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Xgħajra

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Xgħajra

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Visit the Inwadar National Park in the late afternoon to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the rugged cliffs.
Wear water shoes when swimming at the rocky coast, as entry into the sea is via metal ladders or rough rocks.
Take Bus 94 from Valletta, which drops you right on the main seaside promenade.
Do not confuse Xgħajra with Xagħra in Gozo; this is a quiet seaside village, not the site of the famous temples.
Walk the coastal path towards Marsaskala for untouched natural landscapes and sea views.

🍽 Food

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Maltese Ftira

Try this traditional tuna and caper sandwich at the Benbow Kiosk right by the water.

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Fresh Seafood

Enjoy the catch of the day at the restaurants along the promenade, known for authentic flavors.

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Rabbit Stew (Fenkata)

Look for small local bars in the village core for this authentic Maltese national dish.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Local Groceries

Buy fresh Maltese bread and traditional pastries from the small convenience stores in the residential area.

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Smart City Markets

The nearby Smart City complex occasionally hosts modern craft and food markets.

🧘

Inwadar National Park

A vast protected coastal area great for quiet hikes and birdwatching.

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Zonqor Point

Visit the old salt pans at the edge of the village for absolute peace and quiet.

Xgħajra is a quiet seaside village located on the eastern coast of Malta, set between Kalkara and Marsaskala. Its name originates from the Maltese word for "open heathland," describing the natural landscape of the rocky shoreline before modern development. Historically, Xgħajra occupied a vital strategic position for the defense of the Maltese islands, particularly during the British period. The most prominent historical landmark is Fort Leonardo, a coastal fortification completed in 1878 to guard the approaches to the Grand Harbour and the eastern coastline. Despite its proximity to the more bustling Three Cities area, Xgħajra has retained its charm as a peaceful residential locality and a favorite spot for local fishermen and coastal walkers. The promenade gives expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea and serves as the social hub for the small, tight-knit community. While the village has seen some growth in recent years, it remains one of the smallest and most tranquil coastal settlements on the island.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Il-Banju · Delle Grazie Battery · St. Peter's Battery
Nearby: Tigné Point (4 km)
Population: ~1.830

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

Geography

Population

1,830

Coordinates

35.88580, 14.54810

Facts

Fort Leonardo was built by the British military between 1872 and 1878.
Xgħajra became an independent local council in 1994.
The locality has a population of fewer than 2,000 residents as of recent estimates.
The Delle Grazie Battery was part of the Victorian coastal defense system.
The village feast in honor of Saint James the Greater is held in July.
The town is known for its long promenade suitable for recreational activities.