Characterized by its L-shaped main church square, beautiful natural caves and stunning sea pools, Siggiewi, Malta is a lovely place in which to find yourself on your summer holiday. It contains palaces dating back to the 1500s and 1600s, as well as chapels that have been standing since centuries before that. Up until relatively recently, the residents of the village all worked in the fields, which is why you will also be surrounded by quaint farmhouses built with large stones, making you feel like you have been transported back to another, simpler time.
Read on to find out what else awaits you in the village of Siggiewi.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Siggiewi, Malta?
With almost year-round sunshine, hot summers, and mild temperatures even in the winter months, there is never a bad time to visit Siggiewi. The best time, however, is just before the summer rush, when the flowers and trees in the countryside begin to bloom in April and May.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Siggiewi, Malta
Go Abseiling
Abseiling, perhaps better known as rappelling, is a form of rock climbing that consists of using a rope to descend down from a vertical drop. Thrill seekers will love the adrenaline rush they will get from going down the steep cliffs around Ghar Lapsi, where professionals will allow you to abseil down increasingly tall drops for a relatively low fee (groups of three can abseil for around €15 per person on average). Photos are also usually provided, so you’ll have some awesome pictures to post when you reach the ground.
Meet Falcons
Is there any more majestic bird than the falcon? In Siggiewi, visitors can see these incredible birds up close at the Malta Falconry Centre, which is run by an organization whose aim is not just to care for, breed, and reintroduce falcons into the Maltese habitat, but also to being back the ancient traditions of the art of falconry. Aside from Peregrine Falcons (also known as Maltese Falcons), you will also find various species of eagles, vultures, owls, kestrels, hawks, and other falcons, all of which you have the opportunity to see flying or even to hold yourself.
Experience the Malta Nights Extravaganza
If you like dinner and a show, the Malta Nights Extravaganza is the attraction for you. Dine on delicious local cuisine while you watch a show that escorts you through every important period of Maltese history, starting with prehistoric times and including epic reenactments of battles between the heroic Knights of St. John and the Ottoman Empire that was trying to defeat them in the 1500s. The show also includes singing, fire dancing and folk dancing, and more.
Some of the Best Attractions in Siggiewi, Malta
Hagar Qim Temple
Located on a hill overlooking the sea, Hagar Qim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a temple dating back to sometime between 3800 and 2200 BC. It consists of one large central building and two others, which are unfortunately no longer complete. The stones used to construct it are some of the largest megaliths in history, with some of them weighing in at an incredible 20 tonnes. Inside, you can explore a series of rooms laid out in the shape of the letter C, full of art and other artifacts left behind from prehistoric times.
The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens
Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens is a great place to bring your whole family. It offers a farm animal park where children can interact with furry new friends, as well as amazing audio-visual shows for adults to learn more about the history of the village and the whole island of Malta. On a grander scale, though, you can all see some examples of the limestone that was formed 22 million years ago in the shallow waters of the Maltese Islands. This same limestone was used to build enormous temples like the one we just discussed above, as well as forts, churches, and several other structures — all without the aid of machinery. And if that cultivates a new-found passion for stonework in your heart, you can also take part in stone-sculpting demonstrations, where you can create your own masterpieces.
L-Arka ta’ Noe
If you love animals, L-Arka ta’ Noe should definitely make it onto your itinerary. This zoo is filled with extraordinary animals, most notably big cats like Bengal and Siberian tigers. All of them are very rare, including a pure white tiger, a black and white tiger, and a Golden Tabby tiger. There are also two leopards that, due to a higher level of melanin than normal, were born all black instead of with spots, as well as some truly stunning peacocks and other peafowl.
Other Sights Worth a Visit in Siggiewi, Malta
Other sights worth checking out in Siggiewi include Buskett Gardens, where you can take a walk through the village’s pretty wildflowers and other plant life, as well as Ghar Lapsi, where you can go rock climbing, snorkeling, or swimming in the crystal clear water.
Siggiewi is a small village, but as you can see, it is jam-packed with things to do and see. Bring your walking shoes and be prepared to be amazed by ancient and natural sights you can’t see anywhere else! And also, for more ideas, check out our full guide on best things to do in Malta.