Living in Qawra and Buġibba, Malta

Key facts

Location: St Paul’s Bay, north Malta
Seafront: Promenade from Buġibba to Qawra Point
Attraction: Malta National Aquarium
Homes: Apartments, penthouses, maisonettes

Qawra and Buġibba form the busiest part of St Paul’s Bay, on Malta’s north coast. A long promenade runs from Buġibba’s square round to Qawra Point, with rocky swimming spots, lidos, hotels and restaurants along the way.

Living there

Summer is lively; winter is calm and many long-term residents — locals and foreigners — enjoy the quieter months. The Malta National Aquarium sits at Qawra Point. Supermarkets, schools and health centres serve a large permanent population.

Property

Sea-view apartments and penthouses along and near the front.
Apartments and maisonettes in the streets behind — some of the most affordable homes near the sea in Malta.

Investors

Demand from holidaymakers is strong in season; long lets attract year-round tenants. Read buy-to-let in Malta and the short-let licence guide.

Who it suits

Buyers who want sea views on a budget, retirees, and investors. Nearby: Xemxija and Mellieħa.

Questions & answers

Is Qawra a good place to live all year?

Yes, though it is busiest in summer. Many residents live there year-round for the promenade, the sea and the lower prices, accepting a longer drive to the central business areas.

Is buying in Buġibba good for holiday lets?

Buġibba and Qawra are established holiday areas with strong summer demand. Holiday letting requires a Malta Tourism Authority licence and must be allowed by the building’s rules.

Can foreigners buy property in Qawra?

Yes. EU citizens buying their main residence need no permit; non-EU buyers, and EU citizens buying a second home, normally need an AIP permit unless the property is in a Special Designated Area. See our AIP permit guide.

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