Ta’ Xbiex | Exploring Malta
Ta’ Xbiex is a seaside locality in the Central Region of Malta. It is located on a small headland within Marsamxett Harbour, with the capital city of Valletta just across the bay. With a population of around 2,100 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest localities in the country. Ta’ Xbiex is bordered by the larger towns of Gżira to the north and Msida to the south. The locality is known for its large yacht marina and for being the location of several foreign embassies.
The character of Ta’ Xbiex is that of a prestigious and quiet residential area. Its identity is defined by its scenic waterfront, which offers impressive views of the bastions of Valletta and Floriana. The area is home to numerous grand villas, many of which now house the embassies of countries such as Egypt, Germany, Greece, Ireland, and Italy. This diplomatic presence gives the small locality an international atmosphere. This exists alongside its role as a major center for yachting in Malta, with a large marina that is a key feature of its landscape.
Blog Posts From our visits to Ta’ Xbiex
The History of Ta’ Xbiex
The history of Ta’ Xbiex is that of a small fishing village that was transformed into an affluent residential suburb and a diplomatic quarter in the 20th century. For centuries, the area was a quiet part of the harbor coastline. Its development was driven by its proximity to the growing urban areas of Sliema and Valletta. The story of Ta’ Xbiex is one of rapid modernization in the post-independence era, which has shaped its modern identity.
From Fishing Village to Parish
The name Ta’ Xbiex is believed to be derived from the Maltese word xbiek, meaning “nets,” which reflects its origins as a small fishing village. For a long time, it was a quiet, undeveloped part of the coastline. Its modern development began in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a suburb of the nearby towns. A key moment in its history was its establishment as an independent parish in 1969. The construction of the parish church began in the 1950s, which gave the growing community its own religious and social center.
Embassies and a Modern Marina
After Malta gained its independence in 1964, there was an increased need for large buildings to house foreign embassies. The grand villas in Ta’ Xbiex, with their large gardens and prestigious location, proved to be ideal for this purpose. This led to the establishment of a diplomatic quarter in the town. During the 1950s and 60s, the waterfront was also used for the berthing of British warships. In the post-independence era, this area was developed into a large private yacht marina, which has become a central feature of the locality’s modern identity.
Sights in Ta’ Xbiex
The main sights in Ta’ Xbiex are focused on its scenic waterfront, its yacht marina, and the views it offers of the surrounding harbor. While the locality is small, a walk along its coastline provides a look at some of the key features of the Marsamxett Harbour area.
Ta’ Xbiex Waterfront
Most of Ta’ Xbiex consists of its waterfront. A walk along the Ta’ Xbiex Waterfront promenade will take you along the many embassies and past the impressive Ta’ Xbiex Yacht Marina. From almost any point along the promenade, there are excellent views of the capital city, Valletta, and the neighboring Manoel Island. The waterfront is a popular area for walking and jogging and is a central part of public life in the locality.
Saint John of the Cross Church
The Saint John of the Cross Church is the main parish church of Ta’ Xbiex. The construction of the church began in 1954, and it was completed in 1958. The church is run by the Teresian Carmelite Fathers. It is dedicated to Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish Catholic priest from the 16th century. The church is a modern building that serves as the spiritual and architectural center of the community.
The Embassies
One of the defining features of Ta’ Xbiex is its high concentration of foreign embassies. Many of the grand historic villas that line the waterfront and the main streets of the locality now serve as the diplomatic missions of various countries. This includes the embassies of Germany, Italy, Spain, and Ireland. These elegant buildings, with their large gardens, are a key part of the architectural character of the town and contribute to its international atmosphere.
Marsamxett Harbour Hiking
A major recreational route that runs through Ta’ Xbiex is the long urban hike that circumnavigates Marsamxett Harbour. This hike follows the waterfront promenade from Ta’ Xbiex northwards to the neighboring town of Gżira and then on to Sliema. Walking south will take you to the neighboring locality of Msida and then on to Pietà and Floriana before reaching the capital, Valletta. This route offers continuous views of the harbor and its many marinas.
Ta’ Xbiex with Kids
Ta’ Xbiex might not be the first choice when traveling with kids. While a few children might enjoy seeing the many large boats in the marina, few will be interested in the embassies. There are not many activities here specifically for children, which might make it hard to keep them entertained.
Playgrounds in Ta’ Xbiex
We have so far not been able to locate any public playground in Ta’ Xbiex itself. However, there is a small playground in the neighboring town of Gżira, at the Gnien Il-Kunsill Ta L-Ewropa, which is within a short walking distance. For larger playgrounds, a visit to the neighboring towns of Msida or Sliema would be necessary.
Sports in Ta’ Xbiex
The sporting life in Ta’ Xbiex is almost entirely defined by its prestigious location on the waters of Marsamxett Harbour. The locality is the undisputed center of yachting and sailing in Malta, home to the country’s most famous yacht club and the host of a major international offshore race. This deep maritime connection dominates the local sporting identity. The large marina is a constant visual reminder of this, with the masts of hundreds of sailing yachts forming a forest against the backdrop of the Valletta bastions. This focus on an elite, international sport gives the town a unique character within the Maltese sporting landscape.
Beyond the world of sailing, the town also supports community-level sports, particularly football, which is a key part of local life in every Maltese town. The local football club provides an important outlet for residents and contributes to the social fabric of the community. While the international glamour of the Rolex Middle Sea Race brings a global spotlight to the town, it is the daily activities of the local sports clubs that form the foundation of the community’s active lifestyle. This blend of a world-class international venue and grassroots community sport is a key feature of Ta’ Xbiex.
Yachting and Sailing
The sheltered and scenic waters of Marsamxett Harbour provide the perfect venue for yachting and sailing, and Ta’ Xbiex is the heart of this activity in Malta. The locality’s waterfront is home to a large and modern yacht marina that can accommodate vessels of all sizes, from small local boats to large superyachts. The consistent winds and the beautiful backdrop of the Valletta and Manoel Island fortifications make it a world-class location for the sport. The local club has a long and storied history and is one of the most active in the Mediterranean.
Royal Malta Yacht Club
The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) is the premier yacht club in Malta and is located on the Ta’ Xbiex waterfront. The club was founded in 1835, making it one of the oldest yacht clubs in the world. It has a long history of royal patronage, which is reflected in its name. The club’s modern premises include a large marina, a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, and facilities for sailors. The RMYC is a major center for the sailing community in Malta, organizing numerous local and national regattas throughout the year. It also serves as a key social hub for its members.
Rolex Middle Sea Race
The Royal Malta Yacht Club is most famous for being the organizer of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. This is a highly prestigious and challenging 606-nautical-mile (1,122 km) offshore yacht race that is held annually in October. The race starts and finishes in the Grand Harbour of Malta. The spectacular course is a circumnavigation of Sicily, passing by the active volcano of Stromboli and the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa. It is considered one of the classic offshore races in the world, alongside events like the Fastnet Race and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, attracting a large and competitive international fleet of yachts each year.
Football
Football is a popular sport in Ta’ Xbiex at the community level, as it is throughout Malta. The locality has its own football club that provides a platform for local players to participate in the sport. The club is an important part of the social life of the community. It represents the town in the national football league system of Malta.
Ta’ Xbiex S.C.
The local football club is Ta’ Xbiex S.C. The club competes in the lower divisions of the Maltese football league system. While not one of the major professional clubs on the island, it plays a vital role in the community by providing opportunities for youth development and recreational sport. Like many smaller clubs in Malta, they do not have their own large stadium and play their home games at shared grounds. The club is a key part of the local identity, separate from the more international focus of the yachting world.
Getting Around in Ta’ Xbiex
Navigating Ta’ Xbiex is best done on foot or by local bus. The locality is very small and is located on the main bus corridor that connects Valletta with Sliema.
On Foot: The Waterfront
Walking is the best way to explore Ta’ Xbiex. The entire waterfront promenade is a wide and flat pedestrian area. It is possible to walk from Ta’ Xbiex to the neighboring towns of Gżira and Msida in just a few minutes. This provides a scenic route for a walk or a jog.
Local Buses
Ta’ Xbiex is located on one of the busiest bus corridors in Malta. Numerous bus routes operated by Malta Public Transport pass through the locality. These buses provide very frequent and direct connections to the capital city of Valletta and to the major commercial and tourist hub of Sliema.
How to Get to Ta’ Xbiex
Reaching the locality of Ta’ Xbiex is very straightforward, as it is located in the heart of Malta’s main urban conurbation. The country’s single international airport is a short drive away, and the locality is a major hub on the national bus network.
The Open Road: Driving to Ta’ Xbiex
Driving to Ta’ Xbiex is possible from all other parts of the island. The locality is located on the main coastal road that connects the northern resorts with the capital, Valletta. However, be aware that the roads in this area are the most congested in the country. Parking in Ta’ Xbiex is extremely difficult to find and is often subject to time limits. A car is generally not recommended for a visit focused on this area.
Arriving by Air: Malta International Airport
The primary and sole gateway to the country is Malta International Airport (MLA). It is located in the town of Luqa, approximately 7 kilometers from Ta’ Xbiex. The airport is well-connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. From the airport, a taxi, a ride-sharing service, or a direct public bus service can be used to reach Ta’ Xbiex.
Connecting by Coach
There are no major long-distance coach services in Malta due to the small size of the island. The entire country is served by the integrated national bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. The main bus terminal is located just outside the city gates of Valletta. Numerous routes from this terminal, as well as several direct routes from the airport and other towns, serve Ta’ Xbiex.
On Track: The Absence of Rail
There is no train service in Malta. The country does not have a railway network. Therefore, it is not possible to reach Ta’ Xbiex by train. All overland travel on the island must be done by road.
An International Ferry Approach
It is possible to arrive in Malta by ferry. The main ferry terminal for international arrivals is located at the Valletta Waterfront. There are regular car and passenger ferry services that connect Malta with the port of Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy. From the ferry terminal in Valletta, it is a short journey by bus or taxi to reach the nearby locality of Ta’ Xbiex.
Driving Distances
The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:
- Gżira, Malta – 1 kilometer (0 h 10 min)
- Sliema, Malta – 3 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
- Valletta, Malta – 4 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
- St. Julian’s, Malta – 4 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
- Mosta, Malta – 6 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Birgu, Malta – 6 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Paola, Malta – 7 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Mdina, Malta – 10 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Marsaxlokk, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Mellieħa, Malta – 17 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
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This post was first published 2023-03-29 and was updated 2025-07-26
