Why is it best to vacation in Malta in autumn? Because the immense tourist crowds suddenly disappear and the island empties, regaining its silence, space, and natural historical aura. Malta in autumn should be “savored”, not just explored. Because there’s plenty of time to do so. The climate remains pleasant, and you won’t miss a “last swimming,” if you want to, in one of Europe’s most beautiful seas. As soon as you land at Valletta’s Malta Airport (MLA), the private transfer you booked with us in advance will be waiting for you. We’ll take you – in full comfort – to discover this season’s destinations and events on the Island of the Knights.
Il-Ballut Lagoon in Marsaxlokk
Forget Malta’s main attractions for a moment… the splendor of Valletta, the medieval walls of the Three Cities, the shops and restaurants of St. Julian’s, and let yourself be transported to the “quiet south”: to Marsaxlokk to be precise. This large port town of 3,500 inhabitants, overlooking Malta’s southern coast, is famous for its harbor, its historic boats painted in bright colors, and its churches.
In autumn, however, we invite you to take a trip to the protected reserve of the Il-Ballut Lagoon (or Salt Pan). This wild garden is clustered around a salt marsh, formed by the tides that flood the surrounding land and leave water stagnant. Il-Ballut is not used for salt extraction, as it is a protected ecological area where splendid bird species, especially migratory ones, come to nest, while passing between Europe and Africa. The greatest number can be seen here between October and November, a unique spectacle enhanced by the colorful surrounding plants and flowers.
The Parks of Attard
Attard is a municipality located in central Malta, far from the sea. It boasts the prestigious status of being home to the official residence of the President of the Republic, whose St. Anton Gardens are open to the public and accessible daily. Treating yourself to an autumn stroll among the plant arches and ancient statues of this park is a special experience.
Attard is also home to Ta Qali National Park, a garden artfully created by the National Bank to preserve the (little) greenery on the island. Equipped with comfortable trails and picnic areas, in autumn it offers a rare spectacle of autumn colors—which here lasts only a few days.
Dingli Cliffs
When the sea takes on that deep blue hue in autumn, against a light blue sky streaked with clouds, looking out from the Dingli Cliffs balconies—on the west coast of Malta—is a “must”. It is one of the highest points on the island (250 meters above sea level), close to Mount Ta’ Dmejrek (253 m), the highest peak, and offers breathtaking views of the coast and interior countryside. With the clear air of September and October, it’s the ideal place if you like to admire the world from a “highlight” perspective.
The Birgu Candlelight Festival
Let’s return to Valletta—or rather, its urban area. We now stop in Birgu (or Vittoriosa), one of the three fortified citadels that vie with the Maltese capital for the classic “postcard view”. But you don’t come here for the panorama, in October. This is the month in which Birgu organizes the Candlelight Festival, an event during which the city center’s streetlights are turned off and every alley and square is filled with candles. You stroll amidst this intense golden hue, as if for a moment you’ve returned to Malta’s ancient Middle Ages’ glories… . Plus the opportunity to share food and live music with the residents, who generously open their homes to tourists.
