Set out to explore Malta's natural beauty and sustainable living in harmony with nature.
Named after one of the powerful prevailing winds in the region that arrives from the northwest is Majjistral Nature and History Park, a place of utmost beauty and a protected area. It stretches along six kilometres of the northwest coast of Malta from Golden Bay to ix-Xaghra l-Hamra and the surrounding area, and if you haven't visited, here's why you should.
A beautiful place
The coast displays steep cliffs leading to deep blue waters, with ancient rubble adding to a marvellous seascape. Rolling hills follow the twists and curves of the coast. Its coves and bays include the beautiful Golden Bay, a Blue Flag beach with its honey coloured sand and clear azure waters.
The land is a typical Maltese guarige defined by a scrubland of evergreen shrubs, aromatic herbs, bunch grasses and low trees so familiar to the Maltese eye. It is the landscape typical of sparse dry soil in the Mediterranean region. Yet this bears witness to nature’s incredible resilience and resourcefulness, with pioneer plants growing straight out of rock and succulents of all kinds. Add to that the odd girna - a corbelled stone hut - and you have typical Maltese landscape to a tee.
Naturally, local flora and fauna flourishes in this untouched natural habitat. There are 430 species of plants, some of which are rare. This is home to hedgehogs, bats, weasles and wild rabbits, as well as several reptiles, including the Mediterranean chameleon and Western whip snake. 12 species of birds are known to breed in the park and many migratory species visit.
The area, largely untouched with scattered agricultural activities, was declared a National Park in 2007 and is a Natura 2000 site. Its management is governed by three NGOs: Din L-Art Helwa, The Gaia Foundation and Nature Trust.
A historic location
The Majjistral Park also contains a number of historical and archaeological sites. Cart-ruts. Long rubble walls (dry stone walls). Tombs dating to the Classical period. Corbelled stone huts. Farmhouses. Even 18th century entrenchments built by the Knights of Malta as part of a coastal defence system, World War II gunposts and a couple of sets of military barracks. All these stand as testimony to the human story in relation to this place.
Activities at Majjistral Park
There is much to discover by direct experience when visiting Majjistral Park. What's more, the park also organises regular educational workshops and activities in nature. These encourage appreciation of the land, its flora and fauna and protection of local heritage, and promote sustainable living in harmony with nature. Among the events organised at Majjistral Park you might expect sustainable gardening, wildlife photography, bird watching and snorkelling tours. Check the Facebook page and website to stay up-to-date with activities running at the park.
Relish the quintessential character of Malta at the Majjistral Nature and History Park - a piece of Mediterranean paradise.