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Ten Best Gardens
in Malta.

14 August 2022 | Anthony Muscat

Gardens have so much to offer and, on a sunny day, it's ideal to visit a green space, lift our spirits and calm our nerves. We've asked Anthony Muscat to look up the ten best public gardens in Malta.

Malta Public Gardens

San Anton Gardens
For variety of plants

Open to the public since 1882, San Anton Gardens have been described as Malta’s most beautiful. Laid out in a formal style, comprising walkways, sculptures, fountains and ponds, the gardens were commissioned by Grand Master Antoine de Paule in the early 17th century. The extensive gardens form part of San Anton Palace, constructed as the summer residence of the Grand Master and now the official residence of the Maltese President.

What you’ll see : a large variety of trees (including jacarandas, palm and cypress), roses and bougainvillea.

Address: Triq Birbal, Ħal Balzan, Malta
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday - 07:00 to 18:00 (Jun to Sep); 07:00 to 17.00 (Oct to May)
Get there by car | by bus.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens
Easily accessed by ferry

The Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta offer fabulous panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Three Cities. The gardens are located on the upper tier of St. Peter & Paul Bastion, originally built in the 1560s. There are a number of statues and memorials within the park, including Sir Winston Churchill. The gardens can be accessed via the Barrakka Lift (ferry to Birgu a short walk away).

Below the main garden terrace is the Saluting Battery where a cannon is fired at 12:00 and 16:00 daily with ceremony – good for a holiday snap.

Ideal location for a break whilst enjoying the many attractions of Valletta.

Address: Triq Sant' Orsla, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun - 07:00 to 20:00
Get there by car, by bus or by ferry from Cospicua Ferry Terminal.

Chinese Garden of Serenity
Ideal for meditation

Opened in 1997, the Chinese Garden was a gift to Malta from the People’s Republic of China. Rocks and water play an important role in any Chinese garden – creating a peaceful space and symbolising life from birth to death. The garden contains fountains, pools, angular walkways, bridges, and elegant doors.

The garden has been designed as a series of smaller gardens separated by walls, allowing the visitor to experience the ambience in each area – ideal for meditation.

Address: Katerina Vitale Street, Santa Luċija, Malta Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun - 08:00 to 18:00
Get there by car | by bus.

Hastings Garden

Hastings Gardens
A rest with a view

This small garden in Valletta has superb views over Marsamxett Harbour, taking in Floriana, Msida, Sliema and Manoel Island. Named after Francis, Marquis of Hastings (Governor of Malta until 1826), the garden is located atop St. John's and St. Michael's Bastions, on the west side of the City Gate.

Ideal opportunity for a rest in the shade on the numerous park benches whilst taking in the views.

Look out for the Khachkar, a monument that was unveiled by the Maltese Armenian community in 2009. It was specifically made in Armenia and shipped to Malta as a token of friendship.

Address: 24 Sappers, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun - 07:00 to 20:00
Get there by car | by bus.

Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)
Away from the hustle and Bustle

On your visit to Gozo, pop over to city of Victoria. Located just a short stroll from the Cittadella, the Rundle Gardens provide a wonderful respite from the many attractions and heat of the city. The garden was designed by and named after the British General, Leslie Rundle, at the beginning of the 20th century.

Re-opened following extensive restoration, the park boasts many native and imported trees, shrubs, and flower beds following a formal pattern.

Address: Lower Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun - 07:00 to 20:30
Map location

Villa Bologna Gardens
Baroque garden

Villa Bologna Gardens are located close to San Anton Gardens in Attard and open to the public for a small fee. The spectacular gardens were laid out in two phases – the Baroque Garden was constructed along with the house in 1745 and the New Garden in the 1920s.

The Baroque Garden was designed in a formal symmetrical style, lined with citrus trees with - lawns and exotic trees were added at a later stage. The highlight is the dual Nymphaea – large and small. The New Garden, commissioned by Lady Strickland, features a sunken pond and “dolphin” fountain.

Villa Bologna and gardens often host private events so check available visiting times beforehand. Address: St Anthony St, Attard, Malta

Entry: Payment
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat - 09:00 to 17:00
Get there by car | by bus.

Valletta Design Cluster Roof Garden
Take a break while exploring Valletta

Atop a 400 year old building, the Valletta Design Cluster Roof Garden contains over 950 shrubs, trees, flowers and grasses. Open to the public as a community space, the garden has been described as a green lung for Valletta. The garden includes a roof pavilion, pond and seating area. The roof is fully accessible via lift or stairs. Tip: Take a packed lunch and have it seated at one of the tables in the garden.

Address: 25, Bull Street Il-Belt Valletta, Valletta
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat - 08:00 to 18:00 (office hours)
Get there by bus or by ferry from Cospicua Ferry Terminal.

Sa Maison Garden, Floriana
British heritage

A small, quiet garden with views across Marsamxett harbour, Sa Maison is spread over five levels and contains large trees, shrubs, palms and conservatory. Look out for regimental crests engraved into the rock face of the garden - the British Army used the gardens as a look-out and defence position until 1903.

Address: Triq Sa Maison, Floriana
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun -
Get there by car | by bus.

Romeo Romano Gardens
A garden fit for a Grand Master

Built as a summer residence for Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, Casa Leoni earned its name from the four stone-carved lions that adorn its facade. Today, the gardens of Casa Leoni (now known as Romeo Romano) are guarded by somewhat smaller cats – the strays.

One of the largest gardens founded by the Knights of St John and second only to San Anton Gardens, Romeo Romano Gardens have been open to the public since 1977. The gardens are a quiet spot away from the buzz of Malta’s central region, with wide footpaths, flowerbeds, fountains and mature trees. The ancient walls surrounding the space shield it from the wind, the sun, and the noise.

Address: Santa Venera,
Malta Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun - 06:30 to 20:00
Get there by bus | by car

Buskett Woodlands
Malta’s only forested area

Buskett Woodlands are located in the lush Wied II-Luq valley. The woodlands were originally planted in the 16th century as a hunting ground for the Grand Master.

Today, the woodlands represent an important wildlife reserve, including native frogs and migrating birds. The woodlands contain natural springs and a diverse range of flora with trees (oak, carob, Mediterranean pine, citrus, cactus, etc.), shrubs and flowers.

Verdala Palace, the Maltese President’s summer residence, overlooks the woodlands – this was formerly the hunting lodge built by Grand Master Hughes de Verdalle in 1588. The palace is not normally open to the public.

Buskett is a popular location for locals and tourists wanting to take a stroll through the cool woodlands followed by a picnic. Look out for the festivities during the feast of St Peter and St Paul – traditional music, dance and food.

Address: Siġġiewi, Malta
Entry: Free to enter
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun - 24 hours
Get there by car.

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