Best Things to Do in the South of Malta
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 12 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. While most tourists flock to the central and northern parts of the island, where the capital city Valletta and the touristic towns of Sliema and St. Julian’s are located, the south of Malta offers a different and equally rewarding experience.
If you are looking for a more authentic and less crowded side of Malta, where you can explore its rural charm, ancient heritage, and stunning coastline, then you should definitely head south. In this article, we will show you the top attractions in the south of Malta that you should not miss.
Why visit the south of Malta?
The south of Malta has many advantages over the north. Here are some of them:
- It is less touristy and more peaceful. You can enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the resorts.
- It is cheaper and more budget-friendly. You can find lower prices for accommodation, food, and transport, as well as free or cheap entrance fees for many attractions.
- It is more authentic and traditional. You can experience the real Maltese culture and lifestyle, as well as admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the local villages and towns.
- It is more diverse and scenic. You can discover a variety of landscapes, from rocky cliffs and caves to sandy beaches and bays, as well as ancient temples and fortresses.
Disclosure: While we did our absolute best to provide the most accurate information about the opening times and admission costs for each site, take note that these might vary at different times of the year and might also be closed during public holidays.
What are the best attractions in the south of Malta?
Now that you have an idea of what to expect from the south of Malta, let’s take a closer look at the top destinations that you should visit.
Marsaxlokk
Luzzu at Marsaxlokk | Image by Alehandra13 from Pixabay
Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village on the south-east coast of Malta. It is famous for its colourful fishing boats called luzzus, which are painted with bright colours and have eyes on their prows to ward off evil spirits. Marsaxlokk is also known for its seafood restaurants and its Sunday market.
Marsaxlokk has a long history as a fishing port and a strategic location. It was here that the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, French, and British landed and traded over the centuries. It was also here that, in 1565, the Ottoman fleet anchored before attacking Malta during the Great Siege.
How do I get to Marsaxlokk?
The easiest way to get to Marsaxlokk is by bus from Valletta (number 81 or 85) or from Birżebbuġa (number 119). The journey from Valletta takes about an hour. You can also drive to Marsaxlokk and park your car along the Marsaxlokk waterfront or on the surrounding roads.
What to do at Marsaxlokk
The main attraction in Marsaxlokk is its picturesque harbour, where you can see hundreds of luzzus bobbing on the water. You can walk along the promenade and admire their colours and designs. You can also visit some of the historical landmarks in Marsaxlokk, such as the Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, the Fort of St. Lucian, and the Tas-Silġ Archaeological Site.
While at Marsaxlokk, you cannot miss the opportunity to sample its delicious seafood cuisine. You can find many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront that serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes, such as lampuki (dorado), octopus, squid, mussels, and prawns. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as aljotta (fish soup), bebbux (snails), and imqaret (date pastries).
Another highlight of Marsaxlokk is its Sunday market, which attracts locals and tourists alike. You can find a variety of stalls selling fish, fruit, vegetables, cheese, honey, wine, souvenirs, clothes, and more. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere and the friendly people.
St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter's Pool | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Wikimedia Commons
St. Peter’s Pool is a natural cove located not too far from Marsaxlokk. It is formed by a rocky inlet that creates a sheltered bay with clear and calm water. The cove is surrounded by white limestone cliffs that offer stunning views and shade, and it is one of the best beaches you can find in the south of Malta. The pool is named after St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, who is said to have landed here.
St. Peter’s Pool is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. It is also a favourite place for cliff jumping, as there are several platforms and ledges that you can jump from into the water. The pool is suitable for all ages and abilities, as there are shallow and deep areas.
How do I get St. Peter’s Pool?
The easiest way to get to St. Peter’s Pool is by car from Marsaxlokk. You can follow the signs for Delimara and then for St. Peter’s Pool. The drive takes about 10 minutes. You can park your car near the pool and walk down a short path to reach it.
What to do at St. Peter’s Pool
The main thing to do at St. Peter’s Pool is to enjoy the water and the sun. You can swim, snorkel, or dive in the pool and see the marine life that inhabits it. You can also sunbathe on the rocks or on the small sandy beach nearby. You can also jump from the cliffs into the water if you are feeling adventurous.
If you want to explore more of the area, you can travel to the tip of the Delimara peninsula to visit the equally beautiful Kalanka beach. Alternatively, you can walk around the area and visit the Knights Battery, il-Ħofra Iz-Zgħira (the small hole), and il-Ħofra Il-Kbira (the big hole), finishing off at Ras Il-Fenek.
Tarxien Temples
Tarxien Temples | Image by Kritzolina on Wikimedia Commons
Tarxien Temples are one of the seven megalithic temples you can find on the Maltese islands. Together, the seven sites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980.
The temple complex gets its name from the town of Tarxien, in which the temples are located. They are the largest and most complex of the Maltese temples, dating back to between 3600 and 2500 BC. Tarxien Temples consist of four separate but interconnected temples that are built on different levels and phases. They have various chambers and apses that are decorated with elaborate carvings and sculptures. They also have various features and functions, such as altars, niches, statues, oracle holes, and animal bones.
Tarxien Temples are not only remarkable for their architecture but also for their art and symbolism. They display some of the finest examples of prehistoric art in Malta and around the world, such as spiral patterns, animal reliefs, and human figures. They also reflect the beliefs and rituals of the ancient people who built them, such as fertility cults, animal sacrifices, and ancestor worship.
How do I get to the Tarxien Temples?
The best way to get to Tarxien Temples is by car from Valletta or from the airport. You can follow the signs for Tarxien and then for Tarxien Temples. The drive takes about 15 minutes, and you can park your car near the entrance.
Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Valletta (number 81 or 82) or from Paola (number 84 or 85) to Tarxien. From there, you can walk to the Tarxien Temples.
The temples are open every day except on public holidays between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with the last visitors allowed 30 minutes before closing time. The ticket costs €6 for adults or €4.50 for youths and seniors.
What to do at the Tarxien Temples
The main thing to do at Tarxien Temples is to visit the temples and learn about their history, culture, and significance. You can explore the temples on your own or join a guided tour that is offered by Heritage Malta. You can also watch a short film that explains the background and context of the temples.
If you want to see more of the art and artefacts that were found in the Tarxien Temples, you can also visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, where they are displayed. You can see some of the most famous pieces, such as the Sleeping Lady, a small clay figurine that represents a sleeping woman, or the Skirted Statues, large stone statues that have skirts carved on them.
Għar Dalam Cave and Museum
Għar Dalam
Għar Dalam Cave and Museum is a natural and historical attraction that is located near Birżebbuġa, on the south coast of Malta. It is a 144-metre-long cave that contains fossils of prehistoric animals that lived in Malta during the Ice Age. It is also a museum that displays some of these fossils and explains their origin and evolution.
Għar Dalam Cave and Museum is one of the oldest and most important archaeological sites in Malta, dating back to between 500,000 and 10,000 years ago. It is not only remarkable for its fossils but also for its human history. It was used as a shelter and a burial site by the first human settlers in Malta during the Neolithic period and more recently offered refuge to the Maltese people during World War II.
How do I get Għar Dalam?
The best way to get to Għar Dalam Cave and Museum is by car from Valletta or from the airport. You can follow the signs for Birżebbuġa where the site is located at the top of the hill, before entering the town. The drive takes about 20 minutes, and there is ample parking space near the entrance. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Valletta (number 82) or from Birżebbuġa (number 210) and stop at the stop nearby the site.
The admission fee for both the cave and the museum is €6.50 for adults and €5.00 for youths and senior citizens. The site is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and closed during Good Friday, December 24, 25, and 31st, together with New Year’s Day.
What to do at Għar Dalam?
The main thing to do at Għar Dalam is to visit the cave and the museum. Here you will learn about their history, nature, and significance while you get to explore the cave on your own or as part of a guided tour that is offered by Heritage Malta, which runs the site.
In the cave, you can see some of the fossils that are embedded in the rock layers. You can see the bones of animals such as elephants, hippopotamuses, deer, bears, wolves, and foxes. You can also see some of the human artefacts that were found in the cave, such as pottery, tools, and jewellery.
In the museum, you can see some of the fossils that are displayed in glass cases. You can see skulls, teeth, horns, and shells of animals such as dwarf elephants, giant dormice, giant swans, and giant turtles, along with some of the models and illustrations that show how these animals looked and how they lived.
Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay
Ariel view of Marsascala at Night | Image by kawkijeff on Flickr
Marsaskala and the neighbouring St. Thomas Bay are two popular seaside resorts that offer sandy beaches, clear water, and various facilities and activities for visitors.
Marsaskala is situated in a large bay that has a long promenade that runs along its shore. It has several hotels, restaurants, shops, and clubs that cater to different tastes and budgets. It also has a marina that hosts several boats and yachts.
St. Thomas Bay is a smaller bay that has a more natural and tranquil setting. It has a sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It also has some rocky areas that are suitable for snorkelling and diving.
How do I get to Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay?
The best way to get to Marsaskala Bay and St. Thomas Bay is by car from Valletta or from the airport. You can follow the signs for Marsaskala (known also in Maltese as Wied il-Għajn) or for St. Thomas Bay.
Both sites are well served by public transport, where you can take a bus from Valletta (number 91 or 92) or Paola (number 93 or 94) to either Marsaskala or St. Thomas Bay.
What to do at Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay?
The main thing to do at Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay is to enjoy the beach and the sea. You can swim, sunbathe, or relax on the sand or on the sunbeds and umbrellas that are available for rent. You can also snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water and see the marine life that inhabits it.
If you want to do something more active and fun, you can also try some of the water sports and activities that are offered by various operators in the bays. You can rent a jet ski, a banana boat, a paddle boat, or a water bike. You can also join a boat trip or a fishing trip that will take you around the coast.
If you want to explore more of the area, you can also visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the St. Thomas Tower, a 17th-century coastal fortification that was built by the Knights of St. John, or the Family Adventure Park, a recreational park that offers various games and rides for children and adults.
Conclusion
Marsaxlokk | Image by JanneG from Pixabay
The south of Malta is full of hidden gems that deserves more attention and appreciation. It has a lot to offer visitors who are looking for a more authentic and less crowded side of Malta. The region’s rich history and more authentic culture will make your stay in Malta truly unforgettable.
If you are planning to visit Malta, make sure to include the south of the island in your itinerary. You will not regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the south of Malta?
The south of Malta can be visited all year round, as it has a mild and sunny climate. However, some attractions may be closed or have limited hours during the winter season (November to March). The best time to visit depends on your preferences and interests. If you want to enjoy the beach and the sea, the summer season (June to September) is ideal. If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, the spring (April to May) and autumn (October) seasons are ideal.
How do I get around the south of Malta?
The south of Malta is well connected by public transport and by road. You can use buses, taxis, or car rentals to get around. You can also walk or bike along some of the trails and paths that run along the countryside and the coast.
Where can I stay in the south of Malta?
The south of Malta has a variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. You can find hotels, guesthouses, apartments, farmhouses, and villas that offer comfort and convenience. Some of the most popular places to stay in the south of Malta are Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, and Birżebbuġa.
Where can I eat in the south of Malta?
Marsaxlokk is well known for the number of fish restaurants serving freshly caught fish by the local fisherman. You can also find a range of restaurants to choose from at Marsaskala and Birżebbuġa.
