Attractions
7 amazing things to see and do in Tarxien
There’s more to the town than the Temples!

Kristina Cassar Dowling

Tarxien is located in the south of Malta and like many local towns and villages, boasts a busy village life - with bars in the centre, shops in the core and a few other spots of entertainment. Here, locals keep the mellow vibe of our ancestors alive with the simpler things in life, so, what is there to see and do?

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1. Let's get the obvious one out of the way - visit the Temples

Tarxien is probably most known for its Temples: the Tarxien Temples are where the most complex prehistoric structures on the island can be found. The cultural wonder that you will experience while visiting the Temples will invite you to visit the Goddess of Fertility. This goddess features in many Maltese and Gozitan temples, but the fat lady found in the Tarxien Temples has been removed from the original site and taken to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta so as to preserve the stone.

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2. Wander and wonder

The alleyways in Tarxien are gorgeous. Every detail is taken into account - whether it’s the colour of the door that matches the flower pots or the pretty relics that adorn the façades, stop and look at the quaint features of a rural village. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden niches tucked away in the corners of narrow alleys.

3. House hunting

With a good number of historic yet derelict houses spread across the island, Tarxien is an undiscovered gem within the local real estate sector. Getting more for your buck in a southern rural town is a fact on the islands, but Tarxien’s cultural appeal elevates it to a whole new level.

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4. Spot the Maltese-isms

Stroll through the streets and hunt down typical Maltese-isms like a rustic bar, a lively band club or even an old-school baker. You just don't get these any more in the more modern areas of the islands, and it's a shame!

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5. Decorative devotion

When most people think of Malta, they think of the county’s religion and more specifically the places of worship that locals and visitors frequent. The churches in Tarxien are tip-top; decorated in the most flamboyant tapestries, rich colours and other historical treasures - a wander around here just isn't complete without a church visit.

6. The evenings

Nightlife in Tarxien is not as hectic as the central areas - it's tranquil but not quite dead silent - the perfect balance that locals of the village would die for. That’s until the festa comes around of course, when the evenings are packed and pumping.

7. Calling it a day

End your day on a positive note. Find a quiet spot in Tarxien, ideally with an amazing view, and watch the sun set in the distance, as the amber hues emerge and reflect off the architectural splendour in the village.


Kristina Cassar Dowling
Written by
Kristina Cassar Dowling
A local writer in love with the Maltese islands, Kristina is a hunter for all things cultural both in Malta and outside its shores. A curious foodie, music fanatic, art lover and keen traveller with an open mind and a passion for writing.

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