Għar Dalam Cave & Museum
Step into Malta's prehistoric past at Għar Dalam Cave, exploring ancient Ice Age remains and a fascinating museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler cave
Għar Dalam Cave & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler cave
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Malta's prehistoric past at Għar Dalam Cave, exploring ancient Ice Age remains and a fascinating museum.
"A must-see for those with a scientific sense or curious kids, offering an otherworldly experience."
Cool Cave Escape
The cave is significantly colder than outside, offering a refreshing break on hot days. :snowflake:
Combo Ticket Savings
Consider combo tickets with other sites like Borg in-Nadur for better value. :euro:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Prehistoric Cave
The Cave
Step into a cool, ancient world with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. A truly otherworldly experience.
Ice Age Museum
Museum Building
Discover artifacts and remains of animals that roamed Malta millions of years ago. Educational and engaging.
Peaceful Outdoor Garden
Outdoor Path
A tranquil space with endemic Maltese plants, benches, and picnic tables. Perfect for a moment of relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Manage Expectations for a Unique Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cool Cave Escape
The cave is significantly colder than outside, offering a refreshing break on hot days. :snowflake:
Combo Ticket Savings
Consider combo tickets with other sites like Borg in-Nadur for better value. :euro:
Visiting Malta
What should I visit in malta?
Manage Bone Expectations
Don't expect dinosaur bones; it's Ice Age animals that lived in Malta. :mammoth:
Online Ticket Booking
Book your tickets online via the official Heritage Malta website. :computer:
If you see anything important that I'm missing, or if you have local tips, please let me know!
Tips
from all over the internet
Cool Cave Escape
The cave is significantly colder than outside, offering a refreshing break on hot days. :snowflake:
Combo Ticket Savings
Consider combo tickets with other sites like Borg in-Nadur for better value. :euro:
Manage Bone Expectations
Don't expect dinosaur bones; it's Ice Age animals that lived in Malta. :mammoth:
Online Ticket Booking
Book your tickets online via the official Heritage Malta website. :computer:
Audio Guide Recommended
The audio guide enhances the museum experience with detailed presentations. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Għar Dalam Cave and Museum to be an interesting and educational experience, particularly for its unique prehistoric cave and Ice Age exhibits. The cool cave offers a welcome escape from the heat, and the surrounding gardens provide a peaceful retreat. While some find the museum's focus on Ice Age fauna different from expectations, most appreciate the historical insights and the overall value, especially with combo tickets.
"A very nice experience especially during hot days. Super interesting museum with very high quality souvenir shop plus local goods. Also nice toilette and some cold/hot drinks to buy. Super exciting for kids but not too long, also an outdoor path and the cave itself is worth to visit. If you have a scientific sense and/or have curious kids, a must. I do not get it why some people do not like it…"
davidbogyo
"I am sorry I am giving this 4 stars. It is ok, I was expecting dinosaur bones but was disappointed to see just elephant bones. Animals that used to live in Malta Island decades ago. But not much excavated bone displays to see. The cave was nice, but strong mould smell and I recommend you cover you face from the strong smell.
Lots of historical trees and garden, but not my thing.
It was not busy when I went during early September week around 1pm. I bought my ticket online at official Heritage website, I also had a combo ticket with Borg in-Nadur. Which was a good cheap ticket for €13 for 2 people.
Would I recommend this? Not really, but others who like these sort of things might enjoy it."
David O
"Great and worth visit. Everything in the museum is well explained, there is nice video to watch if you don't want to read. Great souvenir shop. Friendly staff. From museum building you walk to cave under pine trees, there are benches and even area with picnic tables. Very peaceful. Cave is significantly colder than outside but you will be fine for few minutes. There are stalagmites and stalactits. In the museum building is also a panel where you can test your knowledge.
You can definitely learn a lot here about how ice-age period affected Malta and Europe and more (eg about elephant teeth)."
Jana Sko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Għar Dalam Cave is easily accessible by bus from Valletta. Several bus routes service the area, making it a convenient option for travelers without a car. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes. If driving, there is a dedicated car park available on-site.
Yes, Għar Dalam Cave is accessible by car and offers its own car park. This is a good option if you are exploring the southern part of Malta and want to combine it with other nearby attractions.
The best way to reach Għar Dalam Cave depends on your preference. Buses are a reliable and affordable option from Valletta, while driving offers more flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Għar Dalam Cave can be purchased online through the official Heritage Malta website. It's recommended to book in advance, especially if you're interested in combo tickets.
Yes, combo tickets are often available, which can include entry to other historical sites like Borg in-Nadur. These can offer good value for money if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Heritage Malta website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Ticket prices can vary, but combo tickets for two people have been noted as around €13. It's advisable to check the Heritage Malta website for current pricing and any special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Għar Dalam Cave, you'll find fascinating stalagmites and stalactites, offering a glimpse into prehistoric geological formations. The cave is known for its cool temperature, providing a welcome respite from the heat.
Yes, Għar Dalam Cave is considered exciting for children. The museum exhibits and the cave itself offer an engaging and educational experience that can capture their curiosity.
The museum at Għar Dalam features exhibits on human remains and Ice Age artifacts, including bones of animals that once inhabited Malta. There's also a video presentation to enhance your understanding.
Some visitors have noted a strong mold smell within the cave. It's a natural occurrence in such environments, and while some find it noticeable, it doesn't detract from the overall experience for most.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are encouraged to capture the experience. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of others and avoid flash photography if it's disruptive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full restaurant, you can purchase cold and hot drinks at the site. The outdoor garden area also has picnic tables, making it a good spot to enjoy a packed lunch.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food. The garden area with picnic tables provides a pleasant setting to enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave's unique formations offer striking photographic subjects. The outdoor garden with its endemic plants and the museum exhibits also provide interesting visual elements for your photos.
While specific rules can change, it's generally advisable to avoid flash photography inside the cave to protect the delicate formations and for the comfort of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a light jacket for the cave and taking advantage of the picnic tables in the garden for a relaxed lunch. The interactive elements in the museum, like the knowledge test panel, can also add an extra layer of fun for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy at the picnic tables in the garden can further help keep costs down, making it an affordable yet enriching experience.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Recommendation: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Tarxien Temples or the Hypogeum (book Hypogeum tickets far in advance). The accessibility by bus or car makes it a convenient stop for those on a tight schedule.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Prehistoric Depths
The experience is often described as otherworldly, with the unique formations and the cool, damp air creating an immersive atmosphere. While the cave itself might not be overwhelmingly large, its historical and geological significance is immense. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, absorb the details, and appreciate the ancient history preserved within its depths.
Practical Tip: Be prepared for the cooler temperatures inside the cave, even on a hot day. Wearing a light jacket or shawl can enhance your comfort during your exploration.
The Għar Dalam Museum: A Window to Malta's Past
The museum aims to educate visitors about the impact of the Ice Age on Malta and Europe. Informative displays and a helpful audio guide are available, making the learning experience accessible and engaging. Some visitors appreciate the video presentation, which complements the physical exhibits and provides a broader understanding of the site's significance.
Community Insight: While some visitors were initially disappointed by the absence of dinosaur bones, many found the exhibits on Ice Age fauna and the historical context provided by the museum to be highly educational and worthwhile. The museum also features a quality souvenir shop with local goods.
Gardens and Relaxation
The garden also features the ruins of a Roman villa, adding another layer of historical interest to the site. It's a welcome contrast to the enclosed space of the cave and the informative displays of the museum, offering a moment of calm and connection with the local flora.
Traveler Tip: The garden is a great place to unwind. If you're traveling with children, the picnic area can be a convenient spot for them to stretch their legs and enjoy a snack in a pleasant setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit