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L-Rdum tal-Madonna

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Animal habitat
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L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)

Weather…

L-Rdum tal-Madonna is a spectacular coastal escarpment located on the northern tip of Malta, near Mellieħa. The area is characterized by steep cliffs and a unique "rdum" landscape, where large limestone blocks have collapsed onto the lower slopes. It is of international ornithological importance as it hosts the largest breeding colony of Yelkouan Shearwaters in the Maltese Islands, with approximately 500 pairs nesting in the crevices of the cliffs. The plateau above is covered in high-quality garrigue habitat, supporting endemic species like the Maltese Rock-centaury and various orchids. The site is managed by BirdLife Malta and is part of the Natura 2000 network, ensuring the protection of its fragile ecosystem from light pollution and human disturbance. Conservation efforts include a successful rat-eradication program to prevent predation on seabird chicks. The combination of coastal views and botanical richness makes it a prime location for nature enthusiasts and researchers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The best time to observe Yelkouan shearwaters at L-Rdum tal-Madonna is from March to July, during the breeding season. Spring and early summer are when the birds are most active. Outside breeding season the colonies are often deserted.
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Best time of day
Shearwaters are most active at dusk when they return to their nesting sites or depart. Early morning and late evening are the best times for observation. During the day birds are usually at sea, so land-based viewing is challenging.
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Etiquette
The area is a protected bird sanctuary - stay on marked paths and do not enter cliff areas. Avoid noise and bright lights that could disturb the birds. Dogs must be kept on a lead.
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What to bring
Binoculars with night vision or a good red-light torch are useful for dusk observation. Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles are essential on rocky paths. A windproof jacket is recommended as it can be windy on the cliffs.
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Getting there
L-Rdum tal-Madonna is on the northwest coast of Malta, near Mellieħa. The reserve is reached on foot from the coastal road; there is no direct parking. Best to drive to the nearest car park and walk.
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What to expect
Watching seabirds requires a lot of patience - they are often far out at sea and come ashore only at dusk. Find a sheltered vantage point and wait quietly. Not every evening brings spectacular arrivals; enjoy the sea breeze.

Geography

Coordinates
35.97500, 14.34000

Facts

  • It is named after a small shrine dedicated to Our Lady situated nearby.
  • The area is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive.
  • Yelkouan Shearwaters spend most of their life at sea, returning only to nest.
  • The cliffs provide a habitat for the Blue Rock Thrush, Malta's national bird.
  • In winter, the plateau is one of the best places to see wild Maltese orchids.
  • A management plan was established in 2014 to safeguard the local biodiversity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower)St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower)<1 km · EExplore →
Popeye Village Fun ParkPopeye Village Fun Park2 km · SExplore →
Cirkewwa Ferry TerminalCirkewwa Ferry Terminal2 km · NWExplore →
L-Aħrax tal-MellieħaL-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa2 km · EExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa3 km · SEExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay4 km · SExplore →
CominoComino4 km · NExplore →
Is-Simar Bird SanctuaryIs-Simar Bird Sanctuary4 km · SEExplore →

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 L-Rdum tal-Madonna (10)

Red Tower

Watchtower built during Grandmaster Lascaris' reign, paid by the Università of Mdina.

Għadira Nature Reserve

Nature reserve with wetlands, popular for birdwatching.

🕒 Oct-May: Mo,We,Fr 13:30-17:00; Sa,Su 10:00-16:00; PH off; Se

Għadira Bay

Sandy beach on Malta's north coast, popular with families.

Paradise Bay

Small cove with sandy beach and clear water in northern Malta.

Il-Latnija

A coastal stretch or bay in Malta.

Wreck of Scotscraig

Wreck of a cargo ship off the coast of Malta.

Tal-Bir Redoubt

Ruins of a small 18th-century fortification.

Popeye Village

Film set for the town of Sweethaven from the 1980 movie Popeye.

Paradise Bay Resort Beach

Private beach of Paradise Bay Resort on the north coast.

View on Popeye Village

Viewpoint overlooking Popeye Village.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is L-Rdum tal-Madonna?
An important bird protection area on the cliffs near Mellieħa, especially known for shearwaters.
Can you hike there?
Yes, there are beautiful coastal paths offering spectacular views across the channel to Gozo.
When is the best time to visit the area?
Spring and autumn are well-suited for hiking and bird watching in mild weather.
Are there fixed opening hours there?
No, the cliff paths are open to the public at any time; sturdy footwear is required.
Are there parking spots nearby?
Near the Chapel of the Madonna tal-Ahrax, there are spots from which you can start your hike.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna: where is it located?
L-Rdum tal-Madonna is located in Malta.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna: what is there to see?
Highlights include Red Tower, Għadira Nature Reserve, Għadira Bay.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna: why is it worth visiting?
L-Rdum tal-Madonna is a spectacular coastal escarpment located on the northern tip of Malta, near Mellieħa.
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Nature

Coral Lagoon (Malta) — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Qammieh Point — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Golden Bay — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Blue Lagoon (Comino) — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Famous for its crystal clear, turquoise water.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.
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Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (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 — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Marfa Ridge — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Marfa Ridge
A ridge at the north-western end of Malta, overlooking Comino and Gozo.
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals
Various watercraft are available for rent at the popular Mellieha beach.
Bouncy Castles at Ghadira Bay — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Bouncy Castles at Ghadira Bay
Inflatable water parks set up in Mellieha Bay during the summer.
Popeye Village Fun Park — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Popeye Village Fun Park
The original film set of the 1980 Popeye movie, now a theme park for families.
Anchor Bay — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Anchor Bay
The bay where Popeye Village is located, also used as an anchorage.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal — L-Rdum tal-Madonna (Malta)
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.