A Closer Look at Malta’s Brew Heritage: The Farsons Brewery Experience
If you’re wandering through Malta and have even a passing interest in beer or local history, the Brewery Experience at Farsons is sure to catch your eye. For just $17 per person, you get a self-guided tour of the historic 1950s brewery in Birkirkara, lasting about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The experience includes a taste of five freshly brewed beers and a chance to relax on the rooftop terrace with sweeping views that make every sip even better.
What we love about this experience is how flexible it is — you’re in charge of your pace and your exploration. Whether you’re a casual sipper curious about Malta’s favorite brews or a history enthusiast eager to learn about the families behind the brand, this tour offers a little something for all. Plus, the stunning rooftop terrace at The Cisk Tap is a highlight, providing a perfect spot to unwind with your favorite cold one.
One small consideration is that this self-guided experience doesn’t include a live guide, so you’ll want to be comfortable exploring independently and using the provided audio guides. Also, if you’re traveling with children under 12, they won’t be able to sample the beers but can still enjoy the historic setting and the views.
In short, this tour suits those who appreciate authentic, laid-back experiences with a focus on Malta’s brewing past and present. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative outing that combines history, local flavor, and great scenery, this is a solid choice.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Flexible self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace.
- Learn about Malta’s brewing history and the entrepreneurial families behind it.
- Enjoy tastings of five beers and stunning rooftop views.
- Visit the historic brewhouse with its unique spaces, from malt stores to chapels.
- Conveniently located in Birkirkara, with optional transportation.
- Visit the Brandstore for souvenirs to remember your Maltese beer adventure.
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The Details: What You Can Expect from the Farsons Brewery Experience
This tour offers an authentic glimpse into Malta’s brewing heritage. The historic Farsons complex, built in the 1950s, has been transformed into a lively hub that balances industrial history with modern leisure. The site features a blend of old brewing equipment, such as malt stores and open vats, alongside spaces like the chapel and copper kettles — each telling a part of Malta’s brewing story.
The Self-Guided Exploration
The core of the experience is the self-guided audio tour, available in seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Maltese. This flexibility is ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, pausing to read or listen as they go. We appreciate how this approach puts you in control, enabling you to spend more time in areas you find most interesting.
Discovering Malta’s Beer Brands
Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the three entrepreneurial families that shaped Malta’s brewing industry. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of the complex, illuminating how local craftsmanship and business acumen built a beloved Maltese icon. Several reviews mention how engaging this storytelling is — one traveler said, “It was a brilliant experience enjoyed every minute.”
More Great Tours NearbyThe Historic Brewing Hall
A highlight is visiting the historic brewing hall, where you can get a sense of the scale and craftsmanship involved in Malta’s beer production. The open vats and copper kettles are not only picturesque but also serve as a tangible connection to the past, showing how beer was traditionally made.
Beer Tasting & Rooftop Views
Once your exploration is complete, it’s time for the best part — sampling five beers of 100 mL each. The selection features a variety of freshly brewed options, perfect to appreciate Malta’s local flavors. For those under 17 or not drinking alcohol, a soft drink is available.
The experience’s crowning jewel is the rooftop terrace at The Cisk Tap, where you can unwind with your brews in hand while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to reviews, this spot alone is worth the visit, with one saying, “absolutely recommendable… the view from the roof is spectacular!”
Additional Perks
Post-tour, you’re encouraged to visit the Farsons Brandstore for souvenirs, a great way to take home a piece of Maltese brewing history. The site also offers various eateries where you can enjoy local food and drinks (although these are not included in the ticket price).
Transportation Options
You can choose between just buying a ticket or opting for transportation, which includes pickup and drop-off. The transportation service runs every Saturday afternoon, with pick-up times flexible between 1:30 PM and 2:15 PM. The return transfer is around 4:30 PM, making it easy to plan your day.
Why This Tour Works
The value here lies in the combination of history, local flavor, and scenic relaxation. For $17, you get an immersive experience that doesn’t feel rushed, with the freedom to explore and sample as you please. The self-guided format lends itself well to independent travelers who like to take their time and soak in the atmosphere at their own speed.
The stunning rooftop views are a standout feature, making this more than just a brewery tour — it’s a chance to enjoy Malta’s landscapes while sipping on some of its best brews. It’s also a great choice for those who want to combine a relaxed afternoon with cultural insight.
From the reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find the experience delightful and engaging — one reviewer said, “It was a brilliant experience enjoyed every minute,” while another praised the “spectacular views from the roof.” The combination of history, great scenery, and good beer makes it compelling.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
If you’re a beer enthusiast looking to taste local brews in a historic setting, this tour is a must. It also suits history lovers who enjoy learning about the stories behind brands and family legacies. Travelers seeking relaxed, scenic outings will appreciate the rooftop terrace and the flexible schedule. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to combine a bit of cultural insight with leisurely tasting — no strict guides or hurried schedules here.
This tour may not be ideal for young children under 12, or those who prefer guided commentary, but it’s perfect for travelers who value independent exploration in a beautiful setting. Also, if you’re not into beer, the soft drinks are a thoughtful inclusion for younger guests or non-drinkers.
FAQ: Practical Questions about the Farsons Brewery Experience
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate, but they won’t be able to sample the beers. A soft drink is provided for those aged 12-17, and younger kids are welcome to explore the historic site and enjoy the views with an adult.
Can I visit the brewery at my own pace?
Absolutely. The tour is designed as a self-guided experience, so you can go through the different areas whenever you like during the operating hours.
What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket provides entry to the brewery, access to the self-guided audio tour, and five beer samples (or a soft drink for younger guests). If you choose the transportation option, pickup and drop-off are included.
Are food and additional drinks included?
No, food is not included. While you can purchase food and additional drinks at the brewery’s eateries, they are not part of the ticket price.
How long does the tour last?
Expect around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace and interest level.
What are the opening hours for the brewery?
You can visit any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM with your ticket, which allows you to choose your preferred time slot.
Is the rooftop terrace accessible at all times?
Yes, once you’ve completed your self-guided tour, you can head to the rooftop at your leisure to enjoy the views and your samples.
Final Thoughts
This Brewery Experience at Farsons offers a balanced mix of history, local culture, and scenic relaxation. The self-guided format empowers you to control your visit, making it ideal for independent travelers or those who prefer a laid-back pace. The stunning rooftop views paired with tasting Malta’s top beers make it a memorable part of any Malta trip.
It’s especially suited for beer lovers, history fans, or anyone eager to enjoy a peaceful, scenic afternoon with genuine Maltese flavor. The reasonable price makes it accessible, and the option for transportation simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick sip or seeking a deeper connection to Malta’s brewing past, this experience offers good value and authentic fun. Just remember to pace yourself, take in the views, and enjoy the stories behind Malta’s favorite brews.
Enjoy Malta’s brewing legacy, relax on the rooftop, and taste some of the best local beers — all in one affordable, flexible experience.
You can check availability for your dates here: