Extraordinary landscapes and seascapes, from sandy beaches to Maltese garigue, as well as local flora and fauna in all their glory - discover these rich wildlife reserves of the Mediterranean.

Majjistral Nature and History Park

Named after the powerful northwest wind, Majjistral Nature and History Park stretches six kilometres along the coast from Golden Bay to ix-Xaghra l-Hamra. Steep cliffs and ancient rubble; coastal twists and curves; and honey-coloured sand contrast with its clear blue waters, rolling hills covered in evergreen shrubs, enveloped in air smelling of aromatic herbs. This is a typical Maltese landscape to a tee and it is also home to birds, bats, hedgehogs. shrews, wild rabbits, chameleons and even snakes. The National Park is a Natura 2000 site and a historic location which boasts archaeological sites and WWII relics. Learn sustainable gardening, wildlife photography, bird watching and go on snorkelling tours over here!

Ghadira Nature Reserve

Ghadira Nature Reserve is located in the wetland and saltmarsh areas of Northern Malta. It is of ecological importance because this ideal habitat for migrating birds is scarce on the island and posseses over 140 different bird species, which migrate from the Ghadira Nature Reserve annually. You can visit this protected area from November to May on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Entrance is free and volunteers from the Birdlife NGO are there to offer information about the birds. If that weren't cool enough, the sanctuary is located right near Mellieha Bay so you can also enjoy the sand, sea and sky while you’re there.

Simar Nature Reserve

More wetlands in the North, in Xemxija, Simar Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary. This wetland hosts various trees that together offer a home to a variety of breeding, wintering,and passage birds as well as snakes and chameleons. Birdlife NGO manage the reserve and they have organised the best bird watching spots for anyone to enjoy. The reserve is open Sundays, from November to May, between 10am and 4pm, free of charge. And, the beautiful Golden Bay and Riviera Bay are within a short drive across the scenic agricultural landscape.

Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park

In the south, Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park is one of the bigger locations with 155,000 square metres of land. It covers the entire peninsula between Delimara and the white cliffs of Munxar. The Nature Park is also a sustainable development hub and research centre for sustainable environment solutions in the areas of renewable energy and wastewater management. The park includes several educational projects and organises regular workshops, talks and other events that also help raise funds. You can even stay at a special hostel aimed at nature enthusiasts wishing to immerse themselves in nature, and there are several bicycle and walking paths to relish. The nearest village is the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.