From Valletta: Hagar Qim & Wied Iz-Zurrieq Blue Grotto Trip

Explore the southern region of Malta and enter the ancient archaeological site of Hagar Qim on a day trip from Valletta. Admire the ruins before taking a boat trip to Wied Iz-Zurrieq's Blue Grotto.
Start by visiting one of Malta's oldest quarries which has been transformed into an attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Located in Siggiewi, The Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens is a unique and innovative attraction which highlights the beauty of the Maltese stone and its incredible 22 million years of history, relish the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the islands’ history, through an engaging audio-visual presentation and a very informative audio guided walkthrough, this attraction offers an immense insight into the islands’ compelling history and broad culture.

Afterwards visit the megalithic temples complex of Hagar Qim, located on the southern edge of the island on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfa, these temples are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth, dating back to c. 3600-3200 BC and recognized in 1992 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are described by the World Heritage Sites committee as “unique architectural masterpieces”.

Next stop is Wied Iz-Zurrieq (Zurrieq Valley) where you will get to visit the magnificent Blue Grotto and appreciate the fantastic scenery and breath-taking views surrounding the entire site. The Blue Grotto is a complex of seven caves found along the southern coast of the island.

Featured in numerous movies, such as Cutthroat Island (1995), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) & Troy (2004), this extremely popular site attracts thousands of visitors each year, with many opting to see the amazing grotto up-close via local boat trips. Weather permitting you will also have the time and opportunity to visit the grotto and caves by taking one of the boat trips organized by several local providers and available at a small fee payable on location.

After lunch you will visit the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk. It is the largest fishing harbour in Malta, and has been so since antiquity. Traditional “luzzu’s” (brightly coloured traditional fishing boats) and larger fishing vessels line the sheltered harbour in a colourful display that has been the subject of countless photoshoots.

The village is also popular for its charming and large open-air market, selling a vast assortment of food and a wide array of durable goods. During our visit you will have enough time to take a stroll and explore the market, looking for ‘that’ perfect deal!

The tour ends with a visit to Ghar Dalam, Malta’s oldest prehistoric site, dating back to c. 5200 BC. Ghar Dalam is a 144 metre long phreatic tube and cave, located in the outskirts of the village of Birzebbuga. The cave contains the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum, such as the dwarf elephant, hippopotamus, giant swan, deer and bear, which have not lived on the Maltese islands for thousands of years. Due to its paleontological and archaeological significance this site is viewed as one of Malta's most important national monuments.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.