Experience the Unmatched Beauty of Spring in Malta: A Serene Escape into Nature
by George Portelli
When does Springtime start?
In Malta, springtime starts on the 20th of March till the 21st of June. Locals long for this season – it signifies blossom, growth and serenity. Plus, this is a great time for tourists to visit Malta too, as the island is not overcrowded, and the scenery is lush and green due to the cooler weather and spring rainfall. The weather is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C - 25°C. Additionally, many cultural and religious events take place during this time, such as Easter celebrations and the annual Valletta Green Festival happening on 3rd-5th May 2023.
Springtime is the perfect season to embrace the natural beauty of Malta.The Maltese archipelago's countryside blossoms and the natural landscape turns verdant. Spring is the ideal season to escape everyday life and experience the unique tranquillity, beauty and leisure of nature that cannot be experienced in the same manner at any other time of year.
Buskett Gardens, Siggiewi
Located in the rich and fertile valley of Wied il-Luq, Buskett Gardens is one of a select few woodland areas in Malta. This iconic woodland is one of the best locations to embrace and witness springtime, as it's one of the greenest locations the Maltese archipelago has to offer. BirdLife International has also added significance to Buskett Gardens, recognising the woodland as a prime location for a diverse and large variety of different bird species.
Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park, Marsaxlokk
The peninsula of Xrobb l-Ghagin is the most south-eastern location of the Maltese islands. The topography of this southern peninsula has a flat plateau where visitors can park and explore the natural landscape and countryside. This beautiful nature park has over 155,000sqm of scenic views of Marsaxlokk.
A plethora of different natural and landscape features can be found here, including limestone cliffs, woodlands, shrubs and a wide range of wildlife. Xrobb l-Ghagin is a prime location for outdoor explorers that are enthusiastic about nature.
L-Ahrax, Mellieha
The natural scenery and beauty around the countryside area of L-Ahrax is unforgettable, featuring an idyllic woodland that makes it the perfect location to visit during springtime in Malta. This northern nature site resides adjacent to the sea, allowing visitors to embrace the fresh greenery, chirping birds and the beautiful sounds of the salty Mediterranean sea.
On several different occasions throughout the year, the Mellieha Local Council opens permit applications for legal camping and BBQs in this area. The permit can be applied for online during certain stipulated times of the year and activities can only be held within certain zones that are marked rigorously by the Authorities.
Whether you're going for a leisurely stroll through the green woodland or embarking on a challenging hike, L-Ahrax offers an abundance of opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. L-Ahrax is also home to a wide array of different flora and fauna, including butterflies, migratory birds and countless different wildflowers.
L-Ahrax is also home to the endemic Maltese Salt Tree (Darniella melitensis), a shrub that is protected under Maltese legislation. This perennial shrub can reach heights up to five metres, it can be recognised by its small cylindrically shaped leaves and bristell exterior. This resilient plant can survive harsh conditions facing strong winds, limited access to soil and water.
Maltese Flora
Malta's weather during spring promotes the growth of a diverse range of different flora that blooms through the spring season. The Maltese islands are rich with many different endemic and indigenous wild flora that you may encounter while strolling in the countryside.
Maltese Everlasting
The Maltese Everlasting (Helichrysum melitense) is a wild flowering plant that is endemic to the Maltese islands. Unfortunately, this endemic plant is endangered due to loss of habitat. However, you can still find this shrub-like plant throughout Malta's coastal cliffs, as well as in various locations in Gozo near the coastal area around Fungus Rock.
Maltese Rock-Centaury (National Plant)
In 1971, the Maltese Rock-Centaury (Palaeocyanus crassifloius), also known as 'Widnet il-Bahar' in Maltese, became the designated official national plant of Malta. This endemic herbaceous shrub has thick and leather-like leaves at the base of the plant in the formation of a rosette.
In May, the national plant begins to blossom extensively along Malta's coralline limestone cliffs and its beautiful magenta-purple bristell-like flowers appear. This plant can often be encountered throughout the countryside, with the Maltese authorities having set up various areas of conservation to protect this critically endangered flora.
Maltese Sea Lavender
Limonium melitense, commonly known as the Maltese Sea Lavender is a perennial herb, a flowering plant that is native to the Maltese islands, and often found along our coastline. Throughout spring, the Maltese Sea Lavender produces delicate lilac inflorescences that brighten the natural topography of the Maltese countryside and coastal cliffs.
From the idyllic countryside of L-Ahrax to the verdant Buskett Gardens, there are various locations where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the Maltese countryside. Additionally, Malta's springtime flora consists of a rich, endemic and endangered collection of different plants that further add to the beauty and intrinsic value of spring.
Springtime in Malta offers a serene escape into nature – it's simply the perfect medium to explore the blossoming natural beauty of the Maltese archipelago.
