Manoel Island Should Be Free, Car-Light and Non-Commercial, Public Consultation Says

What if Manoel Island became Malta’s calmest escape, completely free, open to everyone, and untouched by overdevelopment?

That’s exactly what dozens of residents, activists and experts are calling for in a new public consultation response on Manoel Island’s future. After 200+ hours of workshops involving over 70 participants, the message is loud and clear: Manoel Island should become a peaceful national park, not another commercial hotspot.

The consultation proposes turning Manoel Island into a serene, pedestrian-first space, with cars kept to an absolute minimum and access prioritised for walkers, families and people with mobility needs. Public transport links, including sea connections, should be improved, while the island remains free to enter.

Wellbeing is central to the vision. Suggestions include outdoor fitness areas, swimming zones with safer access, picnic spaces, cultural events and quiet nature trails, all without turning the island into a crowded tourist attraction.

There’s also a strong call to save Manoel Island’s crumbling heritage, including Fort Manoel and the Lazzaretto. Instead of closed museums, the idea is to bring these spaces to life with community uses, exhibitions, NGOs, art studios and even non-commercial cafés run for the public, not profit.

Nature protection is non-negotiable. The plan pushes for rewilding, limiting new construction, removing invasive species, reducing noise from boats, preventing fires and turning the island into a green, climate-friendly zone.

Perhaps most strikingly, the consultation firmly rejects heavy commercialisation. Advertising, large events and loud parties are discouraged, with contributors insisting Manoel Island should not be a money-making venture.

People want Manoel Island to stay public, peaceful and protected, a rare escape from Malta’s urban chaos, not another concrete playground.

#MaltaDaily