San Anton Palace Malta
A historic 17th-century botanical garden and the grounds of Malta's presidential palace, offering a serene escape with diverse flora and roaming peaco...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm, cool, and peaceful strolls
San Anton Palace Malta
Best Time
Calm, cool, and peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 17th-century botanical garden and the grounds of Malta's presidential palace, offering a serene escape with diverse flora and roaming peacocks.
"A hidden gem in the heart of Malta, offering a peaceful escape with beautiful gardens and free entry."
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry to the San Anton Gardens is completely free. Don't fall for misinformation about entry fees!
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
Tiles can be slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious when walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
San Anton Gardens
Attard
A lush 17th-century botanical garden with diverse trees, flowers, and roaming peacocks. A true green oasis.
Presidential Palace Exterior
Attard
Admire the historic architecture of San Anton Palace, the official residence of the President of Malta.
Game of Thrones Filming Location
Attard
Spot the exteriors of the Red Keep from Season 1 of Game of Thrones, filmed here.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Check Palace Access
Best Time for a Peaceful Stroll
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry to the San Anton Gardens is completely free. Don't fall for misinformation about entry fees!
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
Tiles can be slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious when walking.
🦚 Peacock Encounters
Keep an eye out for the beautiful peacocks that roam freely throughout the gardens.
🌳 A Green Escape
Enjoy one of Malta's few places with abundant green life and trees.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry to the San Anton Gardens is completely free. Don't fall for misinformation about entry fees!
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
Tiles can be slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious when walking.
🦚 Peacock Encounters
Keep an eye out for the beautiful peacocks that roam freely throughout the gardens.
🌳 A Green Escape
Enjoy one of Malta's few places with abundant green life and trees.
📍 Easy to Find
The entrance is opposite a hotel and near a small shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise San Anton Gardens for their beauty, tranquility, and free admission, highlighting the diverse plant life and the charming presence of peacocks. While the palace itself isn't accessible, the gardens offer a peaceful escape. Some caution is advised on slippery tiles after rain.
"As usual, maps with the misinformation...so I am correcting here. The gardens DO NOT charge a 35 euro entry fee. Entry to the public has always been free. This is a PUBLIC garden.
Also maps was telling me the gardens were closed when it was open. Between July 1st and August 31st, the opening and closing times are 07.00 and 19.45.
The gardens themselves are lovely, with many interesting species of trees, shrubs and flowers. Peacocks and fowl roam freely through the gardens. There are toilets, which are clean and functional.
I recommend a late evening walk in the summer when it's calm and not too hot."
Will Hooton
"Just about worth a visit if you are in the area. Small gardens with trees and birds. FREE. NOT WORTH a 35 euro tour!! No palace to enter, just gardens.
The entrance is opposite the hotel and near a little shop. If you use the old Google entrance you have to walk around the whole thing 😢"
David Joyce
"There are peacocks!! Beautiful garden and made my days was the peacocks. I was only expecting to see plants and trees. It is well maintained and very peaceful place. There is no entry fee. I went a rainy day and the tiles were very slippery with a green residue on them. On rainy day I was with a coach tour and a passenger slipped and fell. It’s a safety hazard. Be careful on the tiles you walk on and enjoy the garden"
G Cheema
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach San Anton Palace and Gardens in Attard by bus from Valletta. Several bus routes serve the area, making it accessible. It's also a short drive from Mdina.
While street parking might be available in Attard, it can be limited. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services if you're not familiar with the area.
San Anton Gardens are about a 10-minute drive from Mdina, so walking is possible but might be a bit far depending on your preference.
From Malta International Airport (MLA), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer directly to San Anton Palace and Gardens. Public buses are also an option but will involve transfers.
Yes, San Anton Gardens are well-served by public buses, making them a convenient destination for travelers using Malta's public transport network.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the San Anton Gardens is completely free. It's a public garden, and there is no admission charge.
San Anton Palace is the official residence of the President of Malta and is generally not open for public tours. However, keep an eye out for any special open days or events.
The gardens have varying hours depending on the season. For example, between July 1st and August 31st, they are open from 7:00 AM to 7:45 PM. It's best to check for the most current times.
No advance booking is required as the gardens are free to enter. You can visit anytime during their opening hours.
While there isn't a formal public tour system for the gardens, you can explore them at your own pace. Some private tour operators might include it in their itineraries.
📸 📸 Photography
The variety of trees, flowers, fountains, and the peacocks offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The palace exterior also makes for a grand backdrop.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the San Anton Gardens for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions.
You can photograph the exterior of San Anton Palace from the gardens. Access inside the palace is restricted.
Due to the palace being a presidential residence, drone usage is likely restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions if considering drone photography.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour can create beautiful shots with the palace and gardens.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore diverse trees and flowers, admire the palace architecture, watch peacocks and fowl, and enjoy a peaceful walk. It's a great place to relax and connect with nature.
Yes, there are restrooms available within the gardens, and they are generally reported to be clean and functional.
Absolutely. The gardens are designed for walking and offer a tranquil environment to wander through its many paths and admire the flora.
The gardens feature a large variety of trees and flowers from around the world, many gifted by visiting diplomats over centuries.
Yes, the exterior of San Anton Palace was used as part of the Red Keep in Season 1 of Game of Thrones, making it a point of interest for fans.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for a picnic or just to let children burn off some energy in a beautiful, safe environment. The variety of plants can also be a gentle introduction to nature for younger visitors. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy a relaxed family outing.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with public transport, which is an affordable way to get around Malta, to keep costs down. Pack your own lunch and water to enjoy a picnic amidst the greenery, further saving money on dining out.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
For the best shots, aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The palace's exterior offers a grand setting, and the winding paths through the gardens create beautiful leading lines. Don't forget to capture the unique charm of the peacocks strutting around.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Nature
+1The gardens are not just a collection of plants; they are a living ecosystem. Peacocks and various fowl roam freely, adding a touch of wild charm to the meticulously maintained grounds. This blend of cultivated beauty and natural elements makes San Anton Gardens a peaceful sanctuary. It's a place where history, nature, and tranquility converge, offering visitors a serene escape from the bustling island life.
While the palace itself remains the President's residence and is not typically open to the public, its imposing presence forms a majestic backdrop to the gardens. The architecture of San Anton Palace, combined with the lush greenery, creates a picturesque scene that has even caught the eye of Hollywood, serving as a filming location for scenes in Game of Thrones.
Navigating San Anton Gardens: Practicalities and Tips
The gardens are well-maintained, offering clean restroom facilities for visitors. The presence of peacocks adds an unexpected delight, so keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent birds. For those looking to capture the beauty of the gardens and the palace, ample photo opportunities abound, from the vibrant flowers to the stately architecture. Early morning or late afternoon light is often best for photography.
While the gardens are easily accessible by public transport, parking in the Attard area can be challenging. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit to San Anton Gardens with nearby attractions like Mdina, as it's a relatively short drive away.
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