Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Qawra!

Malta National Aquarium

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through the Malta National Aquarium, a wheelchair-friendly marine wonderland located in the stunning coastline village of Qawra, part of St. Paul’s Bay. This accessible adventure starts with your arrival at the facility, which is best reached by car or local bus services that frequently run from major towns and stop right outside the aquarium.

As you enter, the fully accessible building welcomes you with wide, automatic doors, leading you into a world of aquatic marvels. Start your exploration in the main tank area, where the paths are spacious and smooth, ensuring ease of navigation for both wheelchairs and mobile scooters. Be mesmerized by the vibrant marine life from the Mediterranean Sea and exotic waters, including majestic sea turtles, pulsating jellyfish, and colorful coral reefs.

Each exhibit is thoughtfully designed with low viewing windows and informative panels placed at an accessible height, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience without hindrance. Don’t miss the highlight—the stunning tunnel exhibit, where you can watch sharks and rays glide gracefully overhead.

For a tactile experience, visit the touch pool where you can feel starfish and sea urchins under the guidance of expert staff, ensuring a safe and engaging interaction for those with mobility impairments.

After your marine adventure, roll over to La Nave Bistro, a fully accessible restaurant within the aquarium that serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Tables are thoughtfully spaced to accommodate mobility devices. The restaurant offers stunning sea views, making it the perfect spot to relax and reflect on your visit.

End your day by visiting the gift shop, equipped with wide aisles and accessible counters, where you can pick up a souvenir to remember your delightful visit to the Malta National Aquarium. This accessible excursion not only promises a day full of discovery but also ensures comfort and ease for all visitors, making it a truly inclusive experience.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Rotunda of Xewkija

Why Visit?

Unveiling the Historic Magic of Xewkija: A Wheelchair-Friendly Journey

Morning Exploration: The Rotunda of Xewkija

Begin your day in the serene village of Xewkija, the oldest village on the enchanting island of Gozo, Malta. The star attraction here is the magnificent Rotunda of Xewkija, famed for its colossal dome, which is one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. The journey to this architectural marvel is smooth, with accessible public transport options from Mgarr Harbour; the Gozo Channel Line operates frequent ferries that are equipped with ramps and lifts. Once at Mgarr, hop onto an accessible public bus or arrange for a wheelchair-friendly taxi.

The church itself welcomes visitors with wheelchair ramps and spacious interiors, allowing for a hassle-free exploration of its rich interior and intricate frescoes. Built in the 1970s, this church is not just a place of worship but a symbol of Gozitan resilience and craftsmanship, constructed around the old church which was later dismantled stone by stone once the new structure was completed. Don"t miss the small museum showcasing the old church"s artifacts, accessible via a lift.

Lunch and Leisure: Village Delights

Post your visit, indulge in a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby accessible restaurants, offering traditional Gozitan cuisine. Many places are equipped with accessible restrooms and tables that accommodate mobility aids.

Afternoon Stroll: Botanic Gardens

Conclude your day with a serene visit to the nearby accessible botanic gardens. Smooth pathways meander through lush Mediterranean flora, perfect for an afternoon stroll. The gardens are well-equipped with ramps and resting spots, ensuring a relaxing and refreshing end to your day.

This wheelchair-friendly tour not only immerses you in the architectural grandeur of Xewkija but also lets you savor the laid-back charm of Gozo, making for a fulfilling cultural expedition.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Palazzo Parisio

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey through the regal splendor of Palazzo Parisio, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Naxxar, Malta. This opulent palace, often referred to as a miniature Versailles, offers a wheelchair-friendly experience through its majestic halls and lush gardens.

Getting There

Begin your day with a comfortable ride to Naxar. If driving, parking is available nearby with accessible spaces. Alternatively, buses with wheelchair access regularly run from major points in Malta to Naxxar. Upon arrival, smooth pathways lead you to the entrance where a lift is available to bypass the front steps.

Touring the Palace

Step into the grandeur of the 18th-century baroque palace at 10:00 AM when doors open. Wheelchair users can explore the ground floor, which boasts lavish rooms like the Ballroom and the Dining Room, adorned with stunning frescoes and intricate gilding. Knowledgeable guides provide engaging tales about the Scicluna family, the entrepreneurial spirits who transformed the Palazzo into its current glory.

Garden Strolls

Post-palace, traverse to the magnificent gardens, designed in the Italianate baroque style. The garden paths are mostly flat and made of compact gravel, making them easy to navigate in a wheelchair. Here, enjoy the symmetrically laid out flora, ornamental ponds, and classical statues, offering a serene escape and fantastic photo opportunities.

Dining

Conclude your visit at the Luna restaurant within the palace grounds, which offers an accessible dining area. Indulge in a light lunch or a traditional Maltese afternoon tea while enjoying views of the garden.

Useful Tips

- Restrooms are accessible on the ground floor.

- It"s advisable to book your visit in advance, especially if you require special accommodations.

- Check the weather beforehand as the garden tour is best enjoyed on a clear day.

Palazzo Parisio is more than just a tour; it’s a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Maltese nobility, accessible to all who wish to delve into its history.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Ggantija Temples

Why Visit?

Discover the Ancient Wonders: Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Ggantija Temples

Welcome to the majestic Ggantija Temples, one of Malta"s most cherished UNESCO World Heritage Sites, notable for being among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. This wheelchair-accessible tour is specially curated to ensure everyone can experience the grandeur of these Neolithic temples which date back to approximately 3600 to 3200 BC.

Getting There

Located on the island of Gozo, the journey to Ggantija Temples begins with a beautiful ferry ride from Cirkewwa on Malta to Mgarr on Gozo. Upon arrival, you can opt for a public bus or a pre-booked accessible taxi that will take you directly to the temple site, situated in Xaghra. The site is equipped with designated parking close to the entrance for those arriving by car.

Start Your Tour

Upon arrival, head to the visitor center, which is fully accessible and offers detailed exhibitions that provide context before you explore the actual temples. Wheelchair users can move smoothly thanks to the paved pathways leading up from the visitor center to the temple complex.

Explore the Temples

The temple complex itself, featuring impressive megaliths, has partial wheelchair access. Most areas have ramps, and while some parts of the temple may have limited access, clear signage and alternative routes ensure you don"t miss out on the experience. Information panels along the path are well-placed for easy reading from a seated position.

Not-to-Miss

- Interactive Displays: Engage with the interactive models that show how the temples might have been used.

- 360-degree Viewing Platform: Offers a panoramic view of the site and surrounding landscape, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Before You Leave

Stop by the accessible gift shop to pick up a souvenir that commemorates your visit to this ancient wonder, ensuring you take a piece of Malta"s heritage home with you.

Enjoy your journey back in time at the Ggantia Temples, a tour that proves history is accessible to all!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Malta Classic Car Collection

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Day Trip to The Malta Classic Car Collection

Morning: History on Wheels

Start your Maltese adventure at The Malta Classic Car Collection, located in the bustling town of Qawra, within St. Paul’s Bay area. This hidden gem, easily accessible by a short bus ride from the central terminal in Valletta, welcomes wheelchair users with its fully accessible entrance and spacious layout. Begin your journey through time as soon as you wheel in at around 10:00 AM when the doors open.

Marvel at the meticulously curated assortment of over 100 classic cars and memorabilia, dating from the early 20th century. Each vehicle is accompanied by informative plaques that breathe life into their histories—ideal for automobile aficionados and history enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the 1955 Jaguar C Type or the adorable 1960s Fiat 500, which have fascinating stories to tell.

Lunch Break: Seaside Views

Around noon, head to the nearby Gillieru Restaurant, just a 15-minute ride away. This place not only offers a wheelchair-accessible environment but also boasts stunning views of St. Paul’s Islands. Refresh yourself with some local seafood, which is as fresh as it gets.

Afternoon: A Stroll and Shop

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the accessible promenade at Bugibba, adjacent to Qawra. Soak in the Mediterranean sun and sea breeze. Here, you"ll find shops that are quite accessible, allowing you to indulge in some local crafts and souvenirs without any hassle.

Evening: Sunset and Reflection

Cap off the day with a serene view of the sunset from the Bugibba Square, which is also designed to be wheelchair-friendly. The square is a vibrant place where the local culture comes alive in the early evenings.

This tour not only offers a deep dive into car history but also ensures a smooth and comfortable experience for those with mobility challenges, making every moment in Malta memorable and accessible.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.