Ta' Qali National Park is a brilliant choice for a Sunday picnic, but it is far from the only one. Scratch beneath the surface and the Maltese islands hide a generous spread of green corners, clifftop lookouts and quiet bays that practically beg for a blanket and a basket. Some are well known, others barely register on the radar, and all of them make a day outdoors feel like a proper escape.

Whether you fancy woodland shade in the height of summer or a sea view to go with your sandwiches, here are seven of the most beautiful picnic spots in Malta, in our humble opinion of course. Wherever you end up, one golden rule never changes: clean up after yourself and leave the place exactly as you found it.

Victoria Lines

Often described as Malta's very own Great Wall, the Victoria Lines stretch right across the island, tracing a natural fault line from Fomm ir-Rih in the west all the way to Madliena in the east. These late nineteenth century British fortifications no longer guard anything, which leaves them free for far gentler pursuits. The stretches near Madliena and around Fort Bingemma are especially scenic, with open country views on either side and plenty of flat ground to settle on. Pair your picnic with an easy stroll along the ramparts and you have a morning very well spent. The Lines also feature on several popular hiking trails across Malta, so it is simple to turn the day into a longer adventure.

Buskett Gardens

When the Maltese summer turns the islands into a furnace, shade becomes priceless, and Buskett Gardens delivers it in abundance. Tucked into the Wied il-Luq valley below Verdala Palace, between Rabat and Siggiewi, Buskett is the nearest thing Malta has to a true woodland. Tall Aleppo pines, carobs, oaks and orange groves keep the air cool and the light dappled, even on the hottest afternoons. Open clearings and quiet paths give families and groups room to spread out, and weekends here carry a lovely, easygoing buzz. Bring a blanket, pick up some fresh ftira from a Rabat bakery on the way, and you are very well set.

Bahrija

Perched on high ground in Malta's rural northwest, Bahrija is a tiny hamlet that feels a world away from the crowded coast. It has long been a favourite with hikers, and the reason is obvious the moment you arrive: the trails here wander past valleys, fields and traditional farmland before opening onto dramatic views of the west coast and, on a clear day, across to Gozo. A particularly beautiful corner is the rugged headland near Fomm ir-Rih, where ancient Punic and Roman remains rest quietly above one of the island's wildest bays. Lay out your picnic, soak up the silence, and enjoy a slice of Malta that has barely changed in centuries.

Majjistral Park

For a picnic with a wild, windswept edge, make for the Majjistral Nature and History Park along the northwest coast near Mellieha and Manikata. As Malta's first national park, this protected sweep of garigue, low cliffs and coastal trails feels purpose built for slow afternoons in the open air. Facilities are kept deliberately minimal, so this spot rewards those who arrive prepared, but the payoff is real: clean sea air, uninterrupted Mediterranean views and a genuine sense of leaving the world behind. Find a sheltered nook among the wild thyme and limestone, unpack your lunch, and let the breeze do the rest.

Selmun

Selmun, a peaceful peninsula on the eastern side of Mellieha, is the sort of place history lovers daydream about. Watching over it all is Selmun Palace, a striking eighteenth century palace once enjoyed by the Knights of St John as a country retreat. The building is currently closed and awaiting restoration, but it still makes a magnificent backdrop, standing proud above the surrounding countryside. From here, gentle trails lead down through quiet farmland to the secluded sands of Imgiebah Bay, so you can happily fold a swim and a wander into your picnic plans. Our guide to peaceful walks around Selmun maps out the routes if you fancy exploring further.

Chadwick Lakes

Chadwick Lakes, known in Maltese as Wied il-Qlejgha, has enjoyed a genuine transformation. Following an extensive rehabilitation project that reopened the valley in 2025, this scenic stretch between Mtarfa and Fiddien now boasts a smart two kilometre walking trail, a dedicated play area for children and a noticeably healthier ecosystem. After a good spell of winter rain it truly earns its name, with flowing water and the rare treat of spotting a frog or two. It is a serene, welcoming spot that the whole family can enjoy, though as a protected Special Area of Conservation it does ask visitors to keep to the marked path and leave the valley pristine. Set up near the trail and let the little ones run free.

Gnejna Bay

When it comes to beaches, the Maltese islands genuinely spoil us, and Gnejna Bay in Mgarr is one of the finest for a picnic. Framed by russet clay slopes, weathered boathouses and that famous bowl of clear blue sea, it manages to feel tucked away even on a busy Saturday. The soft sand is comfortable underfoot, the swimming is excellent, and the sunsets here belong on a postcard. Arrive a little early to claim a good patch, pack a cooler to keep everything fresh in the heat, and you have all the makings of a perfect summer picnic.

A few tips before you go

A handful of small touches turn a good picnic into a great one. Carry plenty of water, be generous with the sun cream, and bring a cooler so your food stands up to the Maltese heat. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a full day outdoors, while summer picnics are best enjoyed in the shade or saved for the cooler evening hours.

Whichever of these picnic spots in Malta you choose, please take every last scrap of rubbish home with you. These places stay beautiful only because the people who love them look after them. Hungry for more ideas? Browse our roundup of Malta's most beautiful natural places for even more inspiration.