Area Guide
Sliema Area
This is the most popular area of Malta largely due to its seafront location with the 3km stretch of promenade (a hive of activity for walkers, joggers and the health conscious alike!) plus with a proximity to all the amenities one could wish for including countless restaurants and hotels. There is a stunning array of properties in these areas including the highly regarded ‘Portomaso’ lifestyle development in St.Julians with its very own yacht Marina as the equally luxurious Tigne Point complex with its incredible views out over Valletta and the open sea beyond. Ta’Xbiex is also a fantastic area with its wonderful seafront apartments and marina views. For those seeking entertainment, there is Paceville with its bars, nightclubs and cinemas whilst there are also some more family orientated residential areas namely in Swieqi, Ibrag and Pembroke(complete with its new children’s play park). The Sliema area also incorporates some of the most sought after residential locations in Madliena, High Ridge and Bahar Ic Caghaq with its large detached villas and swimming pools!
North
The north of Malta features some beautiful landscapes sandy beaches such as Mellieha, Ghajn Tuffieha and Gneja Bay as well as the awe-inspiring Dingli Cliffs with its wonderful views and walks. Residentially some of the most sought after and expensive locations are situated in this part of the Island including Wardija and the Santa Maria Estate in Mellieha. There is also the popular wooded gardens of Buskett (one of the only wooded areas of Malta) which is overlooked by the grand Verdala Palace (an official residence of the President of Malta) and Rabat which is famous for its Roman Catacombs. The popular tourist destination of St.Pauls Bay is also located in this part of the Island.
Central
The central area of Malta includes the Unesco listed World Heritage city of Valletta which has also been officially named as the ‘European Capital of Culture for 2018’ by the Council of Ministers of Europe. The highlights of this magnificent fortress city (often referred to as the “master of Baroque”) include the Caravaggio paintings at St.John’s Cathedral, the fascinating backstreets and architecture dating back to 1566 as well as the impressive bastions making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Other areas to mention include up and coming Floriana, Mosta with its main attraction being the 3rd largest unsupported dome in the world at the church called the “Rotunda” and majestic Mdina (also known as the Silent City) which is the old fortified medieval town and former capital of Malta that dates back to around 700BC. This central zone also has some lovely and highly regarded residential neighbourhoods in the Three Villages of Lija, Balzan and Attard as well as San Pawl Tat Targa.
South
The south of Malta is characterised by its quiet bays and fishing villages. It represents an authentic portrayal of the more traditional elements of Maltese culture. The area is less developed than other parts of Malta, however, this is starting to change especially with the cutting edge commercial hub called ‘Smart City’ and the new seafront ‘Lifestyle Development’ (with SDA status) of ‘Ta’Monita’ in Marsascala. Residentially the south has an abundance of charming ‘Houses of Character’ (see Qrendi, Senglea and Vittoriosa as examples), tucked within the many backstreets and represents good value when compared to the more expensive areas of the Island such as Sliema. The hugely historical and fortified ‘Three Cities’ are also located in the south of Malta and are made up of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. These towns feature a massive line of fortifications built by the Knights of St.John and were at the centre of the Great Siege battles of 1565 not to mention in later years during World War II by the bombing raids of Germany and Italy. Other attractions in the south include the incredible ‘Blue Grotto’ near Zurrieq which is a collection of cave systems by the sea plus the rocky inlet of ‘Ghar Lapsi’ which is a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts and rock climbers alike as well as the new ‘Sant’Antnin Family Park’ in Marsascala (the biggest in Malta and free!) which is a must for anyone with young children.
Gozo
Gozo is a beautiful rural Island off the coast of Malta famous for its long association as the home of “nymph Calypso” in “Homers Odyssey”. It is the second largest Island in the Maltese archipelago after Malta. The Island has a population of about 31,000 and is known for its world-class diving as well as many sandy beaches (try Ramla Bay!) seaside resorts such as Marsalforn and Xlendi Bay and historical locations such as the ‘Ggantija’ temples which are some of the oldest free-standing structures on earth! Also well worth going to see is the ‘Azure Window’ which is a natural arch formed from the ancient collapse of a limestone cave. Gozo is less developed than Malta and is widely regarded as being much greener with lush valleys and landscapes. It is common for visitors to stay in traditional farmhouses but there are also many fantastic hotels to suit all price ranges.
Comino
Comino is the smallest of the Maltese Islands measuring only 3.5km2 and is known for its tranquillity and isolation, whilst its name comes from the cumin seed that once flourished on the Islands. It has a population of just 4 residents and is also a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. There is a hotel on the Island with 2 sandy beaches, plus holiday bungalows by Santa Marija Bay and most notably Comino is famous for its stunning ‘Blue Lagoon’ with its crystal clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving pursuits. Many boat companies run day trips to the Island from Malta and Gozo so tourists and locals alike can enjoy the spectacular scenery.