Ħaġar Qim coast viewpoint

Why practise here

From map data, sunset falls over the sea here in autumn and winter, while summer sunsets drop behind land to the west. Organised walks by BirdLife Malta and the Ramblers have used this coast. No source describes the ground at the viewpoint, so check it first and keep any mat well back from the coastal cliffs.

Getting there

Start: Ħaġar Qim car park, Qrendi, on BirdLife Malta's circular walk of 4 km in all.

The walk: Easy to medium, for the whole walk..

Surface: Coast path past Torri tal-Ħamrija, with a compacted surface on map data, then country lanes. Slippery when wet.

Transport: Routes 74 and 201 stop at Il-Qrendi - Ħaġar, about 790 metres in a straight line from the viewpoint on map data.

Directions

What to watch for

• Coastal cliffs nearby.
• Ground is slippery when wet.
• A 2019 walker report warns of steep edges on the nearby stretch between Għar Lapsi and the temples.
• Transport Malta warns that rockfall can happen anywhere near cliffs or overhangs. Stay back from edges and out from under overhangs.
• Hunting may take place here in season: usually 1 September to 31 January on land, plus any spring season declared for the year.
• Rabbit shooting can add gun use from June to December.
• In the autumn season, hunting hours start two hours before sunrise. They end two hours after sunset from Monday to Saturday (7pm from 15 September to 7 October), and at 1pm on Sundays and public holidays.
• GOV.UK says hunting areas are rarely marked and may overlap with public walkways.
• Allow enough daylight for the walk back after sunset.

Hunting may be legal around here in season, so mid-morning can be a better choice than dawn from September to January. More on staying safe.

Rules

• Do not enter or practise at the temples, the archaeological park or Torri tal-Ħamrija.
• Use public roads and established paths, and turn back at a closed gate or a sign.
• Set any mat well back from the cliff edge.
• Contact ERA ([email protected]) before running any organised or paid class here, because this is a Natura 2000 site. Do not assume small groups are exempt.
• ERA's current page asks for at least one month's notice for groups under 50 and an environmental permit for 50 or more. Its published figures vary, so confirm with ERA.

Inside a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area.

Sunrise and sunset through the year

Calculated for this location, in Malta time. Cliffs and hills can hide the sun for a little longer.

What we haven't confirmed

• We haven't confirmed flat ground for a mat here. No source describes the ground at this viewpoint.
• We haven't confirmed a designated public footpath along this coast, or who owns this point.
• We have no walking time for this viewpoint.
• We found no site rules, hours or fees for the coast.
• We found no source on hunting at this spot, or on shade or wind.
• We haven't confirmed phone signal here.

Sources

• OpenStreetMap map data
• BirdLife Malta: Wied iż-Żurrieq nature walk
• Ramblers Association of Malta: Congreve trail, 2008
• Komoot: Għar Lapsi to the temples
• EEA Natura 2000 map service
• BirdLife Malta: hunting seasons
• S.L. 549.42, hunting seasons, hours and distance rules
• S.L. 549.90, wild rabbit season
• GOV.UK: Malta travel advice, safety and security
• Transport Malta: Local Notice to Mariners 205 of 2026
• ERA: activities affecting Natura 2000 sites