Xgħajra | Exploring Malta
Xgħajra is a small coastal village in the South Eastern Region of Malta. It is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, between the entrance to the Grand Harbour to the north and Marsaskala Bay to the south. With a population of only around 1,900 inhabitants, it is one of the smaller localities on the island. In recent years, it has been growing as a coastal residential town, with close access to the tourist areas of the Three Cities and the capital, Valletta. The nearby commercial district known as SmartCity Malta is also under development.
The character of Xgħajra is that of a quiet and relatively undeveloped seaside village. Its identity is defined by its long, rocky coastline and its wide waterfront promenade. It is a popular destination for locals for walks along the sea, especially in the evenings. The village offers an atmosphere that is much calmer than the major tourist resorts in Malta. This traditional, quiet character exists alongside its modern development as a residential area for people seeking a coastal lifestyle away from the more crowded central parts of the island.
Blog Posts From our visits to Xgħajra
The History of Xgħajra
The history of Xgħajra is that of a small coastal settlement that for centuries was primarily a part of the defensive network of the Grand Harbour. The modern village is a relatively new creation, having only been recognized as a separate locality in the late 20th century. The story of Xgħajra is one of its slow development from a fortified outpost into a small community of workers and finally into a modern residential village.
Coastal Defenses
The history of the area is primarily linked to its strategic location on the coast. A watchtower, named Tal-Grazzja Tower, was built in what is today Xgħajra in 1620 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. This tower was part of the extensive network of coastal defenses built by the Order of St. John. The watchtower survived until 1888, when it was demolished by the British military to make space for a new, modern coastal battery, the Della Grazie Battery. This battery was in use for the defense of Malta until after the Second World War.
A Modern Locality
It was during the construction of the British coastal battery in the late 19th century that a small settlement of workers began to appear in its vicinity. For a long time, the area remained a small, unincorporated part of the nearby town of Żabbar. It was only in the late 20th century that the settlement grew into a proper village. A key moment in its modern history was in 1993, when Xgħajra was recognized as a separate locality and its own local council was established.
Sights in Xgħajra
Xgħajra is a young village that lacks many of the major historical sights that are so common in other parts of Malta. However, there are some things to explore, especially its scenic waterfront and its historic coastal features.
The Waterfront Promenade
The Waterfront Promenade is the central feature of Xgħajra. A wide pedestrian path follows the rocky coast through the whole of the village. The promenade is a very popular destination for local residents for walking and jogging. It is the perfect way to enjoy the view of the open Mediterranean Sea and to imagine that Sicily is not far away. The promenade is a key part of the social life of the village, especially in the evenings.
WWII Pillboxes
Several pillboxes from the Second World War can be found along the Maltese coast, and Xgħajra has some well-preserved examples. One of these is located in the center of the village’s waterfront. Another can be found nearby to the southeast along the coast. Pillboxes are small, concrete defensive structures that offer the possibility to fire weapons towards the sea. They are a tangible reminder of Malta’s crucial role during World War II.
Xgħajra Church
The Xgħajra Church, known in Maltese as Knisja ta’ San Ġakbu, is the main church in the village. The church was built in 1933. Prior to its construction, the inhabitants of Xgħajra attended church in the nearby town of Żabbar. The church is dedicated to St. James. It is a simple but important landmark in the village and serves as the spiritual center for the local community.
Xgħajra Salt Pans
The coast of Xgħajra includes several historic salt pans that have been carved into the flat limestone rock. These rectangular pools were used for centuries to produce salt from seawater through the process of natural evaporation. The salt pans are a key part of the island’s traditional maritime heritage. They are still visible today and provide a look into a traditional industry that was once common along the Maltese coast.
Xgħajra with Kids
Xgħajra is a calm village with limited traffic compared to many other parts of Malta. This can make it easier to explore with kids. The wide waterfront promenade also makes it easier to walk around with children. It provides a safe, open space for them to run and play, away from the main roads.
Playgrounds in Xgħajra
A public playground and park area for smaller kids can be found along the main street, Dawret ix-Xatt. It is located between the crossings with the streets Triq Qaċċawiet and Sqaq Ras il-Ġebel. The playground is a key recreational area for the local families in the village.
Sports in Xgħajra
The sporting life in Xgħajra is focused on its local football club. The club is a key part of the local community.
Football
Football is a popular sport in Xgħajra, with a local club that represents the village in the national league system. The club is an important part of the community, with a focus on youth development.
Xgħajra Tornados F.C.
The main football club is Xgħajra Tornados F.C. The club was founded in 1985. They compete in the lower divisions of the Maltese football league system. They play their home games at the Xgħajra Tornados Ground. The club is a key institution for community sports in the village.
Getting Around in Xgħajra
Navigating the village of Xgħajra and its immediate surroundings is best done on foot or by local bus. The village is small and its main features are located along the waterfront promenade.
On Foot: The Waterfront
Walking is the best way to explore Xgħajra. The entire waterfront promenade is a wide and flat pedestrian area. This provides a scenic route for a walk of several kilometers along the coast. The village center is also very compact and walkable.
Local Buses
The public transport in Malta is based on an extensive network of buses operated by Malta Public Transport. A bus route connects Xgħajra with the main bus terminal at Valletta and with the nearby Three Cities. The bus is the primary mode of public transport for traveling to and from the village.
How to Get to Xgħajra
Reaching the village of Xgħajra is straightforward, as it is located on the eastern coast of the main island of Malta. It is accessible by road from all other parts of the country.
The Open Road: Driving to Xgħajra
Driving is a common way to reach Xgħajra. The village is connected by a network of local roads to the main road system of Malta. From the area around the airport, the drive takes approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking in the village is generally available on the streets.
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 10 kilometers from Xgħajra. The airport is well-connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. From the airport, a taxi or a combination of bus services is required to reach Xgħajra.
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. From this terminal, a direct bus route serves Xgħajra.
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 Xgħajra 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 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 journey by bus or taxi to reach the nearby village of Xgħajra.
Driving Distances
The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:
- Birgu, Malta – 5 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Marsaskala, Malta – 5 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
- Paola, Malta – 6 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Valletta, Malta – 8 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Sliema, Malta – 11 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Marsaxlokk, Malta – 11 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- St. Julian’s, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Mosta, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Mdina, Malta – 16 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Mellieħa, Malta – 25 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
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This post was first published 2023-03-27 and was updated 2025-07-26
