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Joonas L. CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Tarxien Temples

Archaeological Site

The Tarxien Temples on Malta are Neolithic megalithic structures with carved stone reliefs and chambers dating to the late fourth-third millennia BCE. Archaeology-minded visitors come for prehistoric architecture and the on-site museum displays.

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In this guide

Tarxien Temples essentials

Address: Tarxien Temples, Tarxien, Malta (Triq il-Merħla)
Website: heritagemalta.mt
Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (Heritage Malta hours)
Admission: €10 (adult) - managed by Heritage Malta; concessions apply
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About Tarxien Temples

Tarxien Temples are a late Neolithic megalithic temple complex located at Tarxien on the main island of Malta, dating to roughly the third millennium BC. The site features several adjacent temple buildings with rich stone carving and architectural detail.

Multiple decorated altars, carved reliefs and orthostats within four connected temple chambers, all set within a compact archaeological footprint and displayed under protective coverings. The complex is one of the most ornate of Malta’s temple sites and is presented with on-site visitor information.

Excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries uncovered the carved stonework and structural plan; the site has been conserved and presented for public viewing since then.

The temples lie in the southeastern part of Malta near the town of Tarxien and the larger towns of the Grand Harbour area, a short drive from central sites on the main island.

  • World Heritage: Part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta UNESCO World Heritage listing, making the site one of several late Neolithic temple sites on the islands.

What to See#

  • Main temple cluster: A sequence of four adjacent Neolithic temple structures arranged in a compact complex, each with distinctive carved stone altars and orthostats.
  • Visitor exhibits: An interpretation and visitor area with displays of carved stone fragments and examples of the sculptural decoration recovered on site.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Tarxien Temples

Visit Tarxien Temples in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors while exploring the outdoor archaeological site.

Spring
Mar-May · 12-22 °C
Mild temperatures ideal for exploring the open-air temple complex with comfortable walking conditions and fewer peak-summer tourists.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 18-26 °C
Pleasant weather and generally lower visitor numbers than July-August, making it another excellent time for comfortable visits.
Summer peak
Jun-Aug · 25-32 °C
Hotter, sunnier days and the busiest tourist period-visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.

Weather & Climate near Tarxien Temples

Climate

Tarxien Temples'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 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (530 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 46 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 10° - 16° 13° 89 mm partly cloudy 74% 4.3 m/s 0.4 low 9.9h
February Very Good 10° - 16° 13° 59 mm partly cloudy 76% 4.3 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.8h
March Very Good 10° - 18° 14° 38 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.2 m/s 1.0 high 11.8h
April Excellent 12° - 20° 16° 23 mm some cloud 83% 4.3 m/s 1.5 high 13.0h
May Ideal 15° - 24° 20° 9 mm mostly sunny 82% 4.4 m/s 1.9 very high 13.9h
June Ideal 19° - 28° 24° 1 mm clear 80% 3.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.4h
July Ideal 22° - 31° 26° 0 mm clear 77% 3.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.1h
August Ideal 22° - 31° 27° 5 mm clear 75% 3.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.3h
September Ideal 21° - 29° 25° 44 mm mostly sunny 75% 3.4 m/s 1.5 high 12.3h
October Excellent 18° - 25° 21° 76 mm some cloud 76% 3.7 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.2h
November Very Good 14° - 21° 17° 84 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.7 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.2h
December Good 11° - 17° 14° 102 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.3 m/s 0.3 low 9.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples are in the town of Tarxien, just outside Malta’s main urban area south of Valletta. By car it’s a short drive from Valletta - roughly 10-20 minutes depending on traffic - following the main southbound roads out of the capital. The site is within walking distance of Tarxien town center; it is also served by Malta’s public bus network from Valletta and other towns (get off at the Tarxien stop and walk a few minutes to the temples).

Tips for Visiting Tarxien Temples

  • Visit at opening or late afternoon to avoid the tour-bus groups and Malta's midday sun; the site is compact so quieter periods make it easier to study the intricate megalithic carvings.
  • Buy a ticket that includes the on-site museum: many visitors rush the outdoor stones but miss the small exhibition with original fragments and explanatory panels that clarify the temples' layout.
  • Arrive via Paola (Paola railway station is a short walk) to avoid parking hassles and to combine Tarxien with nearby sites if you're exploring Malta's megalithic circuit.