Buskett Gardens

Buskett is the largest area of woodland on Malta, which on an island this bare makes it significant: aleppo pine, holm oak, olive, carob and citrus planted in a valley by the Knights as a hunting ground below the Verdala Palace. It is a major stopover for migrating raptors, particularly honey buzzards and marsh harriers in autumn, and the Mnarja festival on 29 June, one of the oldest Maltese folk events, is held here with folk singing and food.

What you actually see

• The woodland - the largest tree cover on Malta, planted from the sixteenth century.
• The raptor migration - honey buzzards and harriers roosting here in autumn.
• Verdala Palace - the Grand Master's summer residence above the valley.
• The Mnarja festival - the 29 June folk celebration held in the gardens.

When to go

March to May and September to November are the most comfortable. Autumn is the raptor migration. Mnarja falls on 29 June and fills the gardens.

Honest expectations

Verdala Palace is the presidential summer residence and is not generally open. The gardens are unmanaged in places and paths are informal. Illegal bird shooting has been a persistent problem in the area.

Nearby

Rabat is north, and Dingli Cliffs are west.