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San Anton Gardens (Swans)

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San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)

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San Anton Gardens in Attard is one of Malta's most magnificent botanical gardens, surrounding the official residence of the President of Malta. The garden was created in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule as part of his summer palace. The facility is famous for its elegant fountains, ponds, and an exceptional collection of exotic plants brought by the Knights from all over the world. Particularly popular with families are the large water basins, home to majestic swans and numerous ducks. Peacocks often roam freely along the manicured paths between orange and lemon groves. The garden also houses centuries-old trees, including jacarandas and giant cypresses. In addition to its botanical diversity, the park serves as a cultural hub where open-air theater performances take place in summer. A visit provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the urban bustle and insights into the aristocratic landscape gardening of the Knights' era.

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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Visiting
San Anton Gardens are free public gardens, open to everyone daily. The outdoor grounds are accessible at all times, while the indoor areas (like the palace building) are generally not open to visitors.
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Typical hours
The gardens are typically open from sunrise to sunset. During summer, opening hours may be extended, and special regulations often apply on public holidays.
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Photography
Photographing the swans and ducks in the gardens is expressly allowed. No permits are needed for indoor shots, as those areas are not accessible anyway.
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Time needed
For a relaxed visit to the gardens, plan about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to enjoy the details of the plants and animals, you can easily spend up to an hour here.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby San Anton Palace, though its interior is not open to the public. A stroll through Mdina, the Silent City, is also a great idea and just a short drive away.
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Getting there
The gardens are easily reached by car via the main road to Attard. Parking is available nearby, though weekends can be crowded - public buses also stop in the area.
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Insider tip
Visit the gardens early in the morning when the swans are most active and there are fewer visitors. Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots of the birds.

Geography

Coordinates
35.89500, 14.45000

Facts

  • The garden was created between 1623 and 1636 by Grand Master Antoine de Paule.
  • It directly adjoins San Anton Palace, the official residence of the Maltese President.
  • The ponds are home to swans, ducks, and goldfish, while peacocks roam freely in the park.
  • The garden features plants from all over the world, including palms, cypresses, and orange trees.
  • The park has been officially open to the public since 1882.
  • The National Horticultural Excellence Show is held here every year.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Citrus Groves of San AntonCitrus Groves of San Anton<1 km · EExplore →
IklinIklin2 km · NEExplore →
Palazzo ParisioPalazzo Parisio2 km · NExplore →
Ta' Randu HillTa' Randu Hill2 km · SExplore →
Farsons BreweryFarsons Brewery2 km · EExplore →
MostaMosta3 km · NWExplore →
San Ġwann Cart RutsSan Ġwann Cart Ruts3 km · NEExplore →
Ta' Qali Crafts VillageTa' Qali Crafts Village3 km · WExplore →

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 San Anton Gardens (Swans) (10)

San Anton Gardens

Garden in Malta with ponds, flowers and shaded walkways.

🕒 Jun-Sep 07:00-18:00; Oct-May 07:00-17:00🆓

Wignacourt Aqueduct

17th-century aqueduct that carried water to Valletta.

Good Shepherd Convent

Monastery church in Ħal Balzan, Malta, part of a convent.

San Anton Palace🏰 castle

Palace in Attard, Malta, official residence of the Maltese president.

Parish Church of Our Lady of Annunciation

Parish church in Balzan, Malta, dedicated to the Annunciation.

Rosa Kwir

Gallery in Attard, showing works by contemporary Maltese artists.

Villa Bologna

Stately home in Attard, Malta, surrounded by a large garden.

Saint Anne

Chapel in Malta, dedicated to Saint Anne.

Baby Jesus Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Attard, collection of nativity figures and depictions of the infant Jesus.

Gabriel Caruana Foundation

Gallery in Attard, dedicated to the work of Maltese artist Gabriel Caruana.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals are in the gardens?
Swans, ducks, peacocks, and many turtles.
Is feeding the animals allowed?
No, feeding the animals is not allowed.
Where are the gardens located?
In Attard, next to the official Presidential Palace.
Is entry free?
Yes, visiting the public gardens is free.
Is there a playground?
There is no large playground, but plenty of space to explore.
San Anton Gardens (Swans): where is it located?
San Anton Gardens (Swans) is located in Malta.
San Anton Gardens (Swans): what is there to see?
Highlights include San Anton Gardens, Wignacourt Aqueduct, Good Shepherd Convent.
San Anton Gardens (Swans): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
San Anton Gardens (Swans): why is it worth visiting?
San Anton Gardens in Attard is one of Malta's most magnificent botanical gardens, surrounding the official residence of the President of Malta.
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Nature

Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)
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A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
Ta&#39; Randu Hill — San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)
Ta' Randu Hill
A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.
Ta&#39; Ċieda Hill — San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)
Ta' Ċieda Hill
A flat rise near Swieqi.
Il-Qlajja Hill — San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)
Il-Qlajja Hill
A prominent hilltop near Mdina.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
Chadwick Lakes (Freshwater) — San Anton Gardens (Swans) (Malta)
Chadwick Lakes (Freshwater)
A man-made system of dams that forms a freshwater habitat during the rainy season.

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