Things To Do
in Luqa
Luqa is a small Maltese town best known for hosting Malta International Airport, which gives it a practical, aviation-oriented character. It has a tight-knit local community with traditional village life centered on the Parish Church of St. Andrew and occasional festas. The town is a convenient base for exploring Malta’s central and southwestern attractions, including Dingli Cliffs and Buskett Gardens.
Expect a calm daytime atmosphere that becomes livelier during festival seasons and airport peak times.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Malta International Airport in Luqa and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax and acclimate to your surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring traditional Maltese pastries and coffee.
Visit the nearby village of Gudja to explore the charming streets and local shops. Stop by the Gudja Parish Church, admiring its beautiful architecture and historical significance. You could also take a short hike in the surrounding countryside for lovely views of the area.
Indulge in dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing authentic Maltese cuisine. Stroll through the town center, soaking in the ambiance as the sun sets. End your day with a nightcap at a nearby bar, mingling with the locals.
Take a short bus ride to Valletta, Malta's capital, and start your day with a visit to the impressive St. John's Co-Cathedral. Appreciate the intricate Baroque architecture and detailed artwork within this magnificent church. Afterward, enjoy a coffee at a café overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Continue your explorations by visiting The Upper Barracca Gardens for stunning views of the harbor and the Three Cities. Later, delve into history at the National Museum of Archaeology, where you can admire prehistoric artifacts. Make sure to wander through the narrow streets, discovering unique shops and local artisans.
As the sun sets, find a waterfront restaurant for dinner, enjoying fresh seafood while watching the boats glide by. You might catch a local band playing traditional Maltese music in the area, enhancing the atmosphere. Conclude your evening with a walk along the historic fortifications.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (within town) | $6-12 |
| 🚌Public bus fare (single) | $1.80-2.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extremely convenient location near Malta International Airport
- Quiet village atmosphere with authentic local life and festas
- Close to top natural attractions like Dingli Cliffs and Buskett Gardens
- Good base for exploring central and southern Malta
- Noise and activity from the nearby airport can be noticeable
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options within the town itself
- Public transport from Luqa to some attractions can take longer than driving
- Sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure can be uneven in places
- "Bongu / Bonġu" - Good morning / Hello
- "Grazzi" - Thank you
- "Jekk jogħġbok" - Please
- "Kemm tiswa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Fejn hu ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Saħħa" - Cheers / Bless you (informal)
Places to Visit in Luqa
Visit one of these nice places.
Popular for plane-spotting and dramatic aircraft photos during takeoff and landing—best light in late afternoon.
Photogenic Baroque church façade and ornate interior details; great for architecture and village life shots.
Sweeping coastal cliffs with dramatic sea views—excellent at golden hour and for long-exposure seascapes.
Shaded woodland paths, oak groves and a historic palace—good for nature and landscape photography, especially in spring.
Short drive away; rooftop viewpoints and harbor panoramas offer iconic Maltese cityscape photos.
Food in Luqa
Luqa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Malta’s signature dish—slow-cooked rabbit in wine and herbs; available in traditional restaurants in Luqa and nearby towns.
Must-Try!
Flaky pastry pockets usually filled with ricotta or mushy peas; a staple grab-and-go snack from local bakeries.
Thin slices of beef wrapped around a savoury filling, simmered in rich sauce—found in family-run restaurants.
Seasonal fish pie made with lampuki (mahi-mahi) often available in coastal restaurants when in season (autumn).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small bakeries and deli shops in Luqa where you can try fresh pastizzi, ftira (Maltese flatbread) and local pastries.
Short drive away; combines artisan stalls with food vendors selling local snacks, fresh produce and occasional street food events.
Day trips will reward you with large fish markets (Marsaxlokk) and street food stalls in Valletta offering typical Maltese treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting churches and behave respectfully during village festas; photographing religious ceremonies may be sensitive—ask first.
A friendly 'bongu' (good morning) or simple hello goes a long way; Maltese people are generally warm and hospitable—use basic pleasantries.
While queues exist, be patient—Maltese social interactions can be relaxed; refrain from loud or aggressive behavior in small towns.
Malta drives on the left; streets can be narrow—show patience and courtesy on the road.
Safety
Tipping in Luqa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory—round up small bills, leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service, and tip porters or taxi drivers a small amount.
Euro is the local currency; cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and hotels, but carry cash for small vendors. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common; ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and busy with tourists from June to August; beach and water activities peak—pack sun protection, book accommodation early and expect festas and nightlife nearby.
Warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds; September–November is ideal for hiking, boat trips and sampling seasonal lampuki (fish).
Mild temperatures with most rainfall between December and February; outdoor activities are still possible but expect cloudy and windy days.
Mild, pleasant weather and blooming countryside make April–May excellent for walking, cycling and photography.
Luqa at Night
Hiking in Luqa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-known coastal walk with dramatic cliff-top views and varied terrain—suitable for sunset hikes and photography.
Shaded woodland paths and quiet trails ideal for easy nature walks and birdwatching close to the Verdala Palace.
Historic walking routes around Mdina’s bastions and ramparts combining culture and gentle uphill walking—great for architecture and panoramic shots.
Coastal paths with options for boat trips to sea caves and scenic viewpoints; suitable for mixed walking and coastal exploration.
Airports
How to reach Luqa by plane.
Located in Luqa — the main international gateway to Malta offering flights across Europe and beyond; very convenient for arrivals, departures and plane spotting.
Major airport in eastern Sicily (Italy) reachable by short flights or ferry+land connections for alternative routes or budget options; useful if planning multi-destination travel in the central Mediterranean.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families and older generations who maintain village traditions and organize local festas.
A sizeable community of people who work at Malta International Airport and related logistics companies.
Small communities of British, Italian and other European expats working in tourism, aviation or settled retirees.
Seasonal visitors from across Europe and beyond, increasing in summer months and during festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport on Malta with local clubs, youth teams and passionate supporters across communities.
Given Malta’s clear waters, diving, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing are widely practiced and popular with both locals and visitors.
A well-followed indoor sport with local leagues and community clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Luqa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less prominent; bakeries, salads, egg-based dishes and some pasta are common—ask for vegetable versions of local dishes.
More limited in village restaurants; larger towns (Sliema, Valletta) have vegan-friendly cafés. Communicate restrictions clearly—'veganu' is understood in tourist spots.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is improving; many restaurants can adapt dishes but check bakeries and pastries as they commonly contain wheat.
Halal-certified restaurants are limited; seafood and vegetarian dishes are widely available but if strict dietary rules apply, plan ahead and ask staff for details.