Natural Sites

Most of the sun worshippers that visit Malta know Ghadira for it’s busy sandy beach but just across the road lies one of the most ecologically important areas on the islands.

Ghadire Nature Reserve has significant ecological importance since it encircles wetland and saltmarsh areas, two habitats which are quite scarce in the Maltese Islands. In fact this area of shallow, reedy ponds surrounded by scrub is also an important resting area for migrating birds (over 200 species have been recorded at the site). The name, pronounced aa-dee -ra, means ‘marsh’, and this was Malta’s first national nature reserve an 1978.

The 6-hectare Nature Reserve is open to the public and volunteers accompany visitors for a walk along a nature trail that leads to a birdwatching hide.

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•     Opening Times: Saturdays and Sundays from November until May. Visiting hours are 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
•     Public Transport from/to Valletta: Check Arriva.com.mt for latest routes
•     Entrance is free.

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Cycling is by far one of the best modes of transport in environmental, economical, and health terms. It surely provides the freedom to enjoy your rural holiday by giving you access to villages and rural areas that are otherwise difficult to find by car or public transport.

The islands of Malta and Gozo, both relatively small islands, can be easily enjoyed by bicycle. The landscape also offers spectacular views.

What better way to experience the tranquil and serene feeling of the narrow village streets! Cycling through the Maltese narrow countryside lanes between rubble walls makes one really and truly feel in sync with nature. Combine this with stops at historical and cultural places of interest along the route, and you have the best combination of a healthy, sporty and relaxed holiday. Distances between towns and villages are very short, and are reached with little or no effort at all.

The islands of both Malta and Gozo offer unique opportunities to experience a day’s out cycling with a difference. The landscape changes with every twist and turn, cycling through the gentle undulating slopes, often with country views and sea views on both side of the route.

Cycling in the Maltese Islands as a leisurely or sporty activity is on the increase for people of all ages. Shops catering for the needs of the cyclist can be found in main towns, offering rentals and repair service, as well as organised tours for groups.

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Avoid cycling in traffic, especially in main roads as the infrastructure is not cycle-friendly and can be dangerous

Visit http://www.medinbike.com for 1000km of new cycling routes between Malta, Gozo and Sicily. [/like-gate][/alerts]

The Blue Grotto  is a number of sea caverns on the southern coast of Malta, west of the Wied iz-Żurrieq harbor near the village of Żurrieq. This natural picturesque grotto and its neighbouring system of caverns mirrors the brilliant phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora.

The Blue Grotto is located near “Wied iz-Zurrieq” south of the town of Zurrieq. A number of caves, including the Blue Grotto, which is the biggest one, can be reached by boat from Wied iz-Zurrieq. From Wied iz-Zurrieq one can also see the small island of Filfa. Filfla is uninhabited except for a unique species of lizards that live there. When Malta was a British colony, the island of Filfla was used for target practice by the British Armed Forces. The island is now protected under Maltese law.

The scenery around this area of the island is breathtaking. The cliffs rise out of the blue Mediterranean and the froth of the waves as they hit the rock face can make for some excellent shots.