Kalkara

Travel Guide

Kalkara showing a bay or harbor and a coastal town
Kalkara which includes a marina
Kalkara
Kalkara
Kalkara which includes a coastal town, heritage architecture and a bay or harbor

Perched on the edge of the Grand Harbour is Kalkara, a village known for historic forts and delightful boats. 

Among the wonderful stops around the edges of Malta’s magnificent Grand Harbour is Kalkara, a picturesque village rising up into the hills. Enjoy the classic stone streetscape. The huge domed church is so close to the sea that waves practically lap at its doorstep during high tide.

Kalkara’s limestone cliffs give it a majestic presence. The first people to ever land on Malta may have chosen Kalkara to come ashore and live, as the natural cliff formations here provide shelter from the occasional ferocious winds and storms of the Mediterranean Sea. The town gets its name from the Italian word for lime, due to the natural mineral deposits here. Walk along its shoreline, with a fine promenade, charming collection of boats and huge church, among the loveliest in the harbor. This Parish Church with its shimmering dome was lovingly rebuilt after being bombed during World War II.

The townhouses of Kalkara with striking façades of intricate details carved from stone, provide an interesting backdrop for your walking tour through the town. Kalkara’s fortifications attract visitors, especially Fort Rinella, an excellent remnant of British colonial times with one of the biggest guns ever made. The town’s other forts are Fort Ricasoli and Fort Our Saviour. Walk around the modern urban development site in SmartCity, with restaurants, walking paths, a lagoon and a fountain synchronized with music.

Visit traditional Maltese residences at Villa Bighi and Villa Portelli looking out over the breathtaking ocean. The two bays within Kalkara’s boundaries, Rinella Bay and Kalkara Creek, lead into the Grand Harbour. The area also encompasses the Bighi and Ricasoli peninsulas.

Kalkara’s residents, known for being skilled at boat-building, construct their own boats to take part in regular regattas, which are big events for the town. From Kalkara, cross the water on a boat to reach the capital city of Valletta or explore the other gems surrounding the Grand Harbour.

Corinthia St George's Bay
Corinthia St George's Bay
5 out of 5
St. Georges Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is P13,976 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
P13,976
P15,020 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved ever moment of staying at the Corinthia. We hoped over for a 4 day break from the UK. We opted for the executive suite (highly recommend) and will certainly be visiting again! Hands down on of the best hotels around Malta. 5*"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Corinthia St George's Bay
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is P16,818 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
P16,818
P18,061 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent experience"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA
4 out of 5
THORNTON STREET, Sliema
The price is P9,275 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P9,275
P9,990 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sliema. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (934 reviews)
"Very clean place and very nice staff"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
StiLLel Retreat
StiLLel Retreat
3.5 out of 5
Triq Il-Korp Tal-Pijunieri, St. Paul's Bay
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in St. Paul's Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bugibba Beach and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (69 reviews)
"I really like the price of this stay. The price is phenomenal for the things it offers. What i didn’t like was the restaurant in the 8th floor. We had some trouble with the food, and the manager (not the waiters) was a bit a aggressive when we told him the food we ordered wasn’t the right one. It ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

StiLLel Retreat
Triton
Triton
3 out of 5
Triq It-Tartarun, Qawra, St. Paul's Bay
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Paul's Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions The Malta Classic Car Collection and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and very accommodating. The room was clean but the bathroom toilet did not flush properly and the shower pressure was a little low. The room was clean but was not thorough. It was not a bad stay however it can be improved"

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Triton
Park Heights by the Warren Collection
Park Heights by the Warren Collection
3 out of 5
Judge Paolo Debono St, Msida
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Msida. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
"A great stay at Park Heights. It had everything we wanted. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Apartment was well equipped and well maintained. Clean bedding and towels as required. Close to Valetta. Less than 10 minutes by bus for 2.50€"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Park Heights by the Warren Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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