Best regions to live in Malta

Small? Yes. The same everywhere? Absolutely not. For its modest size, Malta offers surprising diversity across its regions – both geographically and in the range of property types you can find in different areas. Whether you’re new to Malta or looking for a fresh start in a different part of the country, our guide will help you decide which region is right for you.

Coastal or countryside

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of where you want to live is the look of the place. If you adore a sea view, there are plenty of coastal towns to choose from. Love yourself a sandy beach? The north of Malta is where it’s at. Towns like Mellieha and Bugibba are picture-perfect and ideal if you enjoy swimming. 

If you would rather take in open, waterfront vistas, consider living in Sliema, St Julian’s or Gzira. In Malta’s Northern Harbour District, Gzira is home to Malta’s most popular promenade, with the sea on one side and a row of restaurants and cafés on the other. 

For a similar seaside setting in less pricey localities, you could consider St Paul’s Bay or and Qawra in the north. Over in the south, the fishing village of Marsascala offers a beautiful stretch of coast, while Birzebbugia has a lovely sandy beach. If you prefer living somewhere less touristy that’s still coastal, you may be tempted by Xgħajra – a much less developed, yet charming, seaside area.

You may delight in a more rugged coastal view, in which case we would recommend Dingli Cliffs to the west, the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq in the south, and Dwejra and Xlendi in Gozo. Just picture yourself living against a stunning backdrop of majestic rocks and mysterious caves!

Then again, Malta isn’t just sun and sea. If you love long countryside rambles, which are especially enjoyable in Malta’s mild and pleasant winters, you may easily fall in love with areas further inland. 

Weave your way through lush valleys like Wied Babu in Zurrieq (south) or Wied il-Ghasel in Mosta (centre). Spot the tiny chapels strewn throughout the countryside and behold magnificent towers and palaces, like the Selmun Tower and the Red Tower in Mellieha. If you made the move to the Buskett Woodlands to the west of the island in Siggiewi you’d be able to admire the grand Verdala Palace right on your doorstep!

For a more manicured side of nature, gardens never fail to inspire. If you live in the central village of Attard, you can recharge your batteries at the historical San Anton Gardens and the site of the grand Presidential Palace. Many of the surrounding houses have beautifully kept gardens of their own, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re looking for a home with some green space. 

Commercial or cultural

When you start looking into the property types in each region, don’t forget to check whether the buildings in the area are scheduled or not. 

Property that is of architectural, historical or cultural importance is protected, so you shouldn’t be in for too much development if you opt for a scheduled zone. Development may change the skyline of an area and result in noise pollution from ongoing construction, so do keep this in mind when looking at properties in an area that isn’t scheduled. We know that planning permits can be confusing, which is why our experienced and market-savvy agents will guide you through this process.

If you’d love to live in a historic setting, most towns have an old village surrounding the local church. This is where you would typically find houses of character; townhouses, farmhouses and even small palazzos. These range in price depending on the size, historical value and architectural features of the property, as well as the demand for the area. 

The centre of Malta is particularly sought after for historic properties, so unsurprisingly they carry a heftier price tag. The same goes for the capital of Valletta, the former capital of Mdina and, to a slightly lesser extent, the up-and-coming Cottonera area. 

At the other end of the spectrum, you might prefer a more commercial hub to a strictly residential region. If you love the idea of walking to the shopping district and eating out at a variety of restaurants, city life will suit you.  Places like Mosta, Msida, Hamrun, Paola and Qormi give you a taste of city life without the price tag of some of the bigger tourist hot spots.

The RE/MAX Takeaway

Not sure where to begin? Get in touch at https://remax-malta.com and our agents will help you discover the best region in Malta for you!