Malta is the European Union’s most densely populated nation – but guests will discover loads of alternatives to discover the alluring pure surroundings right here.
Stroll amid the architectural splendor of city gardens in Valletta and the Three Cities, mix cliff-top strolling with coastal views, or rise up shut and private with migrating birds which have come all the way in which from Africa for his or her seasonal Maltese sojourn.
Listed here are the perfect pure parks and nature reserves in Malta.
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Get pleasure from splendid views of Grand Harbour from Higher Barrakka Gardens
Excessive above Grand Harbour, Valletta’s colonnaded Higher Barrakka Gardens had been established within the late sixteenth century by Knights of St John from the close by Auberge d’Italie. At this time, there’s a nice backyard cafe, plus excellent views throughout Grand Harbour to Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities. Time a go to round midday or 4pm to expertise the thrilling firing of the Saluting Battery.
At Is-Simar Nature Reserve, reptiles and water birds abound
Is-Simar Nature Reserve hosts greater than 180 totally different chook species, with its marshy surroundings significantly widespread with rails, warblers and kingfishers. Negotiate strolling trails to viewing areas hid amid a panorama of swimming pools, compact islands and slender canals. Geckos and Mediterranean chameleons are additionally generally seen perched on the branches of timber.
Catch a water taxi to admire the views from Gardjola Gardens
Catch a standard dgħajsa water taxi throughout Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, and soak up sensible views of the Valletta skyline from this compact waterfront park (which is one other a great spot for watching the firing of the Saluting Battery throughout the harbor). The park’s elegant vedette (watchtower) is embellished with carvings of eyes and ears to represent watchfulness.
Naval-history buffs shouldn’t miss Decrease Barrakka Gardens
Close to the water’s edge, and significantly spectacular if winter climate is creating huge seas, this equally compact park on Valletta’s northeastern tip contains a Doric temple commemorating Sir Alexander Ball, the British naval captain who captured Malta from the French in 1800. The adjoining Siege Bell Memorial remembers those that misplaced their lives throughout WWII’s Siege of Malta.
Take a windy stroll alongside the Dingli Cliffs
Comply with well-marked strolling trails alongside the highest of Malta’s highest sea cliffs, greater than 200m (656ft) excessive and offering views alongside the island’s rugged west coast and out to the tiny islet of Filfla. Close by, The Cliffs mix an excellent restaurant with reveals showcasing the area’s pure historical past. Dingli’s pretty Chapel of St Mary Magdalene has been at its lonely and distant location since 1646.
Ta’ Qali Nationwide Park is nice for picnics and household enjoyable
Already a sprawling vacation spot together with a crafts village and artisans’ workshops, Malta’s Nationwide Stadium and the Malta Aviation Museum, Ta’ Qali Nationwide Park is slated to double in measurement, delivering an elevated bike path excessive above strolling trails and greater than 80,000 new timber. First up for Ta’ Qali’s redevelopment was the November 2021 opening of Adventure Park, undoubtedly essentially the most thrilling playground within the nation. Specialist picnic areas and a farmers’ market are additionally deliberate.
Go climbing alongside Park Tal-Majjistral’s many trails
Atop a spectacular coastal location, Park Tal-Majjistral’s climbing trails discover each Malta’s pure historical past and its cultural heritage. Endemic vegetation reveals various Mediterranean habitats, whereas historical past is showcased by centuries-old drystone partitions and the legacy of navy installations. On a transparent day, views can prolong all the way in which north to Sicily, a distance of round 90km (56 miles).
Uncover a uncommon Maltese forest at Buskett Gardens
Malta’s solely remaining woodland space, Buskett Gardens was initially established by the Knights of St John as a forest habitat for searching. At this time, well-established groves of Aleppo pine, oak, olive and orange timber are widespread for forest strolls and spring and summer season picnics. Throughout cooler months, Buskett is infused with the scent of orange blossoms.
Discover the Purple Maintain at San Anton Palace and Gardens
In the actual world, San Anton Palace and Gardens is the official residence of the Maltese president, however the honey-colored palace additionally featured because the Purple Maintain in a number of episodes of the primary season of Sport of Thrones. Framing the palace are walled gardens of citrus and avocado timber, an aviary and the elegant Grand Eagle Fountain, which dates from the seventeenth century.
Find out about Mediterranean flora at Argotti Botanical Gardens
On the grounds of Floriana’s College of Malta, the Argotti Botanical Gardens had been based within the early nineteenth century as a part of the establishment’s college of pure historical past. There’s a powerful concentrate on endemic Mediterranean plant species within the stunning plantings; as you stroll the grounds, good views of the hilltop walled metropolis of Mdina to the west open up. The gardens are at the moment nearing completion of a multi-year refurbishment and redevelopment program.
Deliver your binoculars to observe birds migrate by Għadira Nature Reserve
Encompassing solely 17 acres, Għadira Nature Reserve nonetheless attracts greater than 140 totally different migratory chook species all year long. Birds drawn to Għadira’s brackish salt-marsh wetlands embrace sandpipers and egrets; bigger Eurasian spoonbills additionally go to earlier than persevering with over the Sahara desert again to west Africa. Eager wildlife photographers ought to guide forward for an hour-long session in certainly one of Għadira’s two pictures hides.
Mix bird-watching with a historical past lesson at Salina Nature Reserve
Salina’s heritage is clear in its title, with this nature reserve on Malta’s northern coast established by Birdlife Malta amid sprawling salt pans constructed by the Knights of St John within the sixteenth century. It’s now a haven for gulls and terns, and herons and egrets migrating from Africa additionally swing by. Flamingos are sometimes seen round August and September.
Catch a free occasion or pageant at Villa Rundle Gardens
Established in 1914 by Basic Sir Leslie Rundle, Governor of Malta from 1909 to 1915, Gozo’s elegant Villa Rundle Gardens are a shaded and relaxed haven after visiting Victoria’s astounding Il-Kastell citadel. Canary palms tower over a kids’s playground, and some pleasant cats are normally strolling round. The gardens are used for festivals and occasions throughout spring and summer season.
