Plizio Visual Lab
Kalkara
ℹ️Practical info — Kalkara
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit Esplora Interactive Science Centre, housed in a renovated hospital with great harbor views.
- Rinella Bay is a small, local sandy beach, the only one in the Grand Harbour area.
- Walk along the promenade towards Fort Ricasoli to see where major Hollywood films were shot.
- Park near the parish church if you arrive by car, as street parking is limited in the narrow alleys.
- The village is very quiet; it's a well-suited escape from the busier Three Cities next door.
🍽 Food
Try the locally caught sea bream or sea bass at one of the welcoming restaurants along the waterfront.
Look for a local bakery to try this traditional ring-shaped bread filled with tuna, capers, and tomatoes.
These savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas are a must-try snack found at small kiosks in the village center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Pick up local honey, sea salt, or olive oil produced in the nearby countryside.
A great spot for science-themed souvenirs and educational toys for children.
A peaceful spot for a morning swim or to enjoy the sea breeze away from the crowds.
A scenic walk offering quiet views of the massive fortifications and the open sea.
Water temperature…
Kalkara is an easy on the eye coastal village located on an inlet of the Grand Harbour, situated just east of the fortified city of Vittoriosa. Its name originates from the Latin word for lime kiln, as the area was a primary site for producing lime used in the construction of the island's massive fortifications during the reign of the Knights of St. John. Kalkara maintains a strong maritime connection and is well-known for the traditional craft of building Maltese boats, such as the luzzu and dgħajsa. The village is home to Fort Ricasoli, the largest fort in Malta, which has served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood epics. Another major landmark is Esplora, the National Interactive Science Centre, housed in the beautifully restored former Bighi Royal Naval Hospital. The village gives a quieter, authentic experience of harbor life with memorable views of the neighboring Three Cities.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Inquisitor's Palace · Fort Rinella · Fort Ricasoli
- Nearby: San Ġwann (4 km)
- Population: ~3.059
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
Geography
Facts
- Fort Ricasoli was constructed between 1670 and 1698 by the Order of St. John.
- Kalkara was established as an independent parish in 1897.
- Bighi Hospital operated as a major Royal Naval Hospital from 1832 to 1970.
- The current Parish Church of St. Joseph was inaugurated in 1946 after the original was bombed.
- Villa Portelli in Kalkara once served as the residence of the Admiral of the Fleet.
- The Rinella Movie Park features the largest specialized film-making water tanks in Europe.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kalkara (18)
Fort Rinella🏛 museum
Fort Rinella is a museum in Kalkara known for housing a massive 100-ton Armstrong gun.
Forti Rinella🛡️ fortress
A captivating historical fortress situated in Kalkara, offering visitors excellent insights into traditional defensive architecture.
Frequently asked questions
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