Simar Nature Reserve, Northern District Travel Guide

4.5 (121)

Discover a revitalized wetland sanctuary in St. Paul's Bay, Malta, teeming with diverse birdlife and natural beauty.

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Simar Nature Reserve

Simar Nature Reserve, managed by BirdLife Malta, is a revitalized wetland in St. Paul's Bay, offering a sanctuary for migratory and resident birds. Once a neglected marsh, it's now a thriving habitat with pools, reedbeds, and diverse wildlife, providing an ideal location for birdwatching and nature walks.

A brief summary to Simar Nature Reserve

Triq il-Pwales Xemxija, San Pawl il-Baħar, St Paul's Bay, SPB 4013, MT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Simar Nature Reserve.

Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Check the BirdLife Malta website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they vary seasonally.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the nature trail can be uneven in places.
Support the reserve by making a donation to BirdLife Malta.

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Explore Simar Nature Reserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Simar Nature Reserve, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus line 41 directly to the 'Simar' bus stop. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around €3. From Buġibba, several bus routes including 221, 222, and others stop at 'Roti' or 'Simar', a short walk from the reserve. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 in summer and €2.00 in winter.
Walking

If you are in Xemxija or St. Paul's Bay, Simar Nature Reserve is easily accessible on foot. From Xemxija Bay, walk along Triq il-Pwales, following the signs for the reserve. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 15-20 minutes from the main part of Xemxija. There are no specific costs involved.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in St. Paul's Bay and the surrounding areas. A taxi ride from the center of St. Paul's Bay to Simar Nature Reserve will cost approximately €15-€20 and take around 10 minutes. There are no additional tolls or parking fees.

Discover more about Simar Nature Reserve

Simar Nature Reserve, located in the northern part of Malta near Xemxija Bay, is a testament to successful ecological restoration. In the 1980s, this area was a degraded marshland used as a dumping ground, but BirdLife Malta transformed it into a flourishing nature reserve starting in 1992. Today, Simar is a mosaic of habitats, including open pools, reedbeds, canals, and an olive grove, supporting a rich biodiversity.The reserve is a haven for both resident and migratory birds, with over 120 species recorded annually. Birdwatchers can spot various species of herons, rails, kingfishers, and warblers. Simar is also the only place in Malta where Coots and Little Grebes breed. The reserve also hosts reptiles like chameleons and the rare Mediterranean Killifish.Visitors can explore the reserve via a nature trail leading to several birdwatching hides, offering excellent opportunities to observe wildlife up close. The visitor center provides information about the reserve's ecology and history. Simar is a fully protected bird sanctuary, a Ramsar site, and a Special Area of Conservation within the EU Natura 2000 network. It's a peaceful retreat where visitors can connect with nature, enjoy birdwatching, and appreciate the beauty of this restored wetland.Note that the reserve is generally open between September and May, with specific opening days and times varying. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.