San Anton Gardens Tours
San Anton Gardens are the most beautiful of the few public parks in Malta. They surround an ornate palazzo built by Grand Master of the Knights of St John, Antoine de Paule, as his summer residence in 1636 – it’s now the official residence of the Maltese President – and were bequeathed to the public in 1882.
A sweet-smelling citrus orchard lies at the heart of the walled gardens, a tranquil haven in the middle of busy Attard. They are landscaped in a formal Italianate fashion, dotted with elaborate follies, sculptures and fountains, dissected by shady paved walkways giving shelter from the mid-summer sun. Some of the trees here are more than 300 years old and the twisted trunks of ancient jacarandas, cypresses and Norfolk pines line the paths, palm trees soar upwards and flowerbeds blaze with color all year around.
A small aviary and a petting farm enchant children, while bubbling ponds are full of flashing koi and turtles; ducks, geese and peacocks wander the grounds at will and lizards dart through the undergrowth. The gardens are a summer venue for open-air theater, including a Shakespeare season every July, and host Malta’s biggest horticultural show in May.
A sweet-smelling citrus orchard lies at the heart of the walled gardens, a tranquil haven in the middle of busy Attard. They are landscaped in a formal Italianate fashion, dotted with elaborate follies, sculptures and fountains, dissected by shady paved walkways giving shelter from the mid-summer sun. Some of the trees here are more than 300 years old and the twisted trunks of ancient jacarandas, cypresses and Norfolk pines line the paths, palm trees soar upwards and flowerbeds blaze with color all year around.
A small aviary and a petting farm enchant children, while bubbling ponds are full of flashing koi and turtles; ducks, geese and peacocks wander the grounds at will and lizards dart through the undergrowth. The gardens are a summer venue for open-air theater, including a Shakespeare season every July, and host Malta’s biggest horticultural show in May.
Practical Info
Attard is in central Malta, a 30-minute bus ride from Valletta on – among others – routes nos. 52 and 53. The main entrance is on Triq Birkirkara. San Anton Gardens are open daily all year around and are free to enter. If visiting in summer, take insect repellent.
Address: Triq Birbal, Ħ'Attard, Malta
Hours: Daily
7 Tours and Activities to Experience San Anton Gardens
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Mdina, Rabat, Dingli cliffs, San Anton gardens, Ta' Qali & Mosta guided tour
Today’s guided excursion takes us to the central part of Malta, dominated by the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city. The narrow, winding streets, dating back to medieval times, lead to the imposing bastions, commanding a magnificent panorama of the island. On the way there, you will discover different styles of architecture, including Siculo-Norman palaces and other baroque buildings of great historical importance. Time stands still in this ‘Silent City’ which is a film-maker’s paradise.
Leaving Mdina through Greeks’ Gate, we stop at the early Christian catacombs in Rabat before proceeding to the cliffs at Dingli. After lunch we will visit the San Anton botanical gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside. We shall also spend time at the crafts centre at Ta’ Qali. At the end of the tour, allow us to astound you with Mosta’s majestic dome, one of Europe’s largest.
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From
$68.13
From
$68.13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour in Malta
Discover the Lands of Ice and Fire on this full-day tour of Malta’s 'Game of Thrones' filming locations. On this tour, which was designed and is led by two actors who appeared on the HBO TV series, get up close to the ancient forts, parkland, and streets that set the scene for the Red Keep and King’s Landing—among other top sites—in season one and two of the series. You also hear behind-the-scenes trivia about the series as you explore Mdina, Rabat, and other countryside locations.
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From
$80.65
From
$80.65
Mdina, Dingli cliffs and San Anton Gardens guided tour
This half day guided tour will start with a tour of Malta’s medieval city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital. The narrow, winding streets, dating back to the Arab period, lead to the imposing bastions, commanding a panoramic view of the islands. On the way there, you will discover different styles of architecture, including the medieval Siculo-Norman palaces, and other baroque buildings of great historical importance. Time stands still in this ‘Silent City’ which is a film-maker’s paradise.
Leaving Mdina through Greek’s Gate, we proceed to the cliffs at Dingli. The tour ends with a visit to the San Anton botanical gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside.
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From
$35.92
From
$35.92
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Malta Tour (full day)
If you have just one day to visit Malta, then this tour is best suited for you! Price quoted is for an eight-hour tour, which includes the main sites normally visited by travellers to Malta, however, tailor-made tours can be arranged where clients can choose to visit other places, if they wish. From the old and silent city of Mdina to the rich capital, Valletta, walk through the prehistoric temple of Hagar Qim and take a traditional boat or dip your feet in the mesmerizing sea around the Blue Grotto, this tour takes visitors to Malta on a journey around the island and across thousand of years. Clients may request to stop to take pictures along the way any time. Please note that price quoted does not include any entry/admission fees to churches, museums, and other places nor any boat trips.
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From
$354.20
per group
From
$354.20
per group
4-hr day tour around Malta
Price quoted is for a four-hour tour of the North of Malta. We have included the main sites normally visited by travellers to the island, however, tailor-made tours can be arranged where clients can choose to visit other places. Clients can choose to have longer tours at an extra cost. Tours are offered and structured according to clients' needs and wishes and your driver will take you around and show you Malta's most interesting sites. Clients may request to stop to take pictures along the way any time. Kindly note that price quoted does not include any entry/admission fees to any place nor any boat trips.
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From
$205.27
per group
From
$205.27
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
8 days best of Malta guided tour
This tour will enable you to discover the best of Malta.
The Maltese islands include the main islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. The islands lie at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean and are filled with history and colour.
Malta’s capital city Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are Malta’s famous Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Valletta is described by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.” Valletta has also been listed in CNN’s 20 most beautiful World Heritage Sites.
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From
$917.69
Price varies by group size
From
$917.69
Price varies by group size
5 days Malta highlights guided tour
This tour will enable you to discover the highlights of Malta.
The Maltese islands include the main islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. The islands lie at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean and are filled with history and colour.
Malta’s capital city Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are Malta’s famous Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Valletta is described by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.” Valletta has also been listed in CNN’s 20 most beautiful World Heritage Sites.
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From
$362.25
Price varies by group size
From
$362.25
Price varies by group size
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