Xgħajra - Exploring Malta

Xgħajra is a small coastal village in the southeastern part of Malta. It has a population of only around 1.800 inhabitants but is growing as a coastal resort town with close access to the tourist areas of the Three Cities and the capital Valletta. Right next door in Kalkara is also the new commercial district known as SmartCity Malta with a technology park under development.

Xgħajra has three twin towns. The first one is Colletorto in the Campobasso Province of Italy, the second one is Le Fauga in the Occitania Region of France, and the last one is Pelplin in the Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland.

Our blog posts about Xgħajra:

The History of Xgħajra

A watchtower was built in what is today Xgħajra in 1620 by the then Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. The watchtower, named Tal-Grazzja, survived until 1888 when it was demolished to make space for a new British coastal battery. The battery reused the name of the old watchtower.

It was during the construction of the British coastal battery that a settlement of workers started to appear in its vicinity. The battery itself was in use for the defense of Malta until the Second World War. It would take until 1993 before Xgħajra was recognized as a separate locality.

Sights in Xgħajra

Xgħajra is a young village that lacks many historical sights that are so common in Malta. There are, however, some things to explore and especially the Mediterranean Sea to enjoy.

The Waterfront Promenade

The waterfront Promenade with a wide pedestrian path follows the coast through the whole of Xgħajra. It is the perfect way to enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea and imagine that Sicily is not far away.

WW2 Pillboxes

Several pillboxes from the Second World War can be found along the Maltese coast. One of these is in the center of Xgħajra and there is one more nearby to the southeast along the coast. Pillboxes are small defensive structures offering the possibility to fire weapons toward the enemy lines – in this case the sea.

Xgħajra Church

The Knisja ta’ San Ġakbu, as the church is known in Maltese, was built in 1933. Prior to its construction, the inhabitants of Xgħajra went to the church in Żabbar.

Xgħajra Salt Pans

The coast of Xgħajra includes several salt pans in the rocks. These were earlier used to produce salt from seawater and are today still visible as many squares carved into the coastal rocks.

Xgħajra Activities

Xgħajra is a rather calm place but there are some things for visitors to enjoy. Here we have listed a few of them.

Beaches in Xgħajra

The water of the Mediterranean Sea is never far away and even though this part of the coast is made up of rocks and cliffs there are several access points for swimming. They might not be suitable beaches for kids, but there is the possibility to swim.

Hiking in Xgħajra

Hiking to and from Xgħajra is quite easy. To the west, you will soon reach the SmartCity and Kalkara. It might currently not be so easy to follow the coast, but once you get to the center of Kalkara you will have a nice walk toward the Three Cities. To the east is a beautiful nature path along the coast towards Marsaskala. That path goes through the Inwadar National Park and passes by several small fortifications along the coast.

Shopping in Xgħajra

Shopping in Xgħajra is mostly limited to a few small convenience stores. Nearby Żabbar has a few more shopping possibilities. Otherwise, it is not far from the capital Valletta or the shopping centers of Sliema.

Excursions from Xgħajra

Public transport to and from Xgħajra exists, but it might take a bit longer to travel somewhere due to the few buses and the small roads. Driving is a much faster option for the ones who dare and don’t forget the option to walk.

Marsaskala

Marsaskala is a coastal resort town to the east of Għaxaq. This former fishing village has grown into one of the larger towns in South-Eastern Malta. Here it is possible to find restaurants, beaches, and playgrounds.

From our visits:

Sliema

This is one of the busiest 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:

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 also really close to Xgħajra.

From our visit:

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.

From our visits:

Xgħajra with a Kid

Xgħajra is a calm village with limited traffic and other activities that would make it hard to explore with kids. The wide waterfront promenade also makes it easier to walk around with kids.

Read more about Malta with kids:

Malta with a Toddler

Playgrounds in Xgħajra

A playground and park area for smaller kids can be found along the street Dawret ix-Xatt, between the crossings with the streets Triq Qaċċawiet and Sqaq Ras il-Ġebel.

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Xgħajra – Exploring Malta

The History of Xgħajra