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

day 1
Arrival in Luqa
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Exploring Valletta
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Airport Viewing Perimeter

Popular for plane-spotting and dramatic aircraft photos during takeoff and landing—best light in late afternoon.

St. Andrew's Parish Church, Luqa

Photogenic Baroque church façade and ornate interior details; great for architecture and village life shots.

Dingli Cliffs

Sweeping coastal cliffs with dramatic sea views—excellent at golden hour and for long-exposure seascapes.

Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace

Shaded woodland paths, oak groves and a historic palace—good for nature and landscape photography, especially in spring.

Nearby Valletta Skyline

Short drive away; rooftop viewpoints and harbor panoramas offer iconic Maltese cityscape photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Luqa

Maltese cuisine blends Mediterranean (Italian) and North African influences with heavy use of fresh seafood, vegetables, olive oil and local cheeses. In Luqa you'll find homely family-run eateries and bakeries serving traditional snacks and hearty mains. Markets and nearby towns offer street food and fresh produce, while restaurants serve both local specialties and international dishes.

Luqa Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Rabbit Stew (Fenek)

Malta’s signature dish—slow-cooked rabbit in wine and herbs; available in traditional restaurants in Luqa and nearby towns.

Must-Try!

Pastizzi

Flaky pastry pockets usually filled with ricotta or mushy peas; a staple grab-and-go snack from local bakeries.

Bragioli (Beef Olives)

Thin slices of beef wrapped around a savoury filling, simmered in rich sauce—found in family-run restaurants.

Lampuki Pie

Seasonal fish pie made with lampuki (mahi-mahi) often available in coastal restaurants when in season (autumn).

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Luqa Local Shops and Bakeries

Small bakeries and deli shops in Luqa where you can try fresh pastizzi, ftira (Maltese flatbread) and local pastries.

Ta' Qali Crafts Village & Weekend Market

Short drive away; combines artisan stalls with food vendors selling local snacks, fresh produce and occasional street food events.

Valletta and Marsaxlokk Markets

Day trips will reward you with large fish markets (Marsaxlokk) and street food stalls in Valletta offering typical Maltese treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Luqa has a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers (June–September) with average highs in the mid-to-high 20s–30°C (77–90°F), and mild, wetter winters (December–February) with lows around 10–12°C (50–54°F). Rain mainly falls in the cooler months, and spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Churches and Festas

Dress modestly when visiting churches and behave respectfully during village festas; photographing religious ceremonies may be sensitive—ask first.

Greetings and Politeness

A friendly 'bongu' (good morning) or simple hello goes a long way; Maltese people are generally warm and hospitable—use basic pleasantries.

Queuing and Patience

While queues exist, be patient—Maltese social interactions can be relaxed; refrain from loud or aggressive behavior in small towns.

Driving Rules

Malta drives on the left; streets can be narrow—show patience and courtesy on the road.

Safety Guide

Safety

Luqa and Malta are generally safe with low violent crime; typical concerns are petty theft and pickpocketing in busy tourist areas. Take usual precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit isolated spots at night, monitor sea conditions before swimming, and be mindful of traffic when walking near roads or rural lanes. Emergency number is 112 and local police can be contacted for assistance.

Tipping in Luqa

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

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.

Autumn

Warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds; September–November is ideal for hiking, boat trips and sampling seasonal lampuki (fish).

Winter

Mild temperatures with most rainfall between December and February; outdoor activities are still possible but expect cloudy and windy days.

Spring

Mild, pleasant weather and blooming countryside make April–May excellent for walking, cycling and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Luqa at Night

Luqa itself is relatively quiet after dark, with the nightlife focusing on small bars and village gatherings, but lively options are only a short drive away in Paceville (St. Julian's), Sliema and Valletta. Festa season (summer) brings nightly band marches, fireworks and street celebrations in nearby towns. For a low-key evening try a local wine bar or a seaside restaurant; for clubs and late-night bars head to St. Julian's.

Hiking in Luqa

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dingli Cliffs Trail

Well-known coastal walk with dramatic cliff-top views and varied terrain—suitable for sunset hikes and photography.

Buskett Gardens Walks

Shaded woodland paths and quiet trails ideal for easy nature walks and birdwatching close to the Verdala Palace.

Mdina Silent City Circuit

Historic walking routes around Mdina’s bastions and ramparts combining culture and gentle uphill walking—great for architecture and panoramic shots.

Wied iż-Żurrieq and Blue Grotto Coast

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.

Malta International Airport (MLA)

Located in Luqa — the main international gateway to Malta offering flights across Europe and beyond; very convenient for arrivals, departures and plane spotting.

Catania–Fontanarossa (CTA)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Luqa village center is compact and easy to explore on foot with short distances between amenities, but sidewalks can be narrow or uneven. To reach coastal sites, national attractions or beaches you’ll typically need a bus, taxi or car—walking long distances to those places is not recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Maltese Residents

Long-standing families and older generations who maintain village traditions and organize local festas.

Airport Staff and Crew

A sizeable community of people who work at Malta International Airport and related logistics companies.

Expat and International Residents

Small communities of British, Italian and other European expats working in tourism, aviation or settled retirees.

Tourists

Seasonal visitors from across Europe and beyond, increasing in summer months and during festivals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport on Malta with local clubs, youth teams and passionate supporters across communities.

Diving and Water Sports

Given Malta’s clear waters, diving, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing are widely practiced and popular with both locals and visitors.

Basketball

A well-followed indoor sport with local leagues and community clubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Luqa can be narrow and busy—particularly near the airport and during peak tourist seasons. Malta drives on the left. Public bus services link Luqa to Valletta, Sliema and other towns; buses are inexpensive but can be slow. Taxis, ride-hailing apps (Bolt) and car rentals are common alternatives for faster, more flexible travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Luqa.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are less prominent; bakeries, salads, egg-based dishes and some pasta are common—ask for vegetable versions of local dishes.

Vegan

More limited in village restaurants; larger towns (Sliema, Valletta) have vegan-friendly cafés. Communicate restrictions clearly—'veganu' is understood in tourist spots.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is improving; many restaurants can adapt dishes but check bakeries and pastries as they commonly contain wheat.

Halal/Religious

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical services and pharmacies are available locally; for major medical needs the main public hospital, Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, is the country’s largest facility and about a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic. Emergency services are prompt and the EU and private healthcare options are accessible; carry travel insurance and any important medical documentation.

Discover Malta

Read more in our Malta 2025 Travel Guide.

Malta Travel Guide