Living in Malta, especially in the area around Sliema and St Julians makes you wish for some quiet time sometimes. The country is booming, and there is construction work everywhere and that from early in the morning. So sometimes you just have to leave your house for a little quiet time during the day as construction starts early here. Also sometimes you just want to take a glimpse at some flowers and chance the sea view for some landscape architecture. Luckily Malta is full of lovely Gardens. And some of those Gardens in Malta are hidden, but that makes them just more attractive for a visit. So even if you are only here for a holiday or passing through you should have a look at those beautiful oases.
Buskett Gardens – Picnic under Orange Trees
The Buskett Gardens are located between the tourist Hotspots Dingli Cliffs and the silent city Mdina, next to Rabat. They are not very popular among tourist but a welcome change for locals. They are in a valley and located on many hiking routes. There are a big picnic area and a lot of trees, you usually rarely see in Malta. It is a great place to take a break and feel like in a forest somewhere in Italy.
Take a bus to Rabat and buy some tasty Ftira there and then a little walk down to the gardens and stop for a picnic. If you feel like you can continue to the limestone heritage and take a hike until Siggiewi. You can also keep walking and head to the Dingly Cliffs for some stunning views.
San Anton Gardens – The Hidden Gem Among the Gardens in Malta
Now, this is my favorite Garden in Malta, so farm and that’s not just because there is a fountain full of tortoises. St Anton Gardens are beautifully planned and great for a walk on the weekends or only some time away from anything else. They are part of the President’s residence in Attard and open every day from 7 am until 7 pm. The Gardens are divided into several, and there are many details, that are just waiting to be discovered. There is even a Labyrinth for kids and a playground in the Kitchen gardens just right behind the central Gardens.
The Kitchen Garden also comes with an excellent restaurant that offers well priced Maltese food, Pizza and seasonal treats. They also have a big selection of sweets and baked goods. And it is merely bliss to sit outside and enjoy a coffee there.
Also, make sure to stop by the Villa Bologna, that is located just a few steps away from the Gardens. Not only is it a stunning building with a lovely garden and some interesting stories. It is also an atelier for unique handmade pottery unique to Malta and the world. The staff in the shop is really friendly, and they are happy to show you around and explain their crafts and the story of the building.
Ta‘ Qali – Gardens and some Souvenir Shopping
Right in the Middle of the island also not too far away from Mdina and Rabat. There is Ta’Quali a huge park (huge for Malta sizes) with a play area for kids, a barbeque area and the main garden that is bigger than any of the parks I have visited on the island so far. You can actually take longer walks her and enjoy the company of some olive trees and other beautiful plants. There are some interesting architecture pieces there and even some greenhouses.
And on one end of the park, there is the Ta’Qali crafts village for some souvenir shopping or a coffee after a long walk in the park. Close by there are some hot clubs like Uno or the Gianpula village, but I guess that is not really part of the Gardens in Malta.
Hasting Gardens – Enjoy the View.
Of course, I have to list one of the Gardens in Valletta as well. Although I really love the Upper Barakka Gardens and their view on the 3 cities as well, I want to highlight Hasting Gardens here. They have a great view of almost all of the Western part of the island and are not really crowded. It is a great place to take a break, read a book or just to enjoy the view from.
I love the gardens in Malta, and even though they do not make up for the lack of a forest or lake, they are like little human-made oases. But go see for yourself, and you will fall in love with their unique charm and vibes. Grab some Ftira and other things for a picnic and enjoy a day in the Gardens in Malta.
Enjoy!
