Malta - Southwest Coast Attractions

Buskett or Boshetto (little wood), as the knights called it, is the only woodland area in Malta and is overlooked by the Verdala Castle.

This festa takes place on June 7. It celebrates the end of the harvest with a jamboree of picnics, music and dance in the gardens of Buskett.

This "Cave of Ascension" was a fishermen's secret hiding hole until a direct road replaced the path and it is often referred to as Siggiewi's beach. It is also a good spot for diving.

At the bottom of the steep steps and slipway at the water's edge are fishermen's luzzus. The caves and easy access from the little jetties and rocks into the water make it a favorite with swimmers and cave divers.

This part of the coast is octopus territory.

This church was rebuilt in the 18th century and is a narrow gutted building with two bell-towers which squeeze all but the cupola on the dome out of view. The remains of St Benedict were donated to the church by Pope Pius in 1790 and are held inside.

This is the largest of the four villages in the area. It is the center of the quarry area and has narrow streets leaning inwards, much like North African streets. The George V Band Club was built in 1910 and still stands today, next to the parish Church of the Assumption. Behind this is the 16th century Church of St Basil.

Safi is the smallest village in the area. Here, more than anywhere else in the area, the North American stamp is evident. The palm trees are tall and some of the buildings have forecourts with aromatic plants and herbs.

In the main square, centru pastoirali, the streets are lined with palm trees.

Between Safi and Zurrieq is the Xarolla Windmill. It was introduced in 1536, 200 years before the others in the region. The Order maintained the mill to grind corn and it was still operational until the 1970s.