Plizio Visual Lab

Filfla Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Filfla is a small, uninhabited islet located about five kilometers south of the main island of Malta. Encompassing an area of roughly six hectares, it consists of a flat limestone plateau surrounded by sheer cliffs reaching 60 meters in height. Historically used as a target practice site by the Royal Navy and Air Force until 1970, the island was declared a strict nature reserve in 1988 to protect its unique biodiversity. It is home to one of the largest colonies of European Storm-petrels in the Mediterranean, with thousands of breeding pairs nesting in the rubble of the cliffs. The island also hosts two endemic species: the Filfla Wall Lizard and the Filfla Door Snail, which have evolved in isolation from their mainland counterparts. Access to Filfla is strictly prohibited for the general public to prevent disturbance to the nesting birds and the fragile ecosystem. Its status as a sanctuary ensures the survival of species that are highly vulnerable to human intervention.

Location: Malta
Nearby: Qrendi (7 km)

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

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best observation period is during the breeding season, typically from late spring to early summer. Then Yelkouan shearwaters are most active around Filfla Island.

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Best time of day

Early mornings and late dusk are convenient as birds depart for feeding trips. Calm conditions greatly improve visibility of the colonies.

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Etiquette

Landing on the island is strictly prohibited to protect nesting birds. Stay at least 100 metres from the shore and avoid loud noises.

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What to bring

High-quality binoculars with at least 10x magnification are essential. Sturdy shoes for rocky coastal paths and weatherproof clothing are recommended.

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Getting there

The island is reachable only by boat from Malta's southern coast. No regular ferry; book an organised tour or charter a private boat.

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What to expect

Be patient - birds can be far out and often surface only briefly. Wait for good light and calm seas for optimal photos.

Geography

Coordinates

35.78700, 14.41100

Facts

The island was a target for bombing practice for over 100 years.
It was granted full protection under the Filfla Nature Reserve Act of 1988.
The endemic Filfla Wall Lizard ("Podarcis filfolensis filfolensis") is the largest of its kind.
Large boulders at the base of the cliffs provide the primary nesting sites for storm-petrels.
In the 14th century, a small chapel was built inside a cave on the island.
Commercial fishing is prohibited within one nautical mile of the island.