Gżira | Exploring Malta
Gżira is a seaside town in the Central Region of Malta. It is located on the coast of Marsamxett Harbour, between the larger towns of Sliema to the north and Ta’ Xbiex to the south. With a population of approximately 10,000 residents, Gżira is a densely populated residential and commercial hub. The town’s territory also includes the historic Manoel Island, which is connected to the mainland by a small bridge. The name Gżira translates from Maltese to “island,” a reference to this prominent feature.
The character of Gżira is that of a bustling and active urban area. Its identity is defined by its long waterfront promenade, known as The Strand, and the impressive yacht marina that fills the creek between the town and Manoel Island. The town offers spectacular views of the capital city, Valletta, across the harbor. In the modern era, Gżira has developed into a major center for the iGaming and finance industries, as well as a popular destination for tourists seeking hotels and restaurants. This blend of a traditional working-class town and a modern international business hub gives Gżira its specific character.
Blog Posts From our visits to Gżira
The History of Gżira
The history of Gżira is that of a relatively new town that grew from a small suburb into a major commercial and residential center in the 20th century. For centuries, the area was an undeveloped part of the coastline. Its development was driven by the growth of its larger neighbor, Sliema, and by the strategic importance of Manoel Island. The story of Gżira is one of rapid modernization, especially in recent decades, which has transformed it into a key part of Malta’s main urban conurbation.
A Suburb of Sliema
For most of its history, the area of modern-day Gżira was a quiet, undeveloped part of the coastline. The first building of significance, a villa, was built here in the mid-19th century. The settlement began to grow as a suburb of the nearby town of Sliema, which was developing as a fashionable seaside resort during the British colonial period. Gżira was primarily inhabited by the working class. Its name, which means “island,” was taken from the large Manoel Island that dominates its view.
Manoel Island’s Influence
The history of the area is also deeply connected to Manoel Island. The island was first developed in the 17th century when the Knights of St. John built a quarantine hospital, the Lazzaretto, to protect the island from epidemics. In the 1720s, Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena commissioned the construction of Fort Manoel on the island. The fort and the Lazzaretto were used by the British military for centuries. This military presence shaped the development of the harbor area.
Modern Rebirth
Gżira was hit hard economically when the British military forces left Malta in the 1970s. Many of the bars and businesses along the waterfront that had catered to the British sailors struggled to survive. However, in more recent decades, the town has experienced a major rebirth. It has become a hub for new businesses, particularly in the online gaming and finance sectors. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars have opened, often spilling over from the neighboring tourist hubs of Sliema and St. Julian’s.
Sights in Gżira
The sights in Gżira are focused on its historic island, its scenic waterfront, and the urban hike that connects it to the neighboring towns. The main points of interest offer a look into the area’s military and maritime history.
Manoel Island
Manoel Island, located in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, is the most significant historical sight in Gżira. The island is dominated by the impressive Fort Manoel, a large star fort that was built in the 1720s by the Order of Saint John. The island also contains the historic Lazzaretto, a former quarantine hospital. The fort was heavily damaged during World War II but has been undergoing a major restoration. While much of the island has been part of a long-term redevelopment project and is not always accessible, it is a key historical and architectural landmark.
The Strand
The Strand is the main waterfront promenade of Gżira. This wide promenade runs along the shore of the creek that separates the town from Manoel Island. The area is a major commercial street and is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and hotels. It is also the location of the Gżira Yacht Marina. The promenade is a very popular place for a walk, offering excellent views of the marina, Manoel Island, and the skyline of the capital, Valletta, in the distance.
Marsamxett Harbour Hiking
A major recreational route that runs through Gżira is the long urban hike that circumnavigates Marsamxett Harbour. This hike follows the waterfront promenade from Gżira southwards through the neighboring towns of Ta’ Xbiex and Msida. The path continues through Pietà and Floriana before reaching the capital city, Valletta. The views along the route are constantly changing, from the marinas filled with yachts to the historic fortifications of Valletta. From Valletta, it is possible to take a short ferry ride back to Sliema to complete the loop.
Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the main Roman Catholic church in Gżira. The church is a 20th-century building constructed in a neo-Baroque style. It is a major landmark in the town. Its large dome is a prominent feature of the local skyline. The church is the spiritual center of the community and is the focus of the annual village festa.
Gżira with Kids
Gżira might not be the most kid-friendly place, as there is a lot of traffic and not many large, open spaces for children. The town is very densely populated. However, it is easy to reach most of Malta from here, which makes it possible to find activities for kids in the surrounding area. The main waterfront promenade is suitable for walking with a stroller.
Playgrounds in Gżira
There is one main public playground in Gżira. The town’s small size and dense urban fabric mean that there are limited spaces for large play areas.
Gnien Il-Kunsill Ta L-Ewropa
The Gnien Il-Kunsill Ta L-Ewropa is a public garden located on the waterfront, near the border with the neighboring town of Ta’ Xbiex. The garden looks out over the yacht marina. It includes a small playground that is suitable for younger children. The garden provides a key public green space in the heart of this busy urban area.
Sports in Gżira
The sporting life in Gżira is focused on its professional football club, which is one of the top teams in Malta. The town also has a long history in water polo.
Football
Football is a very popular sport in Gżira. The local professional club has had a period of major success in recent years and has a strong and dedicated following.
Gżira United F.C.
The main football club is Gżira United F.C. The club was founded in 1947. They have had a history of major success in recent years, competing in the Maltese Premier League, the top tier of Maltese football. They have also qualified for and competed in European club competitions such as the UEFA Europa Conference League. The club’s colors are maroon and light blue.
Water Polo
Water polo is another sport with a long tradition in Gżira. The local club is an active part of the community. It competes in the national league system.
Gżira A.S.C.
The Gżira Aquatic Sports Club is the main club for water polo and swimming in the town. The club has its facilities located on the Gżira waterfront. The club’s team competes in the Maltese Water Polo league. It is a key social hub for the community during the summer months.
Getting Around in Gżira
Navigating Gżira is straightforward. The town is small and very flat, which makes it easy to explore on foot. It is also a major hub on the national bus network.
On Foot: The Town and Waterfront
Walking is the best way to explore the central part of Gżira. The entire waterfront promenade is a wide and flat pedestrian area. The main commercial streets and residential areas are all within a short walking distance of each other. It is also an easy walk to the neighboring towns of Sliema and Ta’ Xbiex.
Local Buses
Gżira is located on one of the busiest bus corridors in Malta. Numerous bus routes operated by Malta Public Transport pass through the town. These buses provide very frequent and direct connections to the capital city of Valletta, to the main tourist resort of St. Julian’s, and to the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa for travel to the island of Gozo.
How to Get to Gżira?
Reaching the town of Gżira 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 town is a major hub on the national bus network.
The Open Road: Driving to Gżira
Driving to Gżira is possible from all other parts of the island. The town is located on the main coastal road that connects the northern resorts with the capital, Valletta. However, be aware that the roads in the Gżira and Sliema area are the most congested in the country. Parking in Gżira 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 8 kilometers from Gżira. 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 (Route X2) can be used to reach Gżira.
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 Gżira.
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 Gżira 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 town of Gżira.
Driving Distances
The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:
- Sliema, Malta – 2 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
- St. Julian’s, Malta – 3 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
- Valletta, Malta – 5 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Mosta, Malta – 7 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Birgu, Malta – 7 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Paola, Malta – 8 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Mdina, Malta – 11 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Buġibba, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Marsaxlokk, Malta – 14 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Mellieħa, Malta – 18 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
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This post was first published 2023-03-25 and was updated 2025-07-26
