The south of Malta has its fair share of alluring attractions. But there’s this one little corner in the south-east that holds an abundance of treasures within a couple of kilometres radius.
1. Wied Babu
One of the lushest valleys in Malta lies on the outskirts of Zurrieq, between the village itself and the Blue Grotto. Its landscape changes with the seasons, while the steep rocky sides inspire awe in anyone (especially those who love to climb them) and you might even take a dip in the sea once you’ve walked along Babu valley to its mouth.
2. Wied iz-Zurrieq
Next stop is Wied iz-Zurrieq. Just a few paces away from Wied Babu and down a hill, you arrive at a little cove with an abundance of restaurants, a historic watch tower, a bird man with his birds of prey and boat rides to the marvellous Blue Grotto. The area also enjoys fantastic views of the islet of Filfla.
3. Blue Grotto
Take a quaint boat to the Blue Grotto from Wied iz-Zurrieq. The extraordinary sea cave is famous for its scintillating colour and, particularly, for an optical illusion that makes your hands appear to be a bright blue in the water in the mid-morning light. This cave is just one of several amazing features along the coast that you’ll see during the boat ride.
4. Filfla
Home to the endemic and legendary ‘two-tailed’ filfola lizard, the island of Filfla literally looms over the horizon from this vantage point of the south-eastern coast of Malta. While certainly dreamy, especially when viewed at sunset, this strange rock has a remarkable history worth learning about.
5. Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples
Within walking distance from Wied iz-Zurrieq are two amazing megalithic temple sites that date to circa 3,600-3,200 BC. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are older than the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge, but, what is most remarkable about them is that, they still accurately mark the equinoxes and solstices every year! A joint ticket also give you entry to the interesting visitor centre.
6. Il-Maqluba
Legends abound when it comes to il-Maqluba, located between the temples and the village of Qrendi. Do you prefer the story of an entire village of evil people flung into the sea (Filfla) by giants or was it angels that disposed of the village on behalf of an angered god who, nonetheless, spared the only pious lady who lived there? The church that’s on the edge of the sinkhole is said to have been built on the site of her home.
7. Ghar Lapsi
A little way off, along the coast road, is Ghar Lapsi, a favourite local swimming haunt complete with boat houses and a humble restaurant. The semi-protected natural sea-pool is perfect for snorkelling while the towering cliffs above are favoured by rock-climbers. The area is simply beautiful and offers a wonderful walk along the coast all the way back to the temples.
Enjoy the seven wonders in the area of Wied iz-Zurrieq!