DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Wardija Highland

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
—°10
Wardija Highland (Malta)

Weather…

The Wardija Highland in northern Malta is a prominent geological feature offering expansive views over St. Paul's Bay and the Pwales Valley. This region holds significant archaeological value, containing the remains of a Punic-Roman settlement known as Wardija ta' San Ġorġ. The landscape is characterized by limestone plateaus and terraced fields that have been used for agriculture, particularly olive and vine cultivation, for centuries. During World War II, the highland served as a strategic observation point for the island's coastal defense due to its elevated position. Today, Wardija is a quiet rural area distinguished by traditional Maltese farmhouses and dense Mediterranean maquis vegetation. The geological composition primarily consists of Upper Coralline Limestone, which is resistant to erosion and forms steep, protective slopes. This combination of natural fortification and fertile land has made the area a preferred site for human habitation for over three millennia.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Accessing this elevated plateau typically involves taking the winding rural roads up from Xemxija or St. Paul's Bay. The climb can be made by car or on foot, following scenic routes that rise steadily from the northern coastline.
📅
Best season
Visiting between October and May is highly recommended to enjoy the clear panoramic views over the bay without the severe summer heat. Spring is especially rewarding, as the highland becomes covered in spirited wildflowers.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The highland features a generally flat plateau top, but reaching it requires navigating steep inclines from the coast. The surface is a mix of quiet asphalt roads and rough, unpaved agricultural tracks typical of northern Malta.
🎒
What to bring
Good walking shoes are required for the steep ascents and unpaved country tracks. A camera is highly recommended for the coastal views, along with a windbreaker during the cooler months when the elevated area can be quite breezy.
🅿️
Parking
Visitors usually find small, informal parking spaces along the wider sections of the quiet rural roads in Wardija. Ensure that parked vehicles do not obstruct the narrow passages used by local farmers and residents.
⚠️
Safety
The rural roads lack dedicated sidewalks, so pedestrians must remain alert for occasional passing vehicles. Near the edges of the plateau, keep a safe distance from sudden drops, particularly in windy weather conditions.
⏱️
Time needed
Exploring the highland area, including the walk up from the coast, taking in the panoramic views, and returning, usually spans about two to three hours depending on the chosen route.

Geography

Coordinates
35.93800, 14.38500

Facts

  • The highland reaches a maximum elevation of approximately 150 meters above sea level.
  • Archaeological evidence indicates that the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.
  • The ruins at Wardija ta' San Ġorġ include Punic tombs and Roman water cisterns.
  • The Pwales Valley below the ridge is one of the most fertile agricultural plains in Malta.
  • The vegetation includes rare endemic species of the Maltese floral landscape.
  • Wardija is famous for hosting some of the oldest olive trees in the archipelago.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sun Ripe FarmsSun Ripe Farms<1 km · SExplore →
Mistra ValleyMistra Valley2 km · NExplore →
Wignacourt TowerWignacourt Tower2 km · NEExplore →
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba PlateauIx-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau2 km · SWExplore →
Il-Bidnija RidgeIl-Bidnija Ridge3 km · EExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay3 km · WExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa3 km · NWExplore →
Bee Keeping ExperienceBee Keeping Experience3 km · SExplore →

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 Wardija Highland (10)

Simar Nature Reserve

Nature reserve in Malta. Wetland area with birdwatching opportunities.

Standing stone

An upright stone in Malta. Prehistoric menhir of unknown function.

Saint Paul's Island Viewpoint

Viewpoint overlooking St. Paul's Island. Popular for photos.

♿

Roman Apiaries

Ancient Roman beehives in Malta. Niches carved into rock for hives.

Pilgrim Crosses

Crosses left by pilgrims. Signs of religious tradition.

Wardija Battery

Fortification in Malta. Used for coastal defense.

Palazzo Pescatore🏰 castle

Palace in Malta. Historic building with architectural value.

Bajja tal-Għażżelin

Bay on the Maltese coast. Sandy or pebbly beach.

It-Tempji ta' Skorba

Megalithic temple remains in Malta. Prehistoric cult site.

Wignacourt Tower🗼 tower

Watchtower in Malta. Part of 17th-century coastal defenses.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Wardija Highland?
It is a fertile upland in northern Malta, known for olive groves and agriculture.
Are there historical buildings there?
Yes, you can find old chapels and villas from the time of the Order of St. John.
Is Wardija Highland good for hiking?
Absolutely, it is one of the greenest and most pretty hiking areas on the island.
How is the view from up there?
You have a fantastic panoramic view over St. Paul's Bay and even as far as Gozo.
Are there olive oil tastings there?
Some private farms offer tours and tastings of their locally produced olive oil upon request.
Wardija Highland: where is it located?
Wardija Highland is located in Malta.
Wardija Highland: what is there to see?
Highlights include Simar Nature Reserve, Standing stone, Saint Paul's Island Viewpoint.
Wardija Highland: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Wardija Highland: why is it worth visiting?
The Wardija Highland in northern Malta is a prominent geological feature offering expansive views over St.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Malta →

Nature

🗺️
Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
Victoria Lines Fault — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Golden Bay — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Wardija Highland (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 — Wardija Highland (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 — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Sun Ripe Farms — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Sun Ripe Farms
An agricultural holding known for its strawberries and other fruits.
Mistra Valley — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Mistra Valley
Mistra Valley stretches between Xemxija and Selmun.
Vincent&#39;s Eco Farm — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Vincent's Eco Farm
One of the largest organic farms in Malta, growing a variety of vegetables and fruits.
Is-Simar Bird Sanctuary — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Is-Simar Bird Sanctuary
A protected area attracting a variety of birds, especially during migration seasons.
Simar Nature Reserve — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Simar Nature Reserve
Another important wetland area near Xemxija, providing a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Il-Mistra Ridge — Wardija Highland (Malta)
Il-Mistra Ridge
A narrow, wooded ridge near Mistra Bay.