This small Mediterranean gem Malta is a country that can satisfy the taste of every tourist – from beautiful beaches and crystal waters through rural areas and craft villages to lively spots and party centers. Suppose you are planning a holiday in Malta. In that case, you will definitely visit places like Valletta, St. Julians, Mdina, Gozo, or Blue Lagoon. But there are some other towns worth visiting for a local experience or a short break. One of these places is Ta’Xbiex, where you can watch some of the best sunrises on the island. In the post below, we will guide you on what to do in Ta’Xbiex and all you need to know for a short seaside break here.

Quick information about Ta’Xbiex

Ta’ Xbiex is a city in the central region of Malta located inside Marsamxett Harbour between Msida and Gzira and opposite Valletta. There are two opinions about the name. First, the name Ta’ Xbiex (Maltese pronunciation: [tɐ ˈʃbɪːʃ]) comes from the word ‘tbexbix,’ which means dawn since there are spectacular sunrise views over Valletta here. Second, others connect it to the fishing nets’ Xbiek’ typical for this former fishing village developed into a residential and commercial town.

Ta’ Xbiex is mainly known for some magnificent villas and embassies here – Egypt, Italy, France, Greece, British High Commission, Australian High Commission. There are also different boat supplies shops, insurance companies, law firms, auditing, and accounting firms. The area of Ta’Xbiex is considered one of the most beautiful parts to live in Malta.

Note: The noble “Villa Bel-Air” is the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Malta. 

How to get to Ta’Xbiex

With public transport – take bus 15 from Valletta, and you will get to the promenade of Ta’Xbiex. Other lines to the town are 13, 14, 16, 35, 233, but you will have to walk for a while to get to the marina.

More information about how to get around Malta you can find in our article here.

What to do in Ta’Xbiex

You don’t need to wonder what to do in Ta’ Xbiex. It is a small place, and you can easily explore it within few hours on foot. Usually, it is a quick stop before heading to the neighboring cities. You can stop here for a quick snack and a little break.

Take a walk along the Ta’ Xbiex promenade

Walk along the promenade from the beautiful Gzira gardens to the Msida Yacht Marina and admire the impressive mansions on the right and the large boats on the left. Sit for a while on the colored benches on the pier of Ta’Xbiex and enjoy the gorgeous view of Valletta and Floriana’s bastions. We recommend doing this early in the morning or by sunset. It is a bit difficult to find a shadow spot in the area, which is very important during the hot summer days in Malta.

At the moment, I live in Gzira, and Ta’Xbiex is a place I love to walk to. I prefer morning walks before noon when it is still not so hot. The area is pleasant and usually not busy. You can see only a few locals swimming here or people going to their yachts for a day trip around the island.

You can also take a boat cruise and see this beautiful area during your tour.

Yacht marina to dock your boat

The town has two marinas on both sides – the Msida yacht marina and the Manoel Island yacht marina. Here, you can see traditional fishing boats, many sailing boats, and bigger yachts. The seashore is used mainly by locals to take a cooling morning bath during sunrise. Waters are safe to swim surrounded by a rocky beach. Just take your swimsuit and go to the beach.

Visit the Ta’Xbiex Parish Church

Visit the Church (1958) dedicated to St. John of the Cross (the patron saint of Ta’ Xbiex) and decorated in Basilical and Roman style. Inside there is a unique huge Crucifix (420cm / 240cm). This cross may be the largest reproduction of its kind, and the only silhouette cross in the world inscribed ‘Where there is no love, put love, and you will reap love.’

Note: Do you know that Malta has more than 365 churches?! If you want to know more about this Mediterranean country, read our travel guide to Malta.

Where to eat in Ta’Xbiex

Ta’Xbiex is a small area, but there are plenty of good restaurants, especially along the coast, offering delicious Mediterranean dishes and spectacular harbor views.

-Ta’Xbiex Waterpolo Club Restaurant

It was established in the 1940s on a property used as a polling station, police headquarters, and farm. Now, there is a beautiful restaurant combining Sicilian & Italian cuisine. We really love the seafood ideas on the menu (Risotto ai Frutti di Mare).

-The Galley Restaurant

It is a lovely seaside restaurant with a unique view of Valletta, offering modern Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices. As I love seafood, the deep-fried calamari is something I recommend. 

-Black Pearl Restaurant

A unique attraction on the Maltese islands is a century-old wooden schooner home to a fantastic restaurant – The Black Pearl. There is an a la carte restaurant on the upper deck, offering stunning views of Valletta and the harbor and a pub on the lower deck. 

Note: The Black Pearl was built in Sweden in 1909 and is one of the last surviving wooden trading schooners. She was used for trading missions to remote areas of Norway and Sweden. In 1976 while traveling through the Suez Canal, there is a fire in the engine room. The ship managed to sail to Marsamxett harbor in Malta, where she sank. In 1979, the schooner was restored. After that, the Black Pearl was captured in the movie ‘Popeye’ made in Malta. That was before she sank again in a storm in 1981. She was brought back to the surface and perched on the quayside of Ta’ Xbiex. So, in 1987 a new restaurant and a bar were opened – Black Pearl.

 -Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is another restaurant where you can watch Valletta’s reflection in the water. We highly recommend it – big portions, fantastic Mediterranean dishes, and good value for money. 

-Avotaco

If you don’t have much time and would like just to bite something, Avotaco is your place. Fresh and delicious traditional Mexican food with also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Accommodation in Ta’Xbiex

If you decide to stay in a hotel in Ta’Xbiex, check the accommodation options on Booking or Airbnb – our two biggest ‘friends’ when traveling. But if you are in Malta only for few days, we suggest staying in another area. So, you will be closer to the main sightseeing points and tourist spots on the island.

So, would you visit Ta’Xbiex for a short break on your journey around Malta? 

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