Almost everyone visits Southern Malta for the day as there is very little accommodation here. And it makes for the perfect day trip. Discover Hypogeum, one of the best preserved underground necropolises in the world and the most astonishing ancient attraction in the whole of Malta. Explore the striking megalithic temple complex of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, where the stone slabs hold more than 5000 years of history. Find the bones of extinct prehistoric animals in Ghar Dalam Cave, then discover the prehistoric art and artefacts at the Tarxien Temples.
With so many stunning old attractions, Southern Malta is the most popular day tour for older travellers staying anywhere on the island. It’s also easy to discover with a rental car. Combine the temples and tombs with a fresh seafood lunch in one of the authentic fishing villages, where brightly-coloured nets are draped around tiny harbours: Marsaskala is the most popular, but Marsaxlokk is prettier. Other attractions include the famous Blue Grotto, the wild coastal path around the Delimara Peninsula, and the medieval St. John’s Chapel. Many tours also include a quick stop in one of the farming villages; most look and feel very similar, dominated by an ornamental Baroque church that seems way to big for the village’s population.
Spend a day in Southern Malta and you’ll see why the authorities have resisted any major tourist developments. This is part of the Malta that the Maltese most love to visit, with the cultural and historical attractions rivalling any in Southern Europe.
A patchwork of fields is separated by crumbling stone walls and tiny local villages. Stunning historical sites are found close to quaint fishing harbours and a coastline that’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. While the north of the country is geared towards tourism, the south has always retained its traditional feel, making it a very nice contrast to other destinations.
