A recent Facebook post by Malta's Department of Information has shed some light on the interesting, albeit slightly gross etymology of the name behind Sliema’s Ghar id-Dud. And if you think it has something to do with worms, well it does…

As many locals know, in the early 1900s, the Ghar id-Dud area was famous for the Sliema Chalet, a 40-metre-long and 18-metre-wide pier, used as an entertainment hot spot until its closure in the 1960s.

But aside from the bright lights and live music, this location receives its unique name from a cave formation which, you guessed it, produces tonnes of earthworms! Translated to dud, meaning worms, the cave is a breeding ground for what the Maltese would call hniex. Interesting, right?

Ghar id-Dud continues to be a famous area with various locals and tourists alike. For some, it’s the perfect spot to dive into Malta’s clear blue waters on a hot summer's day, while others flood the promenade every weekend to enjoy Malta’s seafront views. It’s truly the perfect spot for a romantic stroll! If you don’t mention where it got its name from, of course…