Visiting the area around the town of Luqa, Malta, gives you access to a unique slice of history and life in the island archipelago. The town is located near Valletta, the capital of Malta, and is well-connected by road to the surrounding areas, allowing visitors to easily experience the island’s Mediterranean lifestyle. The town has architectural elements that are typical of Malta and has a well-known church dedicated to St. Andrew. Luqa is also famously associated with Michelangelo Sapiano who lived in the area during the 19th century and dabbled in inventions along with clock making. Among the other popular activities to indulge in when in Luqa is scuba diving, hopping on to a chartered plane to explore the coastline, and visiting the fortified towns in the vicinity. To help you get the most out of your trip to the area, we have drawn up a list of the best things to do near Luqa, Malta.
1. Take a refreshing dip at St. Peter's Pool
Located at a short distance from Marsaxlokk, St. Peter’s Pool area is famous for its stellar views and its proximity to the sea. The area with its pristine blue water is a perfect spot for swimming, and adventurous divers can jump from the rocks into the water. It is an ideal spot to experience the waters of the Mediterranean along with a dash of adventure.
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Address: Marsaxlokk, Malta
2. Explore Malta at War Museum
At Malta at War Museum that is located in Birgu, you can experience a bit of Maltese history. The museum is within the Couvre Porte that forms part of the fortification in the old city of Birgu. The area is therefore an ideal place to learn about the military history of Malta. You might be surprised to know that the museum includes an air-raid shelter that was cut into the rocks and used by the populace to shelter during the Malta Blitz.
Malta at War Museum
Address: Malta at War Museum, Couvre Porte, BRG1810, Vittoriosa, Malta
Website: Malta at War Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Adult: 14 USD, Senior/Student: 12 USD, Child: 6 USD
3. Check out the coastal battery and the 100-ton gun at Fort Rinella
At Fort Rinella, you can view up-close a coastal battery that was one of four built by the British. The coastal battery was constructed in the period between 1878 and 1886, while the 100-ton gun was installed at Fort Rinella in 1884, two years after it arrived in Malta. The fort, which was abandoned in 1906, is currently a popular tourist attraction that teaches tourists all about the history of the Maltese military. Visitors can watch a demonstration of period weapons and historical reenactments of British military drills and fighting skills from the 19th century.
Fort Rinella
Address: Fort Rinella, Saint Rocco Road, KKR 9063, Kalkara, Malta
Website: Fort Rinella
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Adult: 14 USD, Senior/Student: 12 USD, Child: 6 USD
4. Explore the remains of the prehistoric Tarxien Temples
At the Tarxien Temples complex, you can walk among the historic remains that date from around 3150 BC. The temples are thought to have been a site of animal sacrifices and then used for cremations during the Bronze Age. The archaeological site is located in the town of Tarxien and contains the remains of prehistoric Megalithic temples. Three temples are thought to have existed at the complex which currently is billed as a UNESCO World Heritage site after earning the distinction in 1992. Stones from the temple are heavily decorated. Some of them have been relocated and can be seen at the Museum of Archaeology in the capital city of Malta, Valletta.
Tarxien Temples
Address: Triq It Tempji Neolitici, Ħal Tarxien TXN 1063, Malta
Website: Tarxien Temples
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 7 USD
5. Walk through the eye-catching Mdina Gate
One of the most recognizable spots in Malta, the Mdina Gate was famously featured in the TV series, “Game of Thrones”. The gate is one of the main entrances to the city of Midna and is part of its fortifications. It is located a short distance away from the town of Luqa and is easily accessible by road. Built with striking Baroque elements in 1724, the gate was designed by Charles François de Mondion. While visiting the gate you can get a good look at the fortified walls of the city and the area around the moat.
Mdina Gate
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Visit the intriguing necropolis at Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
At Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, you can get a glimpse at the Saflieni phase of prehistoric Malta. The structure that was built underground dates from the period between 3300 to 3000 BC. The area is currently recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has lent its name to the Saflieni phase. The sanctuary, which is also a necropolis, contained the remains of about 7000 people and is a well-preserved space that is associated with the Megalithic Temples on the island.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Address: Burial Street, Paola PLA 1116
Website: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 7 USD
7. Visit the trained birds of prey at Malta Falconry Centre
The family-run Malta Falconry Centre focuses on reintroducing native birds of prey to Malta. Aside from birds of prey such as falcons and eagles, the center also has several owls in its collection and a pond devoted to turtles. Visitors can learn more about the birds housed in the center and also take part in bird handling sessions. Trained falconers are present to handle the birds which include Maltese falcons, African vultures, and bald eagles. Historical information about the Maltese falcon that originates from Malta is also provided to visitors.
Malta Falconry Centre
Address: l-Imqabba road, Siggiewi, SGW 2600
Website: Malta Falconry Centre
Price: 5 - 9 USD
8. Check out the vintage cars on display at the Malta Classic Car Museum (from USD 11.0)
The cars showcased at the Malta Classic Car Museum provides a glimpse of vintage vehicles, such as a 1955 Jaguar C-Type. Other cars showcased include a Fiat 500F from 1972, Spitfires, and several vintage motorcycles. Over 100 vehicles are featured in the collection at the museum that is located about half an hour away from the town of Luqa.
Malta Classic Car Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 hour
9. Experience life in Popeye Village
Popeye Village was the location where the movie “Popeye” was filmed back in 1980. Since then, the village has transformed into a tourist attraction. The village is an ideal spot for weddings and is a top destination during summer. Attractions in the village include the ‘Popeye the Comic Museum’ which features over 100 comics that date from 1936 onwards.
Popeye Village
Address: Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieħa, Malta
Website: Popeye Village
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 11 - 17 USD
10. Enjoy fresh seafood at Marsaxlokk Open Market
Located in a fishing village, Marsaxlokk Open Market operates daily and is a prime spot to check out the fresh fish being sold. Marsaxlokk Open Market offers some of the best fresh seafood, and visitors can head to the restaurants that are located nearby to dine on meals made with the freshest catch straight from the Mediterranean. The area around the market is known for its exciting nightlife and is perfect for taking a stroll after having a hearty meal.
Marsaxlokk Open Market
Address: Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk, Malta
Opening hours: 8:30am - 2pm (daily)
Luqa is the perfect gateway to Malta
The town of Luqa is more than ancient historical buildings with a dash of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Visitors will surely have a memorable vacation by enjoying the sights and sounds of all the best things you can do near Luqa, Malta.
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