Kalkara | Exploring Malta

Kalkara is a village in the Port Region of Malta. It is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, forming a part of the Grand Harbour area. With a population of approximately 3,000 residents as of 2025, Kalkara is a small, traditional community. The village is situated in a creek known as Kalkara Creek, and it lies adjacent to the famous Three Cities, specifically the city of Birgu. The name “Kalkara” is derived from the Latin word for lime (Calce), as the area was historically known for its lime kilns.

The character of Kalkara is that of a quiet, traditional Maltese fishing village. Its identity is deeply connected to the sea and the maritime history of the Grand Harbour. The village has a picturesque waterfront that is lined with colorful fishing boats. This tranquil atmosphere exists alongside the presence of major national institutions, including a large interactive science center and the Malta Film Studios. This combination of a traditional Maltese village and modern, international facilities gives Kalkara its specific character.

A Short History of Kalkara

The history of Kalkara is inextricably linked to the maritime history of Malta’s Grand Harbour. For centuries, its sheltered creek was a key location for shipbuilding and naval activities. The story of the village is one of its development from a small industrial area into a key site for British naval power, and its subsequent rebirth as a residential community and a center for science and film. This history reflects the wider transformations of the Grand Harbour region.

Early History and the Knights

The area of Kalkara has been used for maritime purposes for centuries. The name of the creek, which is related to lime kilns, indicates its early industrial function. During the rule of the Knights of St. John, the strategic importance of the area was recognized. To defend the entrance to the Grand Harbour, the Knights constructed the massive Fort Ricasoli on the peninsula at the mouth of Kalkara Creek in the late 17th century. This major fortification became a key part of the harbor’s defensive network.

The British Period

A pivotal period in the village’s history was its time under British rule. The British Royal Navy established a major presence in the Grand Harbour. In the 19th century, the British built the large Royal Naval Hospital Bighi on the peninsula overlooking the creek. This large neoclassical building was one of the most important naval hospitals in the Mediterranean. The British also continued to use and expand the dockyard facilities in the area, which made the village a target during World War II.

Modern Era and the Film Industry

The village of Kalkara suffered heavy damage from bombing raids during World War II due to its proximity to the dockyards and Fort Ricasoli. After the war, the village was rebuilt. A key development in its modern history was the establishment of the Malta Film Studios in the 1960s. The studios, which feature large water tanks, have attracted numerous major international film productions to Malta. In the 21st century, the historic Bighi Hospital was restored and converted into the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, further shaping the village’s modern identity.

Things to Do and See

The sights in and around Kalkara are focused on its maritime history, its role in the film industry, and its scenic location on the Grand Harbour. The main points of interest include a massive historic fort, a modern science center in a historic building, and the only sandy beach in the inner harbor area.

Fort Ricasoli

Fort Ricasoli is a massive 17th-century fortification that guards the entrance to the Grand Harbour. It is located on the peninsula that forms the eastern side of Kalkara Creek. The fort was built by the Knights of St. John between 1670 and 1698. It is one of the largest forts in Malta. In recent decades, the fort has been extensively used as a filming location for major international productions, including the films Gladiator and Troy. The fort is not generally open to the public for tours but its impressive outer walls are a major landmark.

Esplora Interactive Science Centre

The Esplora Interactive Science Centre is Malta’s national science center. It is housed in the magnificently restored buildings of the former Royal Naval Hospital Bighi. The historic 19th-century hospital complex has been transformed into a modern, hands-on science museum. The center features over 200 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an outdoor science park. It is a major educational and family-friendly attraction. The location also offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

Malta Film Studios

The Malta Film Studios are located on the Rinella peninsula in Kalkara. The studios are famous for their large, specialized water tanks that are used for filming sea scenes. The facility has one of the largest indoor tanks in the world. Numerous major films and television series, such as Popeye and Game of Thrones, have filmed scenes here. While it is an active film studio, tours of the facility are sometimes available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry.

Rinella Bay

Rinella Bay is a small sandy beach located at the mouth of Kalkara Creek. It is the only sandy beach located within the inner Grand Harbour area. The beach is a popular swimming spot for local residents, especially for families with children. The bay is sheltered and provides calm waters. It offers a unique view of the Valletta bastions on the other side of the harbor.

The Village Core and Kalkara Creek

The village core of Kalkara is centered around the parish church and the waterfront of Kalkara Creek. The waterfront is lined with traditional Maltese fishing boats (Luzzu) and small pleasure craft. The area has a quiet, traditional atmosphere. A walk along the promenade provides a look at the daily life of this small fishing community. The historic St. Joseph’s Parish Church is the main landmark in the village center.

Sports in Kalkara

The sporting life in Kalkara is centered on its local community football club. The village’s deep connection to the sea is also reflected in its participation in the traditional sport of regatta racing.

Football

Football is a popular sport in Kalkara, with a local club that is a key part of the community. The club provides a platform for local players and competes in the national league system of Malta.

Kalkara United F.C.

The main football club is Kalkara United F.C. The club competes in the lower divisions of the Maltese football league system. They play their home games at a local football ground. The club is an important institution for the local community, with a focus on youth development.

Regatta

Regatta is a traditional form of rowing race that is held twice a year in the Grand Harbour. The races are a major cultural and sporting event in Malta. Several of the towns around the harbor, including Kalkara, have their own regatta clubs. The clubs train throughout the year for these highly competitive races. The sport is a key part of the maritime heritage of the Grand Harbour communities.

Getting Around in Kalkara

Navigating the village of Kalkara and its immediate surroundings is best done on foot or by local bus. The village is small and its main points of interest are located close to each other. For travel to the capital, Valletta, the harbor ferry is a convenient option.

On Foot: The Village and Waterfront

Walking is the best way to explore the central part of Kalkara. The village core, the waterfront of Kalkara Creek, and Rinella Bay are all within a short walking distance of each other. A walk along the waterfront provides scenic views of the harbor and the neighboring city of Birgu.

Local Buses

The public transport in Malta is based on an extensive network of buses operated by Malta Public Transport. Several bus routes connect Kalkara with the main bus terminal at Valletta and with the other towns of the Three Cities. The buses are the primary mode of public transport for traveling around the island.

The Three Cities Ferry

A key mode of transport for the area is the Three Cities Ferry. This passenger ferry service provides a direct and scenic connection between the Three Cities (with a stop at Bormla, near Kalkara) and the capital city of Valletta. The ferry journey across the Grand Harbour takes only a few minutes and offers excellent views of the historic fortifications.

How to Get to Kalkara

Reaching the village of Kalkara is straightforward, as it is located within the main Grand Harbour conurbation of Malta. The country’s single international airport is a short drive away, and the village is well-served by the national bus network.

The Open Road: Driving to Kalkara

Driving is a common way to reach Kalkara. The village is connected by a network of local roads to the main road system of Malta. From the area around the airport, the drive takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Be aware that the streets within the historic villages of the Grand Harbour area can be very narrow, and parking can be difficult to find.

Arriving by Air: Malta International Airport

The primary and sole gateway to the country is Malta International Airport (MLA). It is located in the town of Luqa, approximately 8 kilometers from Kalkara. The airport is well-connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. From the airport, a taxi or a local public bus service can be used to reach Kalkara.

Connecting by Coach

There are no major long-distance coach services in Malta due to the small size of the island. The entire country is served by the integrated national bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. The main bus terminal is located just outside the city gates of Valletta. Several routes from this terminal serve Kalkara and the Three Cities area.

On Track: The Absence of Rail

There is no train service in Malta. The country does not have a railway network. Therefore, it is not possible to reach Kalkara by train. All overland travel on the island must be done by road or by other means such as the harbor ferries.

An International Ferry Approach

It is possible to arrive in Malta by ferry. The main ferry terminal is located at the Valletta Waterfront. There are regular car and passenger ferry services that connect Malta with the port of Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy. From the ferry terminal in Valletta, it is a short journey by bus or taxi to reach the nearby village of Kalkara.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 10 Maltese cities, according to Google Maps:

Birgu, Malta – 2 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
Valletta, Malta – 8 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
Marsaxlokk, Malta – 10 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
Sliema, Malta – 11 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
St. Julian’s, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
Mosta, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
Mdina, Malta – 15 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
Rabat, Malta – 15 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
Buġibba, Malta – 19 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
Mellieħa, Malta – 25 kilometers (0 h 50 min)

Kalkara | Exploring Malta