Salina Nature Reserve
Salina Nature Reserve is a protected wetland area located at the mouth of the Burmarrad Valley near St. Paul’s Bay in northern Malta. Managed by BirdLife Malta, it spans approximately 154,000 square meters and is part of the Natura 2000 network and designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Key Features:
- Historical Significance: The salt pans were originally constructed in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John. The site also includes the Ximenes Redoubt, a coastal fortification later converted into a salt magazine.
- Ecological Importance: The reserve includes saline marshland, garrigue, and restored salt pans that attract a wide variety of bird species, especially during migration.
- Wildlife: Regular sightings include Black-headed Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls, Sandwich Terns, herons, egrets, and occasionally Greater Flamingos.
- Restoration Efforts: A major rehabilitation project, completed in 2023, transformed previously degraded land into a thriving wetland with birdwatching hides and public access.
- Visitor Experience: The reserve features a visitor center, birdwatching hides, educational exhibits, and a walking path through aromatic plants and saltpans.
Salina is open for visits on all days. Visitors may walk through the reserve freely from Mon to Sun, 7am-8pm (April to September) & 7am-6pm (October to March). Entrance to the reserve is free of charge but donations are welcome.
Visitors who wish to learn more about the Park may visit when the Visitors’ Reception Centre is open, as per schedule below. Many educational and informative games are available for children. On most times, staff may be able to assist visitors and answer any questions.
Summer schedule (1st June-30th September)
Mon to Fri 8am-11am
Sat & Sun closed
Winter schedule (1st October-31st May)
Mon to Fri 8am-3pm
Sat & Sun closed
Christmas Day & New Year’s Day closed
Good Friday & Easter Sunday closed
Salina Nature Park
Salina Coast Road
Naxxar
NXR 9030
Contact No: 2750 4265
The reserve is located on the Coast Road, and parking is available.
Accessible from bus stops ‘Għasfur’ and ‘Salini’ on the routes 49, 212, 222, 225, N11, N212, X1 and X1B.
Salina Salt Pans
Salina Salt Pans Sea View