Central Malta Information
Your comprehensive guide to Everything Malta
The central area of Malta hosts the upmarket suburban areas of Attard, Balzan and Lija. Development over the past decades has made it difficult to separate one village from the other but each of their village centres have maintained their original charm with narrow streets and parish churches. A real treat in the area is the annual dazzling firework display put on for Lija’s spirited ‘festa’ in the first week of August. Another attraction is the San Anton Palace and Gardens in Balzan. This is the official residence of the President and, even though the palace is closed to the public, the lavish mature gardens are well worth a visit.
The neighbouring Mosta and Naxxar are also very much developed and heavily populated but each possesses a special gem to discover. The Mosta Rotunda (the third largest unsupported dome in the world) is an impressive sight especially when standing right underneath it with its gold dotted interior. Visible from most parts of Malta, this spectacular church was built by the then 1,500 Mosta residents with their own hands over a span of nearly 30 years. The main attraction of Naxxar is Palazzo Parisio. Built in the 18th century by Grand Master Vilhena, it was bought and lavishly refurbished by a noble family a century after. The beautiful end result has been flatteringly described as a smaller scale Versailles.
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| Mosta Dome | Hal-Lija fireworks display |
To escape from the hustle and bustle of the villages, head out towards Buskett and Dingli Cliffs. Buskett Gardens are the only extensive woodland on the Maltese islands and a favourite outing for locals for a walk or picnic in the shade of its groves. Above the gardens is the imposing and suggestive Verdala Palace, today the summer residence of the President and not open to the public. Further west, Dingli Cliffs offer a wonderful coastal walk and the sheer dramatic drops (up to 250m) are a natural wonder. Watching the sunset from here, with the little isle of Filfla in the foreground, has a mythological beauty that will certainly make your day.
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| Verdala Palace | Dingli Cliffs |
As with the rest of the island, the central part of Malta is dotted with a mixture of good quality restaurants.
