Location: Island of Malta in Malta
Car: recommended
Balzan is one of the ‘Three Villages’, along with neighbouring Lija and Attard. Wealthy families built summer residences here in the early years of the 20th century, and the Three Villages are still considered an exclusive urban area. The most impressive is at nearby San Anton Palace, built by Grand Master Antoine de Paule in the late 16th century. It is now the official residence of the President of Malta and used for state functions. The gardens, open to the public, are a baroque masterpiece and oasis of green and calm.
A stroll through Balzan's old village core reveals its other architectural gems - from grand villas to old chapels. Take a short walk to the beautiful San Anton Gardens within the grounds of the President's Palace and enjoy tea and cake in the adjoining garden. A short drive to the Old City of Mdina is fascinating to visit for its timeless atmosphere, its cultural and religious treasures together with an extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture.