Luqa

More about Luqa

About Luqa

Around two and a half miles from Malta's capital Valletta, Luqa is often overshadowed by the bigger city. But Luqa's location close to Malta International Airport makes it a convenient place for tourists to stay. And Luqa's central position on the largest island of Malta makes it a great base to explore some of the island's main attractions, away from the city's crowds.

Luqa may be small, but in the tradition of Maltese towns, it is densely populated. Although Luqa spent most of its history as a sleepy rural village, all of that changed with the coming of the nearby airport. The British Royal Air Force established an airfield here back in the 1920s. This airfield became particularly important during the Second World War, when Malta's strategic position in the Mediterranean made it a vital base for British forces. This also meant that Luqa was heavily bombed. The small town suffered enormous damage through the war, and many of its historic buildings are largely reconstructed after the devastation they suffered in the mid-20th century.

These days, Luqa's fortunes are still very much tied to the airport, which was turned over to civilian control in 1979. However, Luqa is also known for its festivals and for its weather, which has seen it designated the warmest city in Europe. These factors have all helped to fuel the tourism boom in this small town.

Things to do in Luqa

Part of the charm of Luqa is its small size. You can easily explore the city itself in a single day on foot. And you're never far from the rural beauty of the Maltese countryside. Plus, if you do find yourself longing for the amenities of the city, Valletta is only a few minutes away.

• Celebrate the ancient traditions of Luqa at the feast of St. Andrew. Celebrated in the first week of July, this festival honors the town’s patron saint. The village’s social clubs decorate the town and put on musical performances. It’s a lively way to experience authentic Maltese culture.

• Meet some of Malta's furry residents at Animal Guardians cat café. This café allows you to enjoy coffee while playing with rescued cats. If you're missing your own cat back at home, this is the place to go to get your feline fix.

• Marvel at the mysteries of the past at Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. This underground tomb, discovered in 1902, dates back 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest buildings on earth. To protect this unique monument, only a few people are allowed to visit each day, so make sure you book in advance to see this incredible site.

• Soak up the sun at Valletta's Grand Harbour. The harbor has been central to the development of Malta's capital city for centuries, and the ancient fortifications around the harbor are testament to the island's military past. Enjoy views over the warm blue ocean as you sip a cool drink at this iconic location.

• Beat the heat at St. Peter’s pool. This natural swimming pool is set in a rocky cove on the south coast of the island of Malta. The warm water is incredibly clear, and the surrounding cliffs make a great place for diving.

Transit options in Luqa

• Bus route 71, 72, 117, and 218 connect the center of Luqa to Malta international airport. The journey takes around 15 minutes.

• Buses X1, X2, and X3 run from Malta International Airport to Valletta. All of them stop in Luqa, so you can board one of these express buses to get to the city in around 30 minutes.

• Malta's main bus station is just outside the gates of Valletta. From here, you can catch buses to all of the island's main attractions. 

Luggage storage in Luqa

As a small town, Luqa is best explored on foot. And when it’s time to go further afield, you’ll find that Malta’s bus network is the way to travel. However, buses can get crowded, especially in the summer season. That’s why it’s best to drop off any large bags at a luggage storage shop in Luqa. Traveling light will help you get much more enjoyment out of your trip to Malta.

Activities and attractions near Luqa

• Temple of Hagar Qim: The magnificent temple of Hagar Qim is one of Malta's main attractions. Easily reached by bus from Luqa, this ancient construction dates back thousands of years. Set on the cliffs above the dazzling ocean, it's the perfect place to ponder the mysteries of a vanished culture. Large bags are not allowed at the temple, so make sure you drop any unneeded belongings off at a Luqa luggage storage location before you visit.

• Blue Grotto: Malta's rugged coastline is something that has to be seen to be believed. The famous Blue Grotto at the western edge of the island is the best place to do it. Reachable only by boat, you can get a bus to the Grotto and hire a guide to take you out onto the water in a traditional Maltese fishing boat. The ethereal blue water of the Grotto is something no photo does justice to, but you should bring your cameras anyway, if only to make your friends back home jealous. You won't be able to bring large bags onto the boat, so make sure you leave them with a luggage storage service in Luqa before you set out.

• St. John's Co-Cathedral: The spiritual heart of Malta is the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. This ornate church is a testament to the long reign and military power of the Knights of St. John who once ruled the island. The Cathedral is also home to two paintings by legendary Italian artist Caravaggio, and the church is worth visiting just for that.