

Permit required

Mellieha 

Permit required and ONLY in the camp zones of Aħrax

Make sure to apply some days before.

Enjoy the countryside, there's nothing better than waking up with a view or sleeping under the stars, but make sure to leave no trace and adhere to the environmental laws. Also always ask yourself - if everyone does what I do, would it have a negative impact?  

If you want to see how wild camping can be done in a legal and "leave no trace" way, we highly suggest that you check out explorer Pierre Farrugia.

Photo: Pierre Farrugia (Maltese explorer who supports MRU's stance on 'Leave no trace')