Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples

Hagar Qim (Ħaġar Qim) and Mnajdra are two megalithic sites on the south-west coast of Malta near Qrendi, built in the late Neolithic and more than 5,000 years old. Both are part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Hagar Qim crowns a ridge with open sea on one side; Mnajdra sits about 500 metres downhill towards the cliffs, linked by a footpath, and the two were probably used by the same community. A visitor centre at the entrance introduces both.

Hagar Qim

Hagar Qim is built of globigerina limestone, with an unusual main structure that has features and doorways along its outer wall. Inside, a paved central passage leads to chambers with beaten-earth floors, entered through trilithon doorways or porthole doorways cut through a single block. The low-relief carvings on site are copies; one original is in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta and the other in the visitor centre.

Mnajdra and the sun

Mnajdra has three structures in globigerina and coralline limestone. The doorway of the South structure is aligned with sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes, and at the winter and summer solstices the first rays strike decorated slabs on either side of the main doorway. Both sites have been covered by protective shelters since 2008 to slow weathering.

Hours and tickets (as of November 2026)

• As of November 2026, check Heritage Malta's current timetable before visiting. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing; holiday closures also apply.
• Tickets are EUR 10 for adults, EUR 7.50 for youths, seniors and students, EUR 5.50 for children (6 to 11), with infants free.

Heritage Malta suggests anything from 90 minutes to three hours. The visitor centre and Hagar Qim are accessible (with some assistance needed); Mnajdra is not. The path is exposed, so bring water and sun cover. The Blue Grotto viewpoint is just along the coast road, and Ghar Lapsi is nearby for a swim in summer.