For years, the land at Bengħajsa on the edge of Birżebbuġa was the kind of place you drove past without a second look. It sat next to Malta’s busy Freeport, and at one point it was being considered for a landfill or an extension of commercial activity.
Today, it’s one of the largest family parks in the south of Malta. Thousands of young trees, open picnic lawns, play structures for the kids and quiet paths where you can actually hear the birds. If you live in the south, or you’re spending a few days around Birżebbuġa and Marsaxlokk, Bengħajsa Family Park is a lovely, relaxed place to spend a few hours outdoors.
A park that grew from scratch
Bengħajsa Family Park opened to the public in March 2023, and it’s managed by Project Green, the government agency responsible for creating and looking after green open spaces in Malta.
The first phase alone covers around 17,000 square metres, roughly the size of a couple of football pitches, and was planted with around 4,000 trees and shrubs. Plans were later approved to extend the park by a further 7,000 square metres, which would bring the total to around 27,000 square metres, with more native trees such as oak, carob and bay laurel.
Because the trees were planted recently, the park feels young and open rather than shady and wooded. Every year it gets a little greener, and it’s genuinely nice to watch a new park grow up.
Trees planted for a good cause
Here’s a detail that makes Bengħajsa special. When the park was being planted, around 1,800 of the trees were part of an initiative with Puttinu Cares, the Maltese charity that supports children with cancer and their families. For every donation of €300 or more to Puttinu, a tree was planted in the donor’s honour.
So when you walk through the park, a big part of the green around you exists because people across Malta gave to a cause close to many Maltese hearts. It’s a small thing, but it gives the place a warm feeling.
What you’ll find at the park
- Picnic areas: plenty of space to lay down a blanket or use the benches, many made from sustainable materials.
- Play and obstacle structures: outdoor obstacle games for kids to climb, balance and burn off energy.
- Information signs: panels about the trees and plants growing in the park, a nice way to teach children the names of Maltese trees.
- Walking paths: easy, open routes for a stroll, a jog or pushing a pram.
- Accessibility: the park was designed with wheelchair users in mind, with accessible paths through the main areas.
The Malta Girl Guides also have an agreement to use part of the park for their activities, so don’t be surprised to see groups of young Guides outdoors on weekends.
Opening hours
When the park opened, Project Green announced opening hours of 6:30am to 9pm from April to September and 6:30am to 7pm from October to March. Hours can change, so check Project Green’s official channels if you’re planning an early or late visit.
Entry is free.
Tips for your visit
- Bring shade. The trees are still young, so there isn’t much natural shade yet. In summer, bring hats, sunscreen and maybe a small umbrella or pop-up shelter, and visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Pack a picnic. There are no big cafés inside the park, so bring food and plenty of water, especially for the kids.
- Keep it clean. Take your rubbish home or use the bins. A young park needs everyone’s help to stay beautiful.
- Autumn and spring are best. The weather is mild and the park looks its greenest after the first rains.
How to get there
Bengħajsa Family Park is on the southern edge of Birżebbuġa, in the far south of Malta. It’s easiest to reach by car, and you’ll find the area well signposted once you’re in Birżebbuġa. Buses also run to Birżebbuġa from Valletta and other towns. Check the Malta Public Transport website or app for the current routes.
Make a day of it in the south
The park is a short drive from some of the south’s best spots, so it’s easy to build a whole family day around it:
- Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa, a sandy, family-friendly beach for a swim after the park.
- Għar Dalam, the prehistoric cave where bones of dwarf elephants and hippos were found. Kids love it, and you’ll find it in our guide to Heritage Malta sites.
- Marsaxlokk, the fishing village with its colourful boats and fresh fish restaurants, perfect for lunch.
- St Peter’s Pool, if the older kids want a proper rock swim.
Looking for another big park nearby? Sant’Antnin Family Park in Marsaskala is also in the south, and San Klement Family Park in Żabbar is one of the largest green spaces on the island.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bengħajsa Family Park free? Yes, entry is free.
How big is the park? The first phase covers around 17,000 square metres, with plans approved to extend it by a further 7,000 square metres.
Is it good for young children? Yes. There are obstacle play structures, open spaces to run around and accessible paths for prams.
Is there shade? Not much yet, as the trees are still young. Bring sun protection in summer.
Who manages the park? Project Green, the agency responsible for green open spaces in Malta.
Is it wheelchair accessible? Yes, the main areas were designed to be accessible.
You can find more about Project Green’s parks on the official Project Green website. Browse all our family parks and gardens in Malta for more green places to explore.
Beautiful Malta is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with Project Green. Opening hours and facilities can change, so always check official sources before visiting.