San Anton Gardens

The basics

This walled gardens are landscaped in a formal Italianate fashion, and feature elaborate sculptures and fountains, shaded paved walkways, and all sorts of beautiful foliage. Expect to see citrus trees, cypresses, jacarandas, and Norfolk pines; some of the trees here are over 300 years old. There’s also a small aviary and a petting zoo. A number of history and Game of Thrones-related half- and full-day excursions stop here, many combining a visit to the gardens with a tour of Mdina.

Things to know before you go

*The gardens are great for kids—keep your eyes peeled for roaming peacocks, geese, ducks, lizards, and turtles. *Admission is free. *If visiting in summer, remember sun protection and insect repellent. *While visitors using jogging strollers shouldn’t have a problem here, parts of the gardens may be difficult to navigate independently using a wheelchair.

How to get there

The gardens are open daily, year round. They are at their most pleasant during the spring and summer months, but you may wish to avoid them during the rainier months of November and December. They play host to Malta’s biggest horticultural show in May. Plays and other cultural events are frequently staged here in the summer months, with Shakespeare plays performed each July.

When to get there

San Anton Gardens are located in Attard, in central Malta. It’s about a 30-minute bus ride from Valletta; bus numbers 52 and 53 both stop here. 53. The main entrance is to the gardens is on Triq Birkirkara. The hop-on hop-off bus also stops near the entrance.

*Game of Thrones* Attractions in Malta

The gardens are one of many sights across Malta that featured in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Mdina is known as King's Landing in the show, while the Red Keep is in Rabat. The Mtahleb Cliffs also make an appearance in the 10th season of the show, as the site of the Dothraki camp.