Qrendi is a small village on Malta’s western coast with a big claim to history. Just beyond its borders lie two of the island’s most important prehistoric sites Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. These megalithic temples, older than the Pyramids of Giza, are among the world’s oldest surviving freestanding structures. Fossilised animal remains found in the area suggest life here goes back over 2.5 million years.

Qrendi itself is peaceful and understated, but a walk through its quiet streets reveals hidden gems such as quaint chapels, traditional Maltese houses of character, and three historic watchtowers: Captain’s Tower (also known as the Octagonal Tower), Tal-Ħamrija Tower, and Xutu Tower, once built to guard against corsair raids.