The best picnic spots Malta has are Buskett Gardens for shade under real woodland, Ta’ Qali National Park for benches, lawns and space for a group, Kennedy Grove near Salini for a quieter park by the sea, and the Majjistral Nature and History Park on the north-west coast for cliffs and views. In Gozo, Ramla Bay and the countryside around it are hard to beat. Pick shade in summer, sun in winter, and bring everything home with you.
This guide covers ten spots, what each one is like, how to get there by bus or car, the best season and the small rules that matter. If you want to cook, our separate guide to BBQ spots in Malta for groups covers where grilling is possible; this one is for no-cook picnics: a blanket, ftira, cheese, fruit and a flask.
Picnic spots in Malta at a glance
| Spot | Area | Shade | Good for | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buskett Gardens | Near Rabat and Siġġiewi | Lots | Shaded woodland picnics, walks | Spring, early summer |
| Ta’ Qali National Park | Attard | Some, with newer trees | Groups, families, dogs | Autumn to spring |
| Kennedy Grove | Salini, St Paul’s Bay | Good | A calm park by the coast | Year-round |
| Majjistral Nature and History Park | North-west coast | Little | Cliffs, walks, sunsets | Autumn to spring |
| Top of the World viewpoint | Madliena, Għargħur | Little | Sunset and city views | Autumn to spring |
| Ġnejna Bay | Near Mġarr | Little | Picnic plus swim | Late spring to autumn |
| Għadira and Mellieħa Bay area | Mellieħa | Little | Beach day, nature reserve nearby | Summer evenings, spring |
| Dingli Cliffs | Dingli | None | A sunset picnic | Autumn to spring |
| Ramla Bay | Gozo | Little | Red sand, a long lunch | Late spring to autumn |
| Comino | Between Malta and Gozo | Very little | Walks away from the lagoon crowds | Spring and autumn |
Parks and woodland
1. Buskett Gardens
Buskett is the closest thing Malta has to a forest: a valley of pine, oak, orange and olive trees planted by the Knights, below Verdala Palace. There are picnic benches near the Buskett Roadhouse, and if those are busy you can walk further up the valley sides for a quieter spot on a rug. It is the island’s traditional picnic place: on the feast of Imnarja at the end of June, crowds gather here for the agricultural show and rabbit stew. Spring is the best time, when the stream may still have water and the trees are green. Buses run to Buskett from Valletta and Rabat; check the current route on the Malta Public Transport journey planner.
2. Ta’ Qali National Park
Ta’ Qali, next to the crafts village and the national stadium in Attard, is the easiest place for a big group. There is a picnic area between the adventure park and the formal garden, benches, open lawns, a children’s play area and a dog park. Newer trees mean shade is improving but still patchy, so in summer arrive in the late afternoon. It is central, which makes it a good meeting point if your group is coming from different towns.
3. Kennedy Grove
Kennedy Grove, by the Salini salt pans on the road to St Paul’s Bay, is a small, tidy park with trees, paths and benches, popular with families at weekends. It is easy to reach by bus on the routes heading north, and it pairs well with a walk along the coast at Salini or Qawra.
Coast, cliffs and viewpoints
4. Majjistral Nature and History Park
Malta’s first national park covers the rugged coast between Golden Bay and Anchor Bay. There are walking trails over garigue and cliff tops with views across to Gozo. Shade is minimal, so it is a picnic for cooler months, late afternoons and sunset. Stick to the marked paths to protect the plants and keep away from the edges. For routes and lengths, see our hiking trails in Malta guide.
5. Top of the World, Madliena and Għargħur
The ridge known locally as “Top of the World” looks over the north of the island and, after dark, the lights of the coast. It is a short drive from St Julian’s and a favourite for a sunset picnic after a walk. Bring layers in winter; it gets windy.
6. Ġnejna Bay
Ġnejna, below the village of Mġarr, is a sandy bay with rocky ledges and boathouses, surrounded by countryside. In summer it is a picnic-and-swim day; out of season it is quiet and beautiful. The road down is narrow and parking fills on hot weekends, so arrive early.
7. Għadira and Mellieħa Bay
Mellieħa Bay, often called Għadira, is Malta’s longest sandy beach and sits next to the Għadira nature reserve. It is busy in summer, but early mornings, evenings and the shoulder seasons are lovely for a picnic on the sand. Buses from Valletta and Sliema stop by the beach.
8. Dingli Cliffs at sunset
No shade, no facilities, but one of the best sunset views in Malta. Bring a blanket and something warm, sit well back from the edge and watch the sun go down over the sea. It doubles as one of the most romantic things to do in Malta.
Gozo and Comino
9. Ramla Bay, Gozo
Ramla’s red-gold sand, dunes and green valley behind make it Gozo’s classic picnic beach. Pair it with a walk up to the viewpoint over the bay. Outside summer it is often almost empty. The ferry from Ċirkewwa takes about 25 minutes, and buses connect Mġarr harbour with the rest of Gozo.
10. Comino, away from the Blue Lagoon
Comino is tiny and car-free. The Blue Lagoon is packed in summer, but a short walk inland takes you to quiet paths, the watchtower and coves where a picnic feels like a private island. There is almost no shade, so spring and autumn are best. Check boat times back before you settle in.
Best season for a picnic in Malta
- Spring (March to May): the best season by far. Green fields, wildflowers and comfortable temperatures.
- Summer (June to September): too hot in the middle of the day. Go early morning or after 5pm, choose shade or a beach, and bring plenty of water.
- Autumn (October and November): warm and settled most days, with the first rain usually arriving in autumn. Good for cliffs and viewpoints.
- Winter (December to February): mild, sunny days are common and parks are quiet. Pick sunny, sheltered spots and pack a layer.
What to pack (and what to buy locally)
- Maltese picnic staples: ftira or Maltese bread with tomato paste (ħobż biż-żejt), ġbejniet (small local cheeses), olives, sun-dried tomatoes, bigilla dip and seasonal fruit.
- Pastizzi from a pastizzeria on the way, eaten warm.
- Water, more than you think, plus a cool bag in summer.
- A blanket and a small rubbish bag, as bins can be scarce or full on busy days.
- Sun cream and a hat for almost every month of the year.
Planning a group picnic
A picnic is one of the easiest group plans in Malta: free, flexible and low pressure for people who have only just met. A few things make it work:
- Pick one central spot with a bus stop nearby. Ta’ Qali works well for groups coming from different towns.
- Fix a time and a meeting point (a named gate or bench, not just “the park”).
- Decide who brings what in the group chat, or say “everyone brings their own”.
- Have a weather backup, such as a café nearby, in case of rain or strong wind.
- Keep it small if people do not know each other yet: five to eight is plenty.
A relaxed picnic is also a great way to turn new acquaintances into friends. For more ideas on meeting people, see our guide to places to meet people in Malta, and for picnic-style date plans, our list of date ideas in Malta.
Rules and good manners
- Do not light fires or barbecues except where it is clearly allowed; dry vegetation catches easily in summer.
- Take all rubbish home, including food scraps and bottle caps.
- Stay on marked paths in protected areas such as Majjistral and Għadira.
- Keep music low; parks and bays are shared spaces.
- Respect private fields: many rural areas are farmland even without a fence.
Want to turn this into an actual plan? MeetNow is a free web app for meeting people in person, starting in Malta: a host posts a plan at a public place, sets the time and seats, says who pays (host pays, split, pay your own or free) and picks who joins from the people who ask. Open MeetNow and see the plans posted in Malta.
Featured photo: Buskett Gardens. Photo: Ramessos, Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where is the best place for a picnic in Malta?
Buskett Gardens is the classic choice for shade under trees. Ta’ Qali National Park is best for groups and families, and the Majjistral park or Dingli Cliffs are best for views and sunsets.
Are there picnic tables in Malta’s parks?
Yes, some. Ta’ Qali has a picnic area with benches and tables, Buskett has benches near the roadhouse and Kennedy Grove has benches along its paths. Coastal spots usually have none, so bring a blanket.
Can you have a picnic on the beach in Malta?
Yes, picnics on public beaches are common. Take all rubbish home, avoid glass where possible and be aware that popular sandy beaches get very crowded on summer weekends.
When is the best time of year for a picnic in Malta?
Spring is best, with mild weather and green countryside. In summer, go early in the morning or in the evening, and in winter pick sunny, sheltered spots.
Can I have a barbecue in a Maltese park?
Not just anywhere. Fires and barbecues are restricted in many areas, especially in summer. Check the rules for the specific site first, or see our guide to BBQ spots for groups.
