Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum
Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum
3.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
344 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
115
Average
91
Poor
44
Terrible
26
Florian
12 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Place is set in a nice location, away from the sounds of traffic. (Even if set alongside a main road, but once you're inside you won't hear any of it) The displays are wonderful, especially the walls of bones displayed in glass wardrobes/shelves. Skeletal displays are accurate and nicely presented. Great for sketching.
The garden section was a bit disappointing (usually when visited in other times, the plants are thriving and flowering) as a lot of the displays had no plants behind them. They presumably died due to the extreme heat and drought. No protection was provided against the elements from what I've seen.
The cave has been and still was great (for context I've been visiting for about 8 years now here and there). There's no added negatives or positives.
Overall enjoyable, great explanation on boards as to how the cave formed. Recommend for newcomers/tourists.
The garden section was a bit disappointing (usually when visited in other times, the plants are thriving and flowering) as a lot of the displays had no plants behind them. They presumably died due to the extreme heat and drought. No protection was provided against the elements from what I've seen.
The cave has been and still was great (for context I've been visiting for about 8 years now here and there). There's no added negatives or positives.
Overall enjoyable, great explanation on boards as to how the cave formed. Recommend for newcomers/tourists.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Musicians Mum
494 contributions
Jan 2022
Only accept card payments. Even if only for a 1 euro hot drink on exit(so do not bother)
Quite small but ideal for a short visit without overload. Easy to find by bus stop .Small display of bones found at different levels of excavation.
Steps through down levels of naturally kept terraces and some tree /herbs labelled. The cave itself is quite small but interesting.
Ideal for children under 10 as just enough and not too much. No good for buggies or wheelchairs.
One could take a picnic and just take in the view of the old terraces, roman villa and towers across the valley
Ticket price includes Borg in Nadur
Quite small but ideal for a short visit without overload. Easy to find by bus stop .Small display of bones found at different levels of excavation.
Steps through down levels of naturally kept terraces and some tree /herbs labelled. The cave itself is quite small but interesting.
Ideal for children under 10 as just enough and not too much. No good for buggies or wheelchairs.
One could take a picnic and just take in the view of the old terraces, roman villa and towers across the valley
Ticket price includes Borg in Nadur
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nigel B
Wakefield, UK924 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The museum is one big room with cabinets full of small bones eg rhinoceros knuckle. The cave is interesting but you only get about 30 yards inside but can’t get any further. Worth seeing if passing.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Loving malta
4 contributions
Sep 2022
I found the Ghar Dalem Caves on the Malta Heritage website and we were looking forward to visiting. However when we reached the caves and went to pay we were told they didn't take cash, only card payments. The admission prices were on the Heritage Malta website but no mention with the prices that it was card payment only. I asked if my son at home could pay over the phone for us, but unfortunately no entry without a physical card. Disappointed as it had taken over an hour to reach them by bus.
The lady at reception was very nice and helpful regarding buses but was unable to assist with entry to the caves.
The lady at reception was very nice and helpful regarding buses but was unable to assist with entry to the caves.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
don c
29 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
A different way to start our sunday outing with such a beautiful Maltese weather.
We visited Ghar Dalam caves which are such in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature and beautiful views. A well taken care of museum is found when you enter with very interesting facts.
We visited Ghar Dalam caves which are such in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature and beautiful views. A well taken care of museum is found when you enter with very interesting facts.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear caruanad,
Thank you for reviewing Ghar Dalam we are glad you enjoyed your visit and we will be happy to welcome you back again. Very much appreciated 😊!
Written November 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SHShaw
Island of Malta, Malta110 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
This is a difficult museum to rate on TripAdvisor. Should we approach the review from the perspective of the general public or should we review from the perspective of those who enjoy some palaeontology or palaeobiology. We decided to review the cave and museum from the perspective of the "palaeoaware". We do not think that the general public would enjoy it.
The cave was created during the Mediterranean's "Rain Age", known in northern Europe as the Ice Ages. One often forgets that this geologic era did more than create large ice cubes. The endless rain on limestone Malta created river valleys and caves. This museum is for a fine example of such a cave.
The museum building is of modest size and quite old. The staff were unwelcoming and disinterested. To be fair, once we started asking them questions, they thawed a little and did converse with us. We have noticed that the staff in Heritage Malta establishments are increasingly distant and unhelpful. This may point to morale problems in the organisation.
The museum consists of two wings, the old wing and the new. The new wing was created a number of years ago and contains much interesting information about the cave formation and about the biological remains found there. The displays are not to current AV standards but are very well done. Exhibits include expositions on nanism and deposition at different periods.
The old wing is very old fashioned. It is a room full of Victorian wood and glass cabinets, filled with endless rows of similar fossils. If there was a Museum of museums then this room could be an exhibit! When looking at the old wing one needs to be charitable and bear in mind that the museum has been subjects to repeated theft and vandalism over the years. The old wing is filled with what was not stolen.
The walk from the cave through the garden was enjoyable as we could view the dry river valley with a Knights-era tower and a WW2 bunker protecting the exit from Birzebbuga harbour. The cave is the highlight of the visit. It is easy to enter and has been left in a state following decades of excavation. The cave is not an aesthetically pleasing array of stalagmites and stalactites like most tourist-available cave systems. The caves were mainly created by pressured water. The information in the cave is not really sufficient but does at least highlight different periods of biological deposition in different phases of inundation.
As stated above, this place is really to be recommended for those with an interest in the subject. For the interested the place is worth at least 90 minutes.
The cave was created during the Mediterranean's "Rain Age", known in northern Europe as the Ice Ages. One often forgets that this geologic era did more than create large ice cubes. The endless rain on limestone Malta created river valleys and caves. This museum is for a fine example of such a cave.
The museum building is of modest size and quite old. The staff were unwelcoming and disinterested. To be fair, once we started asking them questions, they thawed a little and did converse with us. We have noticed that the staff in Heritage Malta establishments are increasingly distant and unhelpful. This may point to morale problems in the organisation.
The museum consists of two wings, the old wing and the new. The new wing was created a number of years ago and contains much interesting information about the cave formation and about the biological remains found there. The displays are not to current AV standards but are very well done. Exhibits include expositions on nanism and deposition at different periods.
The old wing is very old fashioned. It is a room full of Victorian wood and glass cabinets, filled with endless rows of similar fossils. If there was a Museum of museums then this room could be an exhibit! When looking at the old wing one needs to be charitable and bear in mind that the museum has been subjects to repeated theft and vandalism over the years. The old wing is filled with what was not stolen.
The walk from the cave through the garden was enjoyable as we could view the dry river valley with a Knights-era tower and a WW2 bunker protecting the exit from Birzebbuga harbour. The cave is the highlight of the visit. It is easy to enter and has been left in a state following decades of excavation. The cave is not an aesthetically pleasing array of stalagmites and stalactites like most tourist-available cave systems. The caves were mainly created by pressured water. The information in the cave is not really sufficient but does at least highlight different periods of biological deposition in different phases of inundation.
As stated above, this place is really to be recommended for those with an interest in the subject. For the interested the place is worth at least 90 minutes.
Written December 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cplainjones
Birmingham, UK18 contributions
Sep 2019
The exhibition is a must see before entering the cave outside.
The new hall (2005) contains the clearest explaination of how Malta was formed and how it was affected by the ice ages despit the ice never coming anywhere near to the island. The mass of bones found in the cave and displayed in the second 'Victorian hall' confirmed that elephants and hippopotamus roamed the island once but that is not the biggest surprise - which is where they migrated from!!!
We wont spoil the surprise......
The new hall (2005) contains the clearest explaination of how Malta was formed and how it was affected by the ice ages despit the ice never coming anywhere near to the island. The mass of bones found in the cave and displayed in the second 'Victorian hall' confirmed that elephants and hippopotamus roamed the island once but that is not the biggest surprise - which is where they migrated from!!!
We wont spoil the surprise......
Written September 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CoasterNerdett
Belfast, UK333 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We managed to get to ghar dalam on our last day.
Being able to go into the cave and see where all the sediment layers had been found was very interesting along with the museum housing a multitude of bones and the different animals that had been native to the area.
Being able to go into the cave and see where all the sediment layers had been found was very interesting along with the museum housing a multitude of bones and the different animals that had been native to the area.
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wallyontravel
Vercelli, Italy322 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
If you like ancient history and you go there after having read a bit about the history of the cave you would appreciate it more, there are various historical events connected to the cave and you need to look around well to see the connections, but it's interesting.
Unfortunately at least at the moment of my visit the cave was open to visitors only in the front part, the most of it was not accessible.
You can reach it by bus from Valletta with a bus toward Birzebugga, the stop is Dalam, at the side of the road you see the entrance.
There also is a museum that shows some of the many bones found in the cave, including (the pictures) of the 2 controversial paleolithic human teeths
Unfortunately at least at the moment of my visit the cave was open to visitors only in the front part, the most of it was not accessible.
You can reach it by bus from Valletta with a bus toward Birzebugga, the stop is Dalam, at the side of the road you see the entrance.
There also is a museum that shows some of the many bones found in the cave, including (the pictures) of the 2 controversial paleolithic human teeths
Written June 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Biggs1988
Stoke sub Hamdon, UK4 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
5 Euros to get in.
A small but impressive cave
A two room museum, one enclosing bones found during excavation and the other, a history of the cave and its inhabitants.
While it isn't vast by any stretch and could do with updating more in line with the 21st century, it was interesting and worth visiting.
Not as disappointing as reviews seem to make out if you possess an ounce of knowledge about archaeology or have an interest in prehistoric settlements.
A small but impressive cave
A two room museum, one enclosing bones found during excavation and the other, a history of the cave and its inhabitants.
While it isn't vast by any stretch and could do with updating more in line with the 21st century, it was interesting and worth visiting.
Not as disappointing as reviews seem to make out if you possess an ounce of knowledge about archaeology or have an interest in prehistoric settlements.
Written September 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FarAway37073630461
Sydney, Australia
Can you please tell me if there are any wheelchair accessible caves or temples in Malta. Thank you.
Helen M
Paola, Malta42 contributions
The museum and shop are accessible but I don't think there is wheelchair access to the cave. I certainly didn't see it and in fact there are lots of steps which even as an able bodied person I found challenging, especially in the heat. Would suggest Tarxien temples instead. Definitely wheelchair friendly and even have a wheelchair of the correct width that you can use.
Hi and thanks for the helpful information about Ghar Dalam. It looks wonderful!
My cruise ship docks at Valletta, Malta Weds October 9 at 8 am and leaves at 6 pm. I would like to see the Ghar Dalam cave and museum, the Lascaris war rooms, and take a quick walk in Mdina.
1. Will there be enough time to see all three of them during the time in port?
2. Do I need to make a reservation for either the cave or the war rooms for a Wednesday in early October? Or can I just show up and be sure of getting in?
3. Are there plenty of taxis available near where large cruise ships dock so that I can be sure of getting a taxi to take me from there to the Ghar Dalam cave?
4. Do I have to pay the taxi to wait while I am seeing Ghar Dalam, or will it be quick to call another taxi to pick me up and take me to the Lascaris war rooms?
5. Same question about the Lascaris war rooms - do any taxis hang around there? Is it safest to hire a taxi to take me to each of these places, then wait for me, and then drive me to the next place I want to see?
These are very dull questions, but they are high stakes for me because this is my only chance to see Malta. I don't want to pay for a taxi to drive me a short distance and then hang around. Repeat. Repeat. But if I have to, I will.
Thanks a million for your advice.
Kate
philiprohman
Cardiff, UK37 contributions
Hiya, I understand the war rooms are close to the port(didn't go there myself) however a taxi to Ghar Dalam, where you will spend an hour or so, would be the best option given the time you have. I would ask the taxi driver or another from his company, to collect you an hour & 20 minutes later to go to Mdina where you will need 2-3 hours. enjoy your trip.
Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum (Birzebbuga) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum
- Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum:
- Malta Prehistoric Temples Tour (From $49.26)
- Hagar Qim temple (UNESCO), Limestone Heritage & Marsaxlokk Market guided tour (From $68.97)
- The 3 Cities & More (From $366.00)
- Malta Multi Pass (From $82.10)
- Malta: Private Half-Day Archeological Sites Tour (From $261.63)
- Hotels near Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum:
- (0.05 mi) Cala Enza Suites
- (0.26 mi) Paramount Bay Penthouse
- (0.90 mi) Port View Guesthouse
- (1.03 mi) Duncan Guest House
- (3.13 mi) BOCO Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum:
- (0.44 mi) Ferretti Restaurant
- (0.32 mi) Al Fresco
- (1.03 mi) Ta' Victor Restauant
- (0.75 mi) Districtfive
- (1.04 mi) Tartarun Fish Restaurant