San Anton Palace
Palace Baroque palace and historic state gardens in Attard
18th‑century San Anton Palace in Attard serves as Malta’s presidential residence; visitors come for the manicured San Anton Gardens and occasional guided palace openings.
San Anton Palace is an historic palace in the town of Attard on the island of Malta, dating to the early 17th century. It was built as a country residence for a Grand Master of the Order of St John and is now the official residence of the President of Malta.
The palace is best known for its formal San Anton Gardens, a public green space with ornamental plantings, fountains and avenues, and for its ceremonial state rooms. The gardens are a popular local park and are open to the public; the palace interior is used for official receptions and is only partially accessible.
Originally constructed as a private country house for Grand Master Antoine de Paule in the early 1600s, the building was extended and remodelled over later centuries. After Maltese independence the palace became the presidential residence and has been used for state functions since the 20th century.
The palace stands in central Malta in the town of Attard, between the larger towns of Valletta and Mdina. It is set amid suburban streets and gardens, within easy driving distance of Malta’s main road network.
- Official residence: Serves as the official residence of the President of Malta, with the surrounding gardens open to visitors while interior access is limited during official use.
What to See #
- San Anton Gardens: Formal gardens laid out around the palace with walkways, ornamental plantings and avenues that are open to the public and popular for walks and photography.
- Palace apartments: State apartments and ceremonial rooms inside the palace used for official functions and state receptions; access is limited when the residence is in official use.
How to Get to San Anton Palace #
From Valletta or the central bus terminus, take buses heading toward Attard. The palace is near the village center and visible from main roads; local taxis can also reach the site easily.
Tips for Visiting San Anton Palace #
- Arrive mid-morning to enjoy gardens before guided groups arrive and to watch the palace doors open for official visitors.
- The palace gardens are a popular spot for local weddings and official receptions-if a ceremony is in progress, the public areas may be restricted.
- Combine a palace visit with nearby Mdina and Rabat for a full-day historical circuit.
Best Time to Visit San Anton Palace #
Best in spring and autumn for comfortable garden visits and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near San Anton Palace #
San Anton Palace's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (543 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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