Popular Localities in Malta

Discover Malta's most sought-after neighborhoods for renting. Whether you're looking for the vibrant lifestyle of Sliema and St Julian's, the historic charm of Valletta, or affordable options in the north, this guide covers the best areas to call home.

PremiumCentralResidentialAffordableTraditional

Sliema

Premium

The heart of modern Malta. Sliema offers a stunning seafront promenade, excellent shopping at The Point and Tower Road, countless restaurants and cafes, and superb public transport connections.

Seafront promenadeShopping hubRestaurants & nightlifeFerry to Valletta

Malta's entertainment capital featuring Spinola Bay, Portomaso Marina, and the famous Paceville nightlife district. Popular with young professionals and expats seeking a vibrant lifestyle.

Paceville nightlifeSpinola BayPortomaso MarinaBeach clubs

Valletta

Premium

Malta's UNESCO World Heritage capital city. Live surrounded by Baroque architecture, world-class museums, and Mediterranean views. Perfect for those who appreciate history and culture.

UNESCO HeritageCultural hubWaterfront diningHistoric architecture

Gzira

Central

Centrally located between Sliema and Msida, Gzira offers excellent value with easy access to the Strand and Manoel Island. Great for professionals working in the central areas.

Central locationThe StrandGood valueNear University

Msida

Central

Home to the University of Malta, Msida is popular with students and academics. The yacht marina and proximity to major employment hubs make it a practical choice.

University of MaltaYacht marinaStudent-friendlyCentral location

Swieqi

Residential

A residential area adjacent to St Julian's, Swieqi offers a quieter alternative while remaining close to amenities. Popular with families and professionals seeking space.

ResidentialNear St JuliansFamily-friendlyQuieter area

Ta' Xbiex

Premium

An upscale residential area between Gzira and Msida featuring the yacht marina and embassies. Known for its waterfront apartments and peaceful atmosphere.

Yacht marinaEmbassy areaUpscale livingWaterfront views

Birkirkara

Affordable

Malta's largest town by population, offering affordable rentals with good bus connections. A commercial hub with shopping centers and local amenities.

AffordableCommercial hubGood transportLocal amenities

San Gwann

Residential

A central residential area popular with families and professionals. Close to business districts and the Mater Dei Hospital, offering good value for money.

Family-friendlyNear hospitalResidentialCentral

Mosta

Traditional

Famous for its iconic Rotunda dome, Mosta offers a traditional Maltese atmosphere with modern amenities. Popular with families seeking a community feel.

Historic RotundaFamily-orientedLocal marketsCommunity feel

Bugibba

Affordable

The heart of Malta's northern tourist area. Bugibba offers beachfront living, a lively promenade, and excellent amenities at more affordable prices than the central areas.

BeachfrontTourist amenitiesAffordableLively atmosphere

Qawra

Affordable

Adjacent to Bugibba, Qawra offers similar seaside living with a slightly quieter atmosphere. Popular with those seeking sun, sea, and affordable accommodation.

Seaside livingNational AquariumAffordableQuieter than Bugibba

Marsaskala

Traditional

A charming fishing village in southeast Malta. Marsaskala offers authentic Maltese character, a beautiful bay, and some of Malta's best seafood restaurants.

Fishing village charmBeautiful baySeafood restaurantsAuthentic Malta

Pembroke

Residential

A modern residential area developed around the former British military grounds. Features SmartCity Malta business hub and access to rocky beaches.

SmartCity MaltaModern developmentRocky beachesResidential

Attard

Premium

An upscale residential village in central Malta. Home to San Anton Palace and Gardens, Attard offers a village atmosphere with proximity to Malta's main areas.

San Anton GardensUpscale villagePresidential PalaceCentral location

Naxxar

Traditional

A traditional town offering a mix of old and new. Features the historic Palazzo Parisio and good access to both central and northern Malta.

Palazzo ParisioTraditional townGood accessGrowing area

A Guide to Malta's Neighborhoods

Malta offers a diverse range of localities, each with its own unique character, amenities, and price points. Understanding these differences is crucial when searching for rental accommodation on the island.

Premium Areas

Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta, and Ta' Xbiex represent Malta's premium rental market. These areas command higher rents but offer unparalleled amenities, seafront access, and vibrant social scenes. Sliema and St Julian's are particularly popular with young professionals and expats working in Malta's iGaming, financial services, and tech sectors.

Central Locations

Gzira and Msida offer excellent value while maintaining central locations. Gzira is ideal for those who want to be close to Sliema without the premium prices, while Msida is perfect for students at the University of Malta and professionals working in the central business districts.

Residential Communities

For those seeking a quieter lifestyle, Swieqi, San Gwann, and Pembroke offer residential atmospheres with good access to amenities. These areas are particularly popular with families and those seeking more space and parking availability.

Budget-Friendly Options

The northern areas of Bugibba and Qawra, along with Birkirkara in the center, offer more affordable rental options. While these areas may require longer commutes to central employment hubs, they provide excellent value and their own local amenities.

Tips for Choosing Your Locality

  • 1.Consider your commute – Malta's traffic can be challenging. Living close to work can significantly improve your quality of life.
  • 2.Check public transport – Some areas have better bus connections than others. Sliema, Valletta, and Gzira are major transport hubs.
  • 3.Visit at different times – An area that's quiet during the day might be lively at night, especially in St Julian's and Paceville.
  • 4.Factor in parking – If you have a car, check parking availability. Central areas like Sliema can be challenging for parking.

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