San Anton Gardens is a historic formal garden in Attard, surrounding the official residence of the President of Malta. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. Ambjent Malta, the government agency responsible for the gardens, currently lists opening hours of 07:00 to 22:00 daily, considerably later than the 5pm or 6pm closing times still quoted by many independent guides.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Daily, 07:00–22:00 (per current official listing; some sources still describe earlier closing times) |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | Triq Birbal, Ħal Balzan / Attard, Malta |
| Nearest transport | Bus routes 52 and 53 from Valletta, about a 30-minute journey |
| Typical visit length | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
San Anton Gardens opening hours
The gardens are officially listed as open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, according to Ambjent Malta, the government agency responsible for their upkeep.
Some independent guides still describe shorter hours, closing at 5pm or 6pm, so it’s worth confirming locally, particularly if planning an evening visit.
San Anton Gardens ticket prices
Entry to the gardens is free for everyone, at any time.
The gardens are not included in any city pass, since entry is already free and unticketed.
Opening hours and background information were checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
How to get to San Anton Gardens
San Anton Gardens is in Attard, in central Malta, about a 30-minute bus ride from Valletta on routes 52 or 53.
The main entrance is on Triq Birkirkara (Birkirkara Street).
By car, the gardens are roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive from Valletta, depending on traffic.
Parking near San Anton Gardens
Street parking is available around the gardens, though space can be limited during events such as the Annual Horticultural Show.
How long to spend at San Anton Gardens
Most visitors need 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to walk the gardens and see the ponds, fountains, and resident birds.
Allow extra time if visiting during a summer performance in the central court, which hosts open-air theatre and music.
Accessibility at San Anton Gardens
Parts of the gardens have uneven paving, which may be difficult for wheelchair users or those unsteady on their feet.
Pushchairs and jogging strollers are generally manageable on the main paved walkways.
Inside San Anton Gardens: what to see
Laid out by Grand Master Antoine de Paule as the grounds of his summer residence, San Anton Palace, the gardens were opened to the public in 1882.
San Anton Palace itself, dating from 1623 to 1636, has served as the residence of the British Governor and, since Maltese independence, of the President of Malta; it is not open to the public.
The gardens hold mature trees, some over three centuries old, many planted by visiting heads of state and marked with commemorative plaques.
Ponds and an aviary are home to ducks, swans, peacocks, and turtles, while the central court hosts Malta’s Annual Horticultural Show each May.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit in spring for the best flowering displays, since the gardens are at their most colourful during this period. |
| Bring insect repellent and sun protection in summer, given the shaded but warm conditions. |
| Watch for roaming peacocks and turtles near the ponds, a highlight for children. |
| Check for scheduled performances in the central court during summer evenings. |
| Wear comfortable, flat shoes, since some pathways have uneven paving slabs. |
Frequently asked questions about San Anton Gardens
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is San Anton Gardens suitable for children? | Yes, particularly for spotting the resident ducks, peacocks, and turtles. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, entry is free and unticketed. |
| Is San Anton Gardens open on Sundays? | Yes, the gardens are open daily, including Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed inside? | Yes, there are no bag restrictions for the gardens themselves. |
| Is San Anton Gardens wheelchair accessible? | Partly; some pathways have uneven paving that may be difficult to navigate. |
Things to do near San Anton Gardens
San Anton Palace, though closed to the public, can be admired from the gardens’ pathways. Attard’s parish church, San Anton, is a short walk from the gardens.
Villa Bologna, a historic house and garden, lies nearby in Attard. Palazzo Parisio, in Naxxar, is a short drive away and open for tours of its opulent interior and gardens.
Alternative attractions
Buskett Gardens, near Rabat, offers a more woodland-style green space, popular for picnics. Upper Barrakka Gardens, in Valletta, provide a smaller formal garden with panoramic Grand Harbour views.
Palazzo Parisio Gardens, in Naxxar, combine formal Italianate gardens with a grand historic palace open to visitors. Ta’ Qali National Park, near Mdina, includes open green spaces alongside craft villages and a farmers’ market.
More Malta travel
Other Malta travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at the Farson’s Brewery Experience in Malta.
- Marvel at the unsupported dome at the Mosta Rotunda in Malta.
- A practical guide to visiting the Malta National Aquarium at Qawra Point.
- Guides to Malta’s ancient sites: The Mnajdra Temples and Hagar Qim.
- Guides to the top sights in Mdina: St Paul’s Cathedral and Palazzo Falson.
