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Gardens and parks in Malta are quite small compared to gardens in other European countries, however they are lovely for a refreshing break from the summer heat, both during the day and evening, as many remain open quite late in summer. On sunny winter days, there’s nothing nicer than lapping up the sun in a quiet public garden.
Since Malta receives little rainfall and lots of sun, the gardens also provide additional “green” to a somewhat dry land. Many gardens in Malta are located on Malta’s historical bastions and from many of these gardens you can get fantastic views of the island’s impressive fortifications and the harbours below.
Others are located at the centre of towns and villages and provide a tranquil setting for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Most of Malta’s public gardens can easily be reached by bus. Some have kiosks and many have public toilet facilities as well. Almost all are wheelchair friendly. It is best to check hours with the relative Local Council beforehand if you’re planning to visit a public garden in the evening. Discover Malta’s best gardens and also its many of its hidden gems here:
Sa Maison Garden, Floriana
Full of colourful vegetation, this place is perfect to chill and admire nature in perfect tranquillity as very few people visit this garden due to the steep descent to reach it.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Argotti Botanical Gardens, Floriana
Initially two separate private gardens on St James Bastion, the Knight Manoel Pinto de Fonseca who was to become Grandmaster, built one garden in 1720. The huge Ficus macrophylla trees have become a landmark, with their entwined aerial roots fused together. This garden is the Commonwealth’s third oldest botanic garden and has more academic, rather than touristic interest.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
St. Philip’s Garden, Floriana
Beside Argotti Botanical Gardens, St Philip’s Garden is one of the oldest gardens of the country. Although it is rather hard to get to, the beautiful old trees and historic fountain, as well as views over the bastions make this a garden-lovers’ paradise. Due to the rough old paths and steps, this garden is not suitable for those with mobility problems.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Hastings Gardens, Valletta
Located on St. John’s Bastion and St. Michael’s Bastion, on the west side of the City Gate, Hastings Garden offers stunning views of Floriana, Msida, Sliema, and Manoel Island and breath-taking sunsets. The far end of the garden overlooking Sliema Creek was famous for one of Valletta’s windmills which could take advantage of the high winds there, and in fact the building that replaced it was called ‘The House of the Four Winds’.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
Whatever you do in Malta, do not miss the Upper Barrakka Gardens located at the highest point on Valletta’s bastions in order to enjoy the Barrakka’s breath-taking views of the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean. With the Three Cities as its backdrop, this harbour has dictated Malta’s history since history began.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
The younger sister of the ‘Upper Barrakka’, this garden perches on the bastion edge overlooking the entrance to Grand Harbour, commanding a superb viewpoint from the harbour mouth over to Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St. Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara, the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Sant Anton Gardens, Attard
The beautiful public garden of Sant Anton forms part of the President of Malta’s official residence, and makes for a lovely walk under mature trees and through pretty walkways. Each corner of the gardens offers something unique and each area is dotted with sculptures, fountains and a variety of flora from all over the world.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
The President’s Kitchen Gardens
Located at the back of Sant Anton Palace, the Kitchen Gardens have, for centuries, provided the residents and guests of the palace with fresh produce and now also provides the public with a cafe, a safe playground for young children and petting zoo or menagerie including ostriches, an emu and Shetland ponies. A great family attraction.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Villa Bologna Gardens, Attard
Villa Bologna is a grand but charming baroque palazzo set in 8 acres of historic landscaped gardens. This green oasis is made up of a formal, Baroque garden with gates and a nymphaeum, a wide lawn with a historic pond, as well as an organic vegetable garden, all part of Villa Bologna. In the front garden you can admire the grand baroque fountains, masterpieces of baroque craftsmanship built in the 1700s and recently restored to their former glory. As you leave the gardens you can walk through the old stables of the Villa, which house Malta’s oldest pottery workshop.
Where is It? Click here to find out!
– ELSEWHERE IN MALTA AND GOZO:
Gardjola Gardens, Senglea
Situated on the tip of the Senglea peninsula facing Valletta, the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea offer a panoramic view that takes in Fort St Angelo in Birgu, Valletta, the docks in Marsa, and the entrance to the Grand Harbour and Fort St. Angelo. Step into the Gardjola or ‘vedette’ of this quiet, dreamy garden, and you’re transported to the time of the Great Siege, watching over the embattled Grand Harbour. Various symbols of watchfulness are sculptured on this stone sentry box, namely the eye, the ear, and the crane bird. The inscription in Latin assures the inhabitants of the harbour area to rest at ease, as the tower stands guard against any hostile force that may attempt to approach Maltese shores.
Tel:+356 21662424, +356 21806635
Email:[email protected]
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Independence Gardens, Sliema
Below the Sliema promenade towards San Giljan are the Independence Gardens. Carefully landscaped in this a beautiful setting which enjoys stunning views of Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay, the place offers benches, a children’s playground, and above all, a small island of greenery next to the sea. The walk is particularly pleasant in the early evening, while cat-lovers will enjoy the stray cats who inhabit there.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Have a look at this video about the garden.
Palazzo Parisio Garden, Naxxar
Classically Baroque in style, the Italian symmetry and year-round colour of this garden are a lush gem. Admire the many exotic species including jacaranda and oleander, over 65 species of hibiscus, the vast collection of bougainvillea and the profusion of cascading geraniums. A fine restaurant set in this garden gives one the opportunity to linger there over a meal.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (subject to availability) from 9am until 5:30pm
Entrance Fee, garden only: €5.00
Where is It? Click here to find out!
Have a look at this video about the garden.
Buskett Gardens, Dingli
Located between the Roman town of Rabat and Dingli Cliffs, Buskett Gardens are the only natural wooded area of the Maltese archipelago and give you the feeling of being in a wood in Italy. Overlooked by Verdala Castle, the Grand Master’s hunting lodge, this wooded area is known for its orange trees but much of it is left natural, as it was when the Knights used to hunt for rabbits there. Buskett Gardens and its ancient paths, walls and irrigation channels, has been restored, and is identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Buy delicious local ‘ftira’ bread rolls in Rabat and enjoy a picnic under the orange trees, then take a walk by its little stream through shady glades, as this is a perfect place to take a country stroll, have a picnic and relax all afternoon especially in spring!
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Howard Gardens, Rabat
Howard Gardens are one of the larger public gardens in Malta, forming a natural border between Rabat and neighbouring Mdina.
Tel:+356 21450707, +356 21451226
Email:[email protected]
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Have a look at this video about the garden.
Ta Qali National Park
Originally used as an airfield during World War II, this park with its large recreational area is a favourite picnic spot for Maltese families. However, the Ta’ Qali National Park has more to offer than just picnic areas and walkways. The park boasts a wide variety of ornamental plants and trees, both local and foreign, as well as fauna species which, with some attention and observation, can be easily discovered and appreciated. These include butterflies, a wide variety of birds that seek refuge there, as well as chameleons, hedgehogs and, rarest to spot, weasels.
The park also hosts large-scale festivals and many international concerts. The Ta’ Qali farmers’ market provides shoppers throughout with the opportunity to buy delicious, fresh, in season, locally-produced high quality food at affordable prices. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 07.00-17.00.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Have a look at this video about the garden.
Chinese Garden of Serenity, Santa Lucija
Called «Ġnien is-Serenità» in Maltese, this place is perfect if you want to feel like you’re in China! This special garden is the perfect place for meditation. The garden is designed using trees, shrubs, with rocks and water flowing through them, two elements which represent a symbol of nature, all that gives life, the yin and yang, the beginning and the end.
Tel:+356 21666600, +356 27820381
Email:[email protected]
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Have a look at this video about the garden.
Xrobb l-Għagin Nature Park
Situated in Marsaxlokk, near the sea, one can admire nature here through many different trees and plants, as well as fauna like birds, insects or even wild rabbits, vagrant hedgehogs and other animals…
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Ġnien il-Ġibjun, Żurrieq
Located at Wied iż-Żurrieq, Ġnien il-Ġibjun boasts views of Wied Babu a deep valley cut between the cliffs, to the sea beyond, and the minute island of Filfla. Scattered throughout these gardens are various panels giving information about Wied iż-Żurrieq and Wied Babu. There is also a memorial for the victims of the airplane “Avro-York G-ANSY” which crashed on 18th February 1956 killing all 50 people on board.
Ġnien il-Ġibjun serves as a relaxing setting for adults, while the children can enjoy the colourful playground in a safe environment.
Tel:+356 21689111
Email:[email protected]
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Salina National Park, St. Paul’s Bay
This National park is perfect to spend a family day outdoors. Easily accessible, you can even park your car in the park’s own parking lot! With plenty of seating and picnic tables, this park is a pleasant place to eat, with open space for children to kick a ball around and let off steam, plus playgrounds for the younger ones. This park now incorporates Kennedy Grove and lovely water features. Not only is this area ideal for a walk, if you are more athletic, you’ll find an open-air gym. A kiosk, public convenience and free WiFi are also available.
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Villa Rundle Garden, Victoria, Gozo
If you’re visiting Gozo, be sure to visit this relaxing oasis of tranquility in the centre of Victoria, the perfect place for a rest from the hustle and bustle of the Gozitan capital. Reopened in 2012 for the public after a major re-vamp, this historic garden has new facilities including a playground for children and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the sun, the shade and nature. Free WiFi is available as well as public convenience.
Tel:+356 21563344
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Gnien l-Għarusa tal-Mosta
This little-known park offers a large recreation area with stunning panoramic views over the Burmarrad plain and northern Malta. The park hugs part of the 12km Victoria Lines built by the British towards the end of the 19th Century from coast to coast, from Fomm ir-Riħ to Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, as well as incorporating WWII defences including underground shelters. Extending over 23,700 square metres, this park planted with trees and recently upgraded with new benches, a gazebo and children’s area, is a great place for bird-watching!
Where is it? Click here to find out!
Gonna tal-Kmand – History, horticulture – and a maze!
The Gonna tal-Kmand (Commanders’ Gardens) were set up by Sir Alexander Ball, the naval commander of the blockade against the French for use by each village’s temporary Lieutenant. His love for nature and wish to encourage the loyalty of local militia leaders brought about the building of some 21 gardens known as as “IL-Gnien tal-Kmand”, between 1802 and 1809 and though most don’t exist any more, these gardens survive at Qrendi, Mqabba, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Zejtun, Gharghur, Safi (Known as il-Gnien ta’ Bali) and Lija and are used to experiment new crops and agricultural practices.
Surviving gardens:
Il-Ġnien tal-Kmand in Attard is located at Triq Hannibal while The garden at nearby Balzan is located at Triq in-Naxxar, close to Ta’ Ganu Windmill. Il-Ġnien tal-Kmand in Gudja is located at Triq Bir Miftuħ.
The garden at Safi known as Sir Alexander Ball’s Garden is located at Triq ta’ Ġawhar and is open to the public. The garden at Siġġiewi is found at Triq Lapsi (Lapsi Street). The Żebbuġ garden is to be found at Triq it-Tiġrija while Il-Ġnien tal-Kmand in Mosta is located at Triq il-Kbira. All these gardens are now scheduled Grade 1 sites.
The garden at Għargħur is located at the aptly-named Triq il-Ġnien and includes a building which served as the house of the Luogotenente. The house and garden are leased to private individuals and are not accessible to the public.
The garden at Lija is located at Triq Annibale Preca in an area known as Tal-Mirakli close to the boundary with Attard. It is open to the public during events or by appointment as Ġnien il-Pjanti Maltin (Maltese Plants Garden).
Luqa Briffa Garden in Żejtun is located at the corner of Triq Xrobb l-Għaġin and Triq id-Daħla ta’ San Tumas The entrance is embellished with the royal cypher and an inscription. Designed by Michele Cachia, the Żejtun garden is well-maintained, and it is open to the public as Luqa Briffa Garden.
The Qrendi garden is the largest of the surviving gardens, a charming enclosed garden where one finds orange, lemon, pear, pomegranate, fig, medlar and plum trees, prickly pears and olive trees as well as palms. The field beyond is mainly used for horticulture, while on the side a maze has been created – possibly the only one in Malta!
Other gardens:
– Romea Romano Gardens in Santa Venera are a main attraction of Santa Venera dating back to the 18th century.
Where is it? Click here to found out!
– Msida Marina Garden Where is it? Click here to find out!
– Old Railway Station Garden in Birkirkara Where is it? Click here to find out!
– St. Anne Square Garden in Marsaskala Where is it? Click here to find out!
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