Are you looking for a peaceful escape from Malta’s bustling streets and tourist crowds? Nestled in the heart of Attard, San Anton Gardens offers a green oasis that’s been enchanting visitors for centuries. As one of Malta’s most treasured green spaces, these historic gardens provide the perfect setting for a lovely afternoon stroll, romantic walk, or quiet moment during your holiday.
We often recommend San Anton Gardens to our guests who want to experience a different side of Malta, one where nature takes centre stage and history whispers through ancient trees and elegant pathways.
The Rich History of San Anton Gardens
San Anton Gardens has a fascinating history that stretches back over 400 years. The story begins in 1623 when Grand Master Antoine de Paule of the Knights of St. John chose this location in Attard to build his summer residence, seeking respite from Valletta’s heat and bustle.
The Grand Master didn’t just construct a palace, he created Malta’s first botanical garden, importing exotic plants and trees from across the Mediterranean and beyond. This was quite revolutionary for the time, as he introduced species that had never grown on Maltese soil before. Many of the magnificent trees you’ll see today, including ancient olive trees and towering palms, are descendants of those original plantings.
Over the centuries, subsequent Grand Masters expanded and refined the gardens, each adding their own touch to this green paradise. The gardens survived the end of the Knights’ rule, the French occupation, and the British colonial period, with each era contributing to the rich tapestry of flora you can enjoy today.
During British rule, the gardens were further developed and opened to the public, establishing the tradition of these being “the people’s gardens” that continues today. This commitment to public access makes San Anton Gardens truly special, you’re walking through the same paths once reserved for royalty and nobility!
Location and Getting to San Anton Gardens
San Anton Gardens sits in the charming village of Attard, right in the centre of Malta. From our studios in Birkirkara, you’re just a 15-minute walk or 3 minute bus journey away on route 54, making it one of the most accessible green spaces from our accommodation.
The gardens are perfectly positioned between the Three Villages (Attard, Balzan, and Lija), an area known for its elegant architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and citrus trees. If you’re exploring this region, San Anton Gardens makes an excellent starting point for discovering Malta’s more residential and authentic side.
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in the area, consider combining your trip with nearby Villa Bologna (famous for its pottery workshops and a fantastic bistro) or the Mdina Glass factory, both not far by bus or on foot.
The President’s Official Residence
What makes San Anton Gardens truly unique is that they surround San Anton Palace, which serves as the official residence of Malta’s President. The palace itself isn’t open for public tours, but knowing you’re strolling through the grounds of Malta’s head of state adds a special significance to your visit.
The palace’s elegant façade, with its characteristic Maltese limestone architecture and traditional green shutters, provides a beautiful backdrop to the gardens. You’ll often spot the Maltese flag flying proudly above the residence, and occasionally catch glimpses of official cars arriving for state functions.
Don’t worry though, the gardens remain completely accessible to the public throughout the year (except during major state events), and the peaceful coexistence between public enjoyment and presidential residence creates a uniquely Maltese atmosphere of accessibility and warmth.
Local tip: While you can’t tour the palace interior, the best views of the building are from the central avenue and the area near the ornamental pond. These spots also make for lovely photos with the palace’s impressive architecture in the background.
Horticultural Treasures and Biodiversity
San Anton Gardens Malta truly shines as one of Malta’s hidden horticultural treasures, housing an impressive collection of Mediterranean and subtropical plants that thrive in our year-round mild climate. The gardens serve as both a beautiful public space and an important botanical preserve.
You’ll discover plants from across the Mediterranean basin, including ancient olive groves, aromatic herb gardens filled with rosemary and lavender, and citrus orchards that perfume the air with orange and lemon blossoms. The variety is remarkable for such a compact space, over 20 acres packed with botanical diversity.
One of the most impressive features is the collection of palm trees, including rare Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palms) and elegant Washingtonias that create natural tunnels of shade along the pathways. These weren’t just chosen for beauty—they represent centuries of careful cultivation and adaptation to Malta’s Mediterranean climate.
The gardens also showcase traditional Maltese agricultural plants alongside exotic imports. You’ll find prickly pear cactus (ħanżir ta’ San Ġwann), fig trees, carob trees, and pomegranates growing alongside bamboo groves and tropical flowering plants that add splashes of colour throughout the seasons.
What’s particularly special is how the gardens demonstrate sustainable Mediterranean gardening. The plant choices, irrigation methods, and layout all reflect centuries of learning about what thrives in Malta’s climate, making it both beautiful and environmentally wise.
Opening Hours and Practical Information
San Anton Gardens Malta welcomes visitors daily throughout the year, and best of all, admission is completely free! The gardens typically open at sunrise and close at sunset, with exact times varying seasonally:
Summer months (April-September): 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Winter months (October-March): 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The gardens remain open on public holidays and weekends, though they may occasionally close for special state functions, maintenance, and local events like the annual bird and rabbit shows.
Watch your step – some of the pathways are tricky to navigate as the ancient tree roots have pushed up the flagstones and they get very slippery in wet weather. Benches are placed throughout the gardens, providing plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Bicycles and roller skates are not allowing in the gardens.
Local tip: Bring a water bottle, especially during summer months, as you’ll want to stay hydrated while exploring all the pathways and features.
Must-See Features During Your Visit
The Ornamental Swan Pond
The heart of San Anton Gardens features a charming ornamental pond that’s home to various waterfowl including ducks, geese, and swans. Children and adults alike enjoy watching these friendly residents, and it’s a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or photos.
The Central Avenue
This grand tree-lined avenue leads directly toward San Anton Palace and showcases some of the gardens’ most magnificent specimens. The symmetrical plantings and formal design reflect the gardens’ noble heritage while providing natural shade for leisurely walks.
The Rose Garden
Seasonal but spectacular, the rose garden bursts into colour during spring and early summer. With both traditional Mediterranean varieties and modern hybrids, it demonstrates how roses can thrive in Malta’s climate with proper care.
Ancient Tree Specimens
Look out for the garden’s oldest residents: massive olive trees, some potentially dating back centuries, and towering palms that create cathedral-like canopies overhead. These living monuments connect you directly to the gardens’ long history.
Resident Peacocks
Keep your eyes peeled for the garden’s resident peacocks that roam freely around the gardens. When you spot one, treat them with respect, and you can get a spectacular photo, especially if you come across a male with fully extended tail feathers!
Seasonal Flower Displays
Throughout the year, the gardening staff creates beautiful seasonal displays using both Mediterranean natives and carefully chosen annuals. Spring brings spectacular bulb displays, while summer features heat-tolerant flowering plants in brilliant colours.
Family-Friendly Garden
San Anton Gardens provides an excellent outing for visitors of all ages. The wide pathways are perfect for pushchairs, and the peaceful atmosphere means families can relax while children safely explore and learn about nature.
The ducks at the ornamental pond are always a hit with younger visitors, and the gardens’ layout encourages gentle exploration and discovery. It’s an ideal spot for a family picnic (though please remember to drop your rubbish in a bin to preserve this beautiful space).
The educational value is significant too: children can learn about different plant types, observe local birds and wildlife, and understand how gardens like this contribute to environmental conservation in Malta’s urban areas.
Photography and Peaceful Moments in San Anton Gardens
For photography enthusiasts, San Anton Gardens offers endless opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow through the tree canopies, the formal garden layouts, the palace architecture, and the seasonal colour changes provide subjects for every skill level and interest.
The gardens are also perfect for quiet reflection, meditation, or simply escaping the busier tourist areas of Malta. Many locals use the gardens for gentle exercise, peaceful reading, or meeting friends in a beautiful natural setting.
A Garden Worth Visiting
San Anton Gardens represents one of Malta’s most successful examples of preserving historical heritage while providing ongoing public enjoyment. Whether you’re seeking botanical beauty, peaceful relaxation, family-friendly activities, or a deeper understanding of Malta’s cultural heritage, these presidential gardens deliver an experience that’s both authentic and accessible.
From our accommodation in Birkirkara, San Anton Gardens makes for a short excursion that can easily be combined with exploring the charming Three Villages area or visiting nearby artisan workshops. We’re always happy to provide directions, suggest the best bus routes, or recommend how to combine your garden visit with other local attractions.
Are you eager to discover a secret spot within the gardens during your visit? We’d love to hear about your experience and perhaps add your recommendations to help future guests make the most of this special place!