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.
