Għar Tuta, Central Region Travel Guide

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Explore Għar Tuta: Uncover Malta's ancient past and discover the lives of the island's first inhabitants from 8,500 years ago.

Għar Tuta, also known as Latnija Cave, is a significant archaeological site in Mellieħa, Malta. Recent excavations have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back 8,500 years, pushing Malta's known human history back by a millennium. The cave is now a protected site, offering a glimpse into the lives of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers who first colonized the island.

A brief summary to Għar Tuta

X8GH+XCQ, Mellieħa, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Għar Tuta.

Note that access to the cave is currently restricted due to its protected archaeological status.
Learn about the discoveries at the Mellieha Local Council.
Wear sturdy shoes if you are walking to the site as the terrain can be uneven.

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Getting There

Walking

Għar Tuta is located approximately a 15-minute walk from the main road in Mellieħa. From the Mellieħa Parish Church, head southwest along Triq il-Madonna ta' Fatima. Continue onto Triq il-Latnija. The site is located off the road; look for a fenced-off area.
Public Transport

From the Mellieha bus terminus, walk along Triq il-Madonna ta' Fatima, then onto Triq il-Latnija. Several bus routes serve Mellieha, including routes from Valletta and other major towns. A single journey ticket costs €2.50 in summer.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Mellieħa. A taxi from the Mellieha centre to Għar Tuta would be a short ride, costing approximately €10-€15. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Għar Tuta

Għar Tuta, or Latnija Cave, is a collapsed sinkhole cave in Mellieħa that has recently gained international prominence as the site of Malta's oldest known human settlement. Excavations beginning in 2019 and continuing into 2025 have revealed groundbreaking evidence that Malta was inhabited by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers as early as 8,500 years ago, a thousand years earlier than previously believed.Prior to this discovery, it was thought that the first inhabitants of Malta were Neolithic farmers who arrived around 7,500 years ago. However, the findings at Għar Tuta, including radiocarbon dating of charcoal and animal remains, indicate a much earlier human presence. The cave's stratigraphic layers show repeated use over time, suggesting seasonal or intermittent habitation.The artifacts uncovered at Għar Tuta include ash layers, stone tools, and thousands of burned animal bones. These early inhabitants are believed to have subsisted on a diet of birds, fish, seals, tortoises, and sea urchins, similar to Mesolithic diets in Sicily. The discovery of fish remains also suggests that these hunter-gatherers possessed the maritime skills to build boats, possibly dugout canoes, and cross the 100 kilometers from Sicily to Malta. This sea voyage represents a remarkable navigational and psychological feat for early seafarers.Today, Għar Tuta is a protected Class A archaeological site, with authorities taking measures to ensure its preservation. While the site is currently fenced off to the public, its significance in rewriting Malta's prehistory is undeniable.