Is-Simar Nature Reserve

Northern Malta


Is-Simar was opened in 1995 on a marshy patch of neglected land and is managed by BirdLife Malta volunteers on behalf of the government. More than 180 bird species have been recorded at the site where local and migratory bird life is protected from hunters.The entrance is on the side street Triq Il-Pwales.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Malta attractions

1. Għajn Rasul

0.49 MILES

To the west of Buġibba, near the fishing-boat harbour at the head of the bay, is Għajn Rasul (Apostle's Fountain), where St Paul is said to have baptised…

2. Selmun Palace

0.94 MILES

To the east of Mellieħa Ridge, the ornate fortress-like Selmun Palace – formerly a hotel and restaurant – dominates the skyline above St Paul's Bay. It…

3. Wignacourt Tower

1.21 MILES

Built in 1609, the Wignacourt Tower was the first of the towers built by Grand Master Wignacourt. It guards the point to the west of the church, and…

4. Fort Campbell

1.27 MILES

The derelict Fort Campbell is an abandoned coastal defence built by the British between WWI and WWII. To reach the fort, turn right just before you reach…

5. Church of St Paul's Bonfire

1.41 MILES

The old fishing village of St Paul's Bay, now merged with Buġibba, has retained something of its traditional Maltese character and has a few historical…

6. Grotto of the Madonna

1.49 MILES

Across the main street from the Church of Our Lady of Victory, a gate in the wall and a flight of steps lead down to the Grotto of the Madonna, a shrine…

7. Għajn Ħadid Tower

1.52 MILES

Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in 1658, this ruined tower sits above a compact beach at Mġieba Bay.

8. Mellieħa Air-Raid Shelters

1.52 MILES

The Mellieħa air-raid shelters were dug by hand to shelter the town's population from WWII bombs. It's one of the largest underground shelters in Malta,…