At a small headland within the Marsamxett Harbour is the locality of Ta’ Xbiex. This is the Central Region of Malta and the capital Valletta is just across the bay. Around 2.000 people call this their home and they share this land with several foreign embassies. The embassies of Egypt, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are located here, to mention a few. These are also joined by several large yachts in the local marina.
Our blog posts about Ta’ Xbiex:
The History of Ta’ Xbiex
This is a former fishing village that has grown and became its own parish in 1969. The headland had come into the possession of the Teresian Carmelite Fathers in 1948. They build a convent on their new land and construction of the church began in 1954.
Malta became an independent country in 1964. This increased the need for large buildings to house embassies and Ta’ Xbiex has been able to provide a home to several of these when Malta began to build their international relations.
The marina has played an important role in the development of Ta’ Xbiex. During the 1950s many British warships used the coast of Ta’ Xbiex and Msida for berthing. The warships were in the 1960s replaced by private vessels, many with international origins.
Sights in Ta’ Xbiex
There are a few sights in Ta’ Xbiex, below we mention a few.
Saint John of the Cross Church
Saint John of the Cross Church is the parish church. It was completed in 1958 and is run by Carmelite Monks. The church is dedicated to the saint John of the Cross, a Spanish Catholic priest from the 16th century.
Ta’ Xbiex Waterfront
Most of Ta’ Xbiex consists of the waterfront. But a walk along the waterfront will take you along the many embassies and the impressive yacht marina. From time to time you will also get a good view of the capital Valletta.
Ta’ Xbiex Activities
It is not Ta’ Xbiex that by itself houses most of the activities. It is the urban area around the capital Valletta that together creates many possibilities.
Beaches in Ta’ Xbiex
We have not been able to find any public beaches in Ta’ Xbiex. There are, however, plenty of cliffs with easy access to the water that are used for swimming.
Ta’ Xbiex Hiking
Hiking options in Ta’ Xbiex are mostly focused on the waterfront of Marsamxett Harbour.
Toward Gżira and Saint Julian’s
Walking toward the north will take you to the neighboring town of Gżira. If you follow the waterfront you will be able to continue through the urban areas of Sliema and Saint Julian’s. More rural areas will be found first after Pembroke.
Toward Msida and Valletta
Walking towards the south will take you to the neighboring locality of Msida. Continuing around the bay will take you to Pietà, before you reach Floriana and later on the capital Valletta. From Valletta, you can either take a ferry to Sliema, or you can take a ferry to the Three Cities where you can extend your hike a lot longer. Maybe all the way to Marsaskala or Marsaxlokk?
Shopping in Ta’ Xbiex
There are a few smaller shops in Ta’ Xbiex. But for anyone looking for more options, then an excursion to Sliema or Valletta might be a good idea. The streets of these nearby cities have a high density of shops and there are also shopping centers in Sliema.
Excursions from Ta’ Xbiex
Ta’ Xbiex is really at the center of Malta when it comes to public transport. The main bus hub in Valletta is not far away and from there the whole island is within reach. The options of taxis and driving yourself are also available, as distances are not that long on this island. It is just traffic that might cause delays.
Birżebbuġa
Birżebbuġa is a town in the southeastern part of Malta. It is not only the home of the large Malta Freeport, but it is also the home of a few historical sites. You will mainly find two interesting archaeological sites here, Għar Dalam and Borġ in-Nadur. This is also a popular summer resort for the locals.
From our visit:
Gozo
Gozo is the second-largest island in Malta and is considered to have its own culture without the stress of the main island. It is reachable by possible day trips from nearby Sliema. The main city, Victoria, is located at the center of the island and is home to the impressive Cittadella.
From our visit:
Marsaskala
Marsaskala is another coastal resort town in the eastern part of Malta. This former fishing village has grown into a resort town with beaches, playgrounds, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
From our visits:
- Marsaskala – Exploring Malta
- Malta Highlights – November 2021
- Marsaskala, Malta – Sant’Antnin Family Park
- Marsaskala, Malta – Exploring the Playgrounds
- Marsaskala, Malta – A December Visit
- Marsaskala, Malta – Arrival and First Visit to the Playground
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is an old fishing village famous for its traditional colorful boats and the daily market. This is one of the main tourist attractions in the eastern part of Malta. The colorful fishing boats, known as Luzzu, are an addition to the Maltese culture dating back to the early 12th century.
From our visits:
Mdina
Mdina is the former capital of Malta and is today a small fortified town. It is one of the most impressive sights on the island and is just a short bus ride away from Ta’ Xbiex. Mdina is also neighboring the town of Rabat, a town that is possible to combine in the same visit.
From our visits:
- Mdina – Exploring Malta
- Mdina, Malta – Exploring the Old Capital of Malta
- Blue Grotto, Malta – A Hike to Dingli Cliffs and Mdina
Saint Julian’s
Saint Julian’s is one of the towns nearby and the main tourist resort in Malta. This is where many of the hotels are located and it is popular for its restaurants and shopping. It is also the home of Paceville, an area that is both loved and hated for its many bars and nightclubs.
Sliema
Sliema is within easy reach with only a short walk required. This is one of the busier towns in Malta and a modern commercial center. For anyone looking for shopping or other urban activities, then Sliema is usually among the options on the island. Together with Saint Julian’s, Sliema makes up one of the main tourist resorts in Malta.
From our visits:
- Sliema – Exploring Malta
- Sliema, Malta – Playgrounds and City Life
- Sliema, Malta – Finding More Playgrounds
The Three Cities – Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea
The Three Cities of Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea are famous for their fortifications and marinas. This is where you will find Fort St Angelo and several places to view the marina, the Grand Harbor, and Valletta itself. It is easy to reach by crossing the two bays with the public ferries.
From our visits:
- Birgu (Vittoriosa) – Exploring Malta
- Cospicua (Bormla) – Exploring Malta
- Senglea (Isla) – Exploring Malta
- Marsaskala, Malta – A Hike to Senglea
- Birgu, Malta – The Three Cities
Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is one of the places that most people visiting the country will try to see at least once. Its high walls and other fortifications make it an impressive sight and the view of the sea is never far away. The capital is just on the other side of the bay and within easy reach with the local buses.
From our visits:
- Valletta – Exploring Malta
- Valletta, Malta – A Carnival in Town
- Valletta, Malta – A Kid Re-discovers the Island
- Valletta, Malta – Sunshine in the Capital
- Valletta, Malta – Christmas in the Capital
Ta’ Xbiex with a Kid
Ta’ Xbiex might not be the first choice when traveling with kids. A few kids might enjoy seeing the many large boats, but few will like the embassies. There are not many activities here for kids, meaning that it might be hard to activate them enough.
Read more about Malta with kids:
Playgrounds in Ta’ Xbiex
We have so far not been able to locate any playground in Ta’ Xbiex. There is, however, one in neighboring Gżira as well as in Msida. If you know of any playground in Ta’ Xbiex, please let us know in the comments.
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