Salina is the latest nature reserve managed by BirdLife Malta.
Originally a harbour, the Salina site consists of 154,000 square metres of saline marshland and a number of salt pans. The site attracts many different species, with birds often stopping here to rest during migration. Salina is a protected area forming part of the Natura 2000 network and also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) because of the endemic flora and fauna which can be found in the area. Salina is a very important reserve as it support a diverse range of rare and endangered species, some of which can only be found in Malta. Salina is one of only 4 areas, in Malta, to support the Maltese Killifish (Bużaqq) Aphanius fasciatus, which needs shallow saltwater lagoons to live. The salt water marshland of Salina is also home to many rare plants such as Borrer’s Salt Marsh Grass and Sea Couch.
The salt pans were constructed by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The complex is home to three timber huts which were reconstructed on the same style of the original huts built by the British in the 18th century for salt production, one of which serves as the visitors’ centre. The visitor centre is well worth a visit and if you get the opportunity to chat with Nimrod the reserve director then it is very rewarding and his passion is very evident.
Please do remember this is a nature reserve so try to be considerate in your actions, watch where you are walking and try to keep noise to a minimum.
Please do be aware that the park is open between the hours of 7am and 8pm between the months of April-September and between 7am and 6pm between October-March.