Malta isn’t exactly famous for its forests. Most of the island is sun-baked rock, terraced fields and honey-coloured towns. So when you walk into Buskett for the first time, under tall pines and oaks, with birds calling and the ground soft with leaves, it feels a little like you’ve stepped onto a different island.
Buskett Gardens is the closest thing Malta has to a real forest. It’s one of the very few woodland areas in the country, and certainly the largest and greenest. Locals come here to walk, picnic and escape the heat. Birdwatchers come for the migrating birds of prey. And once a year, the whole woodland fills with music, food and folk singing for one of Malta’s oldest festivals.
A woodland planted by the Knights
The name Buskett comes from the Italian boschetto, meaning “little wood”. The Knights of St John planted it in the valley of Wied il-Luq as a hunting ground, sheltered from the wind and fed by natural springs, which is why trees grow so well here when they struggle almost everywhere else on the island.
Overlooking the woodland from the hilltop is Verdala Palace, built in 1586 for Grand Master Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle as a summer residence and hunting lodge. Today, it’s one of the official residences of the President of Malta. The palace itself isn’t open to the public except on rare special occasions, but it makes a beautiful backdrop to any walk in Buskett.
What makes Buskett special
Buskett covers around 30 hectares and mixes wild woodland with old cultivated gardens. As you walk, you’ll find:
- Native woodland trees: Holm oak, Aleppo pine, olive and white poplar, some of them very old.
- Citrus groves: rows of orange and lemon trees, a reminder that this was a working garden as well as a hunting ground.
- Ivy-covered stone walls and terraces: old paths lined with walls that give the woods a timeless feel.
- Natural springs: especially noticeable from autumn to spring, when the ground is greener and the woodland comes alive.
- Wild flowers: from autumn through spring, Buskett fills with flowers and woodland life.
The gardens are not manicured. Don’t expect neat lawns and flower beds. Buskett’s charm is that it feels wild, shady and real.
A haven for birds
Buskett is protected as a Special Area of Conservation within the EU’s Natura 2000 network and is recognised as an Important Bird Area. Because it’s one of the only woodlands on the islands, it gives migrating birds a vital place to rest and feed on their long journeys across the Mediterranean.
Autumn and spring are the best times for birdwatchers. With luck and patience, you may spot birds of prey passing overhead, and BirdLife Malta has recorded rare visitors such as Montagu’s harriers, red-footed falcons and short-toed eagles. Bring binoculars, move quietly and enjoy it.
L-Imnarja: Malta’s oldest festival
Every year on 29 June, Buskett hosts L-Imnarja, a traditional folk festival and harvest thanksgiving linked to the feast of St Peter and St Paul. It’s one of the oldest celebrations in the Maltese calendar.
On the night, families gather in the woodland to eat, drink and listen to għana, Malta’s traditional folk singing, where singers trade improvised verses back and forth. The classic Imnarja dish is stuffat tal-fenek, slow-cooked rabbit stew, along with local wine and lots of conversation. Agricultural shows with local produce and animals are part of the tradition too. If you’re in Malta at the end of June, it’s a wonderful way to see a side of Maltese culture most visitors never experience.
Things to do at Buskett
- Woodland walks: follow the main paths through the citrus groves, then take the narrower trails uphill for views over the whole woodland and Verdala Palace.
- Picnics: Buskett is a favourite picnic spot for Maltese families, especially on weekends. Bring a blanket and enjoy lunch in the shade.
- Birdwatching: best in spring and autumn during migration.
- Photography: morning light through the trees and Verdala Palace on the hill make great photos.
- A longer countryside walk: combine Buskett with the cart ruts, caves and cliffs nearby (see below).
Explore what’s nearby
Buskett sits in one of the most interesting corners of Malta, and it’s easy to turn a visit into a full half-day walk:
- Clapham Junction cart ruts: just a short walk away, the mysterious ancient grooves cut into the rock. Read our story on the cart ruts nobody can explain.
- Dingli Cliffs: Malta’s highest point, a few minutes away. Perfect for sunset after an afternoon in the woods.
- Girgenti Palace and the Madonna tal-Girgenti: about a kilometre from Buskett, the former summer palace of Malta’s Inquisitors, now the Prime Minister’s summer residence. You can see it from outside, and the little shrine nearby makes a lovely walk. Learn more about the Inquisitors in our Inquisitor’s Palace guide.
- Rabat and Mdina: a short drive away, with St Paul’s Catacombs and the Silent City of Mdina.
When to visit
- Autumn to spring (October to May): the best time. The woodland is green, the springs are flowing and the air is fresh.
- Summer: Buskett is one of the few shady places to walk in the Maltese heat, but go early or late in the day.
- Weekdays: much quieter. Weekends, especially sunny Sundays, are popular with families.
- 29 June: for L-Imnarja, if you want the festival atmosphere.
Practical information
- Entry: free.
- Opening: BirdLife Malta notes that Buskett is open to visit at all hours, but it’s best enjoyed in daylight.
- By bus: the Buskett stop is served by routes 52, 56 and 181. Check the Malta Public Transport app for current times.
- By car: there’s a car park at the main entrance.
- Facilities: very limited. There’s no reliable café inside the woodland, so bring water and snacks.
Tips for your visit
- Wear proper shoes. The upper trails are rocky and uneven.
- Respect the woodland. It’s a protected area. Stay on paths, don’t pick plants, take your rubbish home and keep noise down for the wildlife.
- No fires. Never light fires or barbecues in the woodland.
- Bring a map or download one. Paths aren’t always well signposted if you head beyond the main gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Buskett Gardens free? Yes, entry is free.
Is Buskett the only forest in Malta? It’s one of the very few woodland areas in Malta, and the largest and most mature.
Can you visit Verdala Palace? Not usually. It’s an official residence of the President of Malta and only opens on rare special occasions.
When is Imnarja? Every year on 29 June.
How do I get to Buskett by bus? Routes 52, 56 and 181 stop at Buskett.
Is it good for kids? Yes. Children love exploring the woodland paths and spotting lizards, birds and butterflies. Bring snacks and water.
Looking for more green spaces? Browse all our family parks and gardens in Malta.