Things To Do
in Attard
Attard is a tranquil, central Maltese village known for its wide streets, grand villas and leafy public gardens. It sits between Mdina and Valletta, making it a convenient base for exploring the island. The town is famous for San Anton Gardens and the stately San Anton Palace, as well as the private gardens and historic houses like Villa Bologna.
Attard combines village charm with easy access to parks, markets and major transport links across Malta.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Attard, settle into your accommodation and freshen up. Spend your morning taking a leisurely stroll around the village to get acquainted with your surroundings. Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful San Anton Gardens, where you can enjoy the serene landscape and the variety of flora.
For lunch, try a local restaurant featuring traditional Maltese cuisine, such as ‘fenek’ (rabbit stew). Afterward, explore the nearby Palazzo Parisio, a stunning baroque palace that offers a glimpse into Malta's aristocratic history. The opulence of its interiors and gardens will surely captivate you.
As evening falls, dine at a cozy bistro in Attard, where you can indulge in local wines and delicacies. Take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the charm of the lantern-lit streets. End the night with a relaxing glass of local wine or a cup of coffee under the stars.
Start your day with breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, visit the nearby village of Balzan, exploring its quaint streets and historical churches. Embrace the Maltese culture and interact with friendly locals to learn more about their daily life.
After lunch, head to the Mdina, the old capital of Malta, just a short drive away. Wander through its narrow medieval streets and admire the impressive fortifications and stunning views from the bastions. Don’t forget to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture.
Return to Attard for a peaceful evening. Grab dinner at a local pizzeria, where you can enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas. After your meal, consider enjoying a nightcap at a bar while mingling with locals or fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚌Single bus ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Central location for exploring Malta (close to Mdina, Valletta and countryside)
- Picturesque gardens and historic villas in a quiet village setting
- Good base with easy transport links and fewer crowds than coastal resort towns
- Limited late-night entertainment within the village itself
- Some attractions may have restricted opening hours outside tourist season
- Public parking can be tight in the village centre during events and festas
- "Bonġu" - Good morning / hello
- "Grazzi" - Thank you
- "Jekk jogħġbok" - Please
- "S'issa / Saħħa" - Cheers / health (used when toasting)
- "Fejn hu l-bus?" - Where is the bus?
Places to Visit in Attard
Visit one of these nice places.
Formal gardens with fountains, statues and mature trees; good for daytime garden and detail photography, and peacock portraits.
Historic villa with ornate architecture and greenery; classic shots of Maltese country villa style (check visiting rules for interiors).
The nearby Silent City offers narrow streets, limestone facades and panoramic ramparts—excellent for golden-hour and architectural photos.
Dramatic sea cliffs west of Attard with sweeping coastal vistas—ideal for sunset seascapes and long exposures.
Woodland and rural scenes with seasonal blossoms, olive trees and peaceful lanes—great for nature and landscape shots.
Food in Attard
Attard Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flaky pastry pockets usually filled with ricotta or mushy peas; widely available from pastizzerias and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Must-Try!
Malta’s national dish: slow-cooked rabbit in wine and garlic, found at traditional restaurants and village eateries.
Small round Maltese cheeses made from sheep or goat’s milk, often fresh or cured; sold in markets and delis.
Seasonal fish pie (autumn) cooked with herbs, vegetables and sometimes topped with pastry; try at seafood restaurants when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small food stalls and cafés near the crafts market offering snacks, sandwiches and local sweets; good for trying quick bites while browsing crafts.
Valletta market offers prepared foods and bakery items; Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market is the place to try very fresh seafood and local grilled fish.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Malta is culturally Catholic—dress modestly when entering churches and be respectful during religious events and feasts.
People are generally friendly and will appreciate greetings in Maltese; English is an official language and widely spoken.
Casual dress is fine in most places, but smart casual is appreciated at nicer restaurants; avoid loud behaviour in residential areas, especially at night.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious processions or private gardens.
Safety
Tipping in Attard
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave 5–10% for good service in restaurants if service charge isn’t included, round up taxi fares and give a small tip to helpful guides or hotel staff.
Malta uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, though small cafés and market stalls may be cash-only.
Contactless payments are common; ATMs are widely available in towns for cash withdrawals—notify your bank if traveling from abroad.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and sunny with temperatures often 28–34°C (82–93°F). Expect busy tourist spots and crowded coastal towns; plan outdoor activities in early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.
Warm and pleasant with cooling evenings and occasional rain; autumn is great for seafood season (lampuki) and quieter sightseeing.
Mild but wet, with temperatures around 10–16°C (50–61°F). Many tourist services run reduced hours but attractions remain accessible; pack a rain jacket and layers.
Mild, blossoming countryside and comfortable temperatures—one of the best times for walking, photography and outdoor exploration before peak summer crowds.
Attard at Night
Hiking in Attard
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal ridge walks with panoramic sea views, cliff-top paths and opportunities for sunset photography; suitable for varied fitness levels.
Shaded woodland walks and farm lanes near Attard—good for relaxed strolls, birdwatching and picnics.
A bit farther afield but offering diverse coastal trails, ruins and natural habitats—excellent for full-day hikes and wildlife observation.
Scenic coastal path linking sandy bays with rugged headlands—ideal for combining beach stops with moderate hikes.
Airports
How to reach Attard by plane.
The main airport serving the islands, located near Luqa about a 20–30 minute drive from Attard. Offers international flights across Europe and beyond, with bus, taxi and rental car connections to Attard.
A larger airport in Sicily (Italy) sometimes used as a regional hub if combining Malta with Sicily; reachable by short flight or by ferry plus flight, useful for multi-destination trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with strong local traditions, Catholic heritage and family-oriented village life.
Significant numbers of British, European and international expats, including retirees and professionals attracted by Malta’s climate and English language use.
Seasonal visitors (mainly European) who come for culture, beaches and festivals—numbers peak in summer and during holiday periods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Malta with local clubs, community pitches and regular league matches—easy to find local games and community involvement.
Due to clear Mediterranean waters, diving, snorkeling and sailing are very popular with many operators offering courses and excursions.
A traditional and competitive sport in Malta, especially popular in coastal towns and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Attard.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available (cheese, pasta, vegetable stews, salads). Ask for dishes without stock or cured meats; many restaurants will adapt plates if requested.
Vegan choices are growing but more limited in village eateries—look for vegetable mains, salads, falafel-style items and request olive oil instead of butter in some preparations.
Gluten-free options are increasingly available in cafes and mid-range restaurants; always mention the restriction and ask about cross-contamination at bakeries and pastizzerias.
English is widely spoken; clearly state allergies and confirm ingredients—seafood is common, so double-check for hidden fish, shellfish or nut use.