The Less Visited Towns of Malta

Gardens at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar

Most tourists visiting Malta will find themselves drawn to the beaches, the Blue Lagoon and the tiny city of Valletta.  There are also popular visitor magnets like Mosta, Mdina and Marsaslokk, among others.  But I’ve tried to come up with a list of those inland towns and cities that are often overlooked and passed through on the way to more glamorous destinations.

So here it is, a list from Attard to Zejtun:

Attard – Here you can wander about the lavish public gardens of the San Anton Palace

Birkikara – This is the largest city in Malta, and probably the best place to go shopping for clothes and household goods if you are here for more than a couple of weeks.  Tourists can also visit the old railway station, which is now situated in a small park.

Burmurrad – There are the remains of a Roman Villa in this small little town, but it is only open to the public on one day a year, generally in February.  According to legend, St Paul was supposed to have been introduced to the local governor here so it’s a shame that it’s not open a bit more often.

Naxxar – The Palazzon Parisio is the main attraction in this small town, a mansion/palace and gardens which you can wander through.  Also a nice spot to take a rather ritzy afternoon tea.

Paola – The Hypogeum is a series of underground tombs, very atmospheric and worth visiting if you have the slightest interest in history.

Qormi – Not only is Qormi the home of Maltese bread, it is also home to some touristy shows at the local theatre.

Rabat – Catacombs of St Paul & St Agatha are located here, as is a Roman Villa which has been turned into a museum.

Siggiewi – The Inquisitors summer palace is a couple of kilometres outside of the city.  Yes, it is a city.

Ta Qali – The Craft Village is a popular place to buy souvenirs, including hand-crafted jewellery and glassware.  There’s also an aviation museum, and the national football stadium if you want to catch a game.

Tarxien – Ancient Temples are the main draw to Tarxien.

Zabbar – There are lots of festivals such the Food Festival, Music Festival and the Feast of Our Lady of Graces which involves a big procession of bikes and motorcycles, along with the usual parades and fireworks.  And there are three more festas during the year: Zabbar is quite the party town.

Zebbug – Check out the impressive Church of St Philip, built in the 1600’s.

Zejtun – The 15th Century St Catherine’s Church is the main attraction in this medieval town.