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

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

San Anton Gardens

Formal gardens with fountains, statues and mature trees; good for daytime garden and detail photography, and peacock portraits.

Villa Bologna (exteriors and gardens)

Historic villa with ornate architecture and greenery; classic shots of Maltese country villa style (check visiting rules for interiors).

Mdina (nearby)

The nearby Silent City offers narrow streets, limestone facades and panoramic ramparts—excellent for golden-hour and architectural photos.

Dingli Cliffs

Dramatic sea cliffs west of Attard with sweeping coastal vistas—ideal for sunset seascapes and long exposures.

Buskett Gardens and countryside

Woodland and rural scenes with seasonal blossoms, olive trees and peaceful lanes—great for nature and landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Attard

Maltese cuisine blends Mediterranean and North African influences with hearty, rustic dishes. Expect fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, cheeses, breads and distinctive local specialties often served in family-run restaurants. Snacks and street food are casual, satisfying and inexpensive. Wine and beer pair well with the local flavors; many places also offer international options.

Attard Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pastizzi

Flaky pastry pockets usually filled with ricotta or mushy peas; widely available from pastizzerias and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Must-Try!

Fenek (Rabbit Stew)

Malta’s national dish: slow-cooked rabbit in wine and garlic, found at traditional restaurants and village eateries.

Gbejniet

Small round Maltese cheeses made from sheep or goat’s milk, often fresh or cured; sold in markets and delis.

Lampuki (Dorado) Pie

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

Ta' Qali Crafts Village Stalls

Small food stalls and cafés near the crafts market offering snacks, sandwiches and local sweets; good for trying quick bites while browsing crafts.

Valletta & Marsaxlokk Markets (nearby)

Valletta market offers prepared foods and bakery items; Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market is the place to try very fresh seafood and local grilled fish.

Climate Guide

Weather

Attard shares Malta’s Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, while summer is best for beach and sea activities with strong sun—pack sun protection. Winters rarely get very cold but bring rain and wind, especially along the coast.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Church and Religious Respect

Malta is culturally Catholic—dress modestly when entering churches and be respectful during religious events and feasts.

Politeness and Language

People are generally friendly and will appreciate greetings in Maltese; English is an official language and widely spoken.

Social Norms

Casual dress is fine in most places, but smart casual is appreciated at nicer restaurants; avoid loud behaviour in residential areas, especially at night.

Photography Respect

Ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious processions or private gardens.

Safety Guide

Safety

Malta is generally very safe with low violent crime rates; standard precautions against petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas are advisable. Take care on narrow roads, watch for scooters and drivers used to tight spaces, and follow sea-safety guidance when swimming or boating. Carry water in summer to avoid heat-related issues and keep copies of important documents.

Tipping in Attard

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Currency and Cards

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 and ATMs

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...

Summer

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.

Autumn

Warm and pleasant with cooling evenings and occasional rain; autumn is great for seafood season (lampuki) and quieter sightseeing.

Winter

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.

Spring

Mild, blossoming countryside and comfortable temperatures—one of the best times for walking, photography and outdoor exploration before peak summer crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Attard at Night

Attard itself is quiet after dark with a few cosy wine bars, cafés and family restaurants. For lively nightlife—clubs, cocktail bars and late-night venues—take a short trip to St. Julian’s, Paceville or Sliema where the party scene is concentrated. Evenings in Attard are better suited to relaxed dining, local festa celebrations and low-key socialising.

Hiking in Attard

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dingli Cliffs Trail

Coastal ridge walks with panoramic sea views, cliff-top paths and opportunities for sunset photography; suitable for varied fitness levels.

Buskett Gardens Trails

Shaded woodland walks and farm lanes near Attard—good for relaxed strolls, birdwatching and picnics.

Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park (northwest coast)

A bit farther afield but offering diverse coastal trails, ruins and natural habitats—excellent for full-day hikes and wildlife observation.

Ghajn Tuffieha / Golden Bay Coastal Walk

Scenic coastal path linking sandy bays with rugged headlands—ideal for combining beach stops with moderate hikes.

Airports

How to reach Attard by plane.

Malta International Airport (MLA)

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.

Catania–Fontanarossa (CTA) — regional alternative

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Attard is fairly walkable with wide village streets, pedestrian-friendly squares and nearby parks. Many local errands and attractions are accessible on foot, but some points of interest (coastal cliffs, larger towns) require public transport or a short drive. Expect a mix of paved sidewalks and narrow lanes; comfortable shoes are recommended for exploratory walks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Maltese locals

The majority population with strong local traditions, Catholic heritage and family-oriented village life.

Expat community

Significant numbers of British, European and international expats, including retirees and professionals attracted by Malta’s climate and English language use.

Tourists

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.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Malta with local clubs, community pitches and regular league matches—easy to find local games and community involvement.

Water sports (diving, snorkeling, sailing)

Due to clear Mediterranean waters, diving, snorkeling and sailing are very popular with many operators offering courses and excursions.

Water polo

A traditional and competitive sport in Malta, especially popular in coastal towns and clubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Attard are generally manageable but can be busy during morning and evening rush hours and during village festas. Streets in the village centre are narrower and parking can be limited; many visitors rely on buses, taxis or rental cars. Malta’s public bus network connects Attard with Valletta, Mdina and coastal towns, though frequency varies by route and season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Attard.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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

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.

Allergies

English is widely spoken; clearly state allergies and confirm ingredients—seafood is common, so double-check for hidden fish, shellfish or nut use.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Malta has good healthcare services with a public hospital (Mater Dei in Msida) and private clinics across the island. Pharmacies are common and many are open extended hours; bring travel insurance and any prescribed medicines with original labeling. For emergencies dial the national emergency number and seek care at Mater Dei Hospital for major issues.

Discover Malta

Read more in our Malta 2025 Travel Guide.

Malta Travel Guide