DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
—°10
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)

Weather…

Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba is an elevated plateau near Mġarr, inextricably linked to the prehistoric Skorba Temples. This area ranks among the oldest inhabited sites in Malta, providing profound insights into the Neolithic culture of the archipelago. The landscape is defined by flat limestone pavements and fertile terra rossa soil, which is good for cereal and vegetable farming. Archaeological excavations in the 1960s revealed two temple complexes here, dating back as far as 4800 BC. The strategic hilltop location provided early inhabitants with natural defense and a wide vantage point over the surrounding valleys. Geologically, the plateau is part of the island's major fault system, resulting in an interesting blend of rocky outcrops and productive agricultural depressions. Today, Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba is a tranquil site that merges ancient history with rural farming life, offering hikers an authentic view of the Maltese countryside. Its proximity to the temples makes the hill a significant location within the island's UNESCO World Heritage context.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Access to this plateau is typically gained through the village of Żebbiegħ, from where simple trails lead into the surrounding terrain. The prehistoric sites are generally connected to the settlement via clearly visible paths.
📅
Best season
A visit is most pleasant during moderate seasons such as spring and autumn, as the open plateau provides very little shade. The intense Maltese summer sun can make extended walks across this exposed area highly exhausting.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The landscape is characterized by a gentle rise, with the ground being rocky in places and covered by low vegetation. Around the archaeological remains, the pathways can be uneven and somewhat stony, requiring some attention.
🎒
What to bring
Comfortable, closed-toe footwear is generally sufficient for the gentle slopes, providing good protection against stones and thorns. A hat and ample water are essential for thoroughly exploring these history-rich surroundings.
🅿️
Parking
Vehicles can usually be left in nearby Żebbiegħ, where regular parking spaces are found along the residential streets. From the village, the plateau and its ancient settlement remains can be reached quickly and safely on foot.
⚠️
Safety
Out of respect for the historical heritage, visitors should remain exclusively on marked paths and refrain from moving stones. The archaeological sites are highly sensitive, making mindful and careful behavior strictly mandatory.
⏱️
Time needed
Approximately one to two hours should be allocated for a leisurely walk over the rise and viewing the prehistoric remains. This timeframe is completely sufficient to peacefully absorb the atmosphere of this historically rich site.

Geography

Coordinates
35.92200, 14.36800

Facts

  • The Skorba Temples on the plateau date back to approximately 4800 BC.
  • The area is famous for the discovery of unique terracotta female figurines.
  • The name 'Xagħra' refers to the rugged, rocky nature of the terrain.
  • Archaeologists found evidence here of domestic structures predating the temple era.
  • The fertile red soil has been continuously farmed for over 6,000 years.
  • The plateau offers scenic views toward the nearby Bingemma Hills.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mġarr, MaltaMġarr, Malta<1 km · SWExplore →
Vincent's Eco FarmVincent's Eco Farm2 km · EExplore →
Wardija HighlandWardija Highland2 km · NEExplore →
Ras il-Waħx CliffsRas il-Waħx Cliffs2 km · WExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay2 km · NWExplore →
Bahrija PlateauBahrija Plateau3 km · SExplore →
Victoria Lines FaultVictoria Lines Fault3 km · SEExplore →
Mistra ValleyMistra Valley4 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (10)

Saint Mary

Church in Mġarr, Malta, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Punic tombs

Rock-cut Punic tombs, burial sites from the Phoenician era.

Ta' Ħaġrat Temple

Megalithic temple near Mġarr, among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth.

Ta' Ħaġrat Temples

UNESCO World Heritage Site, two adjacent Neolithic megalithic temples.

Cart Ruts

Parallel grooves carved into limestone, of unknown age.

Zammittello Palace

19th-century Victorian countryside villa on the outskirts of Mġarr.

It-Tempji ta' Skorba

Remains of a megalithic temple in Malta, from the prehistoric temple culture.

Hunters Hill

Viewpoint overlooking the landscape around Mġarr.

Torri ta' Lippija🗼 tower

Lascaris Tower, a former coastal watchtower in Malta.

Victoria Lines

Fortification line across Malta, now a viewpoint.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about this place?
The area is near the Skorba Temples, one of the oldest megalithic structures in Malta.
Is the terrain suitable for hiking?
Yes, it is a typical rural area with rocky paths and views towards Mġarr.
Is there shade on the path?
There is very little shade; sun protection is essential, especially in summer.
Can you drive up?
Access roads are narrow; it is recommended to park in Mġarr and proceed on foot.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are handy when the landscape is greener.
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau: where is it located?
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau is located in Malta.
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Mary, Punic tombs, Ta' Ħaġrat Temple.
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba is an elevated plateau near Mġarr, inextricably linked to the prehistoric Skorba Temples.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Malta →

Nature

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.
Golden Bay — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Bahrija Plateau — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Bahrija Plateau
A rural plateau with beautiful views and walking trails.
Victoria Lines Fault — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay
A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.
🗺️
Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
Il-Qlajja Hill — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Il-Qlajja Hill
A prominent hilltop near Mdina.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Mgarr Strawberry Fields — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Mgarr Strawberry Fields
The area around Mgarr is famous for its strawberry farms, especially during the annual strawberry festival.
Mgarr Local Council Farmers&#39; Market — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Mgarr Local Council Farmers' Market
A smaller, local market offering fresh agricultural produce from the region.
Sammy&#39;s Strawberry Farm — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Sammy's Strawberry Farm
A well-known farm in Mgarr where visitors can pick their own strawberries.
Vincent&#39;s Eco Farm — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Vincent's Eco Farm
One of the largest organic farms in Malta, growing a variety of vegetables and fruits.
Sun Ripe Farms — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Sun Ripe Farms
An agricultural holding known for its strawberries and other fruits.
Wardija Highland — Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau (Malta)
Wardija Highland
An elevated plateau in the north of Malta.