Located southeast of the country’s capital, Birżebbuġa is a vibrant village in Malta’s southeast, offering a panoramic view of the Marsaxlokk Bay. The town’s name is derived from the Arabic word for ‘olive’.  This charming village, which has a population of around 10,000 people, has become very popular with both tourists and locals alike due to its fascinating archaeological sites, such as Ghar Dalam and Borg in-Nadur, as well as its appealing sandy coastline. The symbolism of the olive can also be seen in the village’s coat of arms, which features a blue chevron and an olive branch on a white background.

The layout of the town is centred around Pretty Bay, which paved the way for the development of a number of coastal amenities along with stores, cafes, restaurants, a hotel, and other tourist attractions. Visitors to Pretty Bay can take advantage of a well-liked pavilion and a children’s playing area, which are encircled by a promenade that runs the length of the sandy beach. St. George’s Bay, which lies nearby and has a rocky shoreline, is popular for sunbathing, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. The beach is also well-known for the ancient cart ruts that run over its sandy expanse.

Birżebbuġa’s illustrious history may be traced back to the Phoenician era, when maritime tradesmen established their foothold and built a Temple, recognising its strategic location as the first point of contact while sailing from the East. Numerous tombs of these seamen have also been found nearby during archaeological digs. The ruins of a classic Roman villa may still be seen on the raised hill of Kaccaturo, which looks out across Ghar Dalam. The harbour retained significance throughout the ages, drawing Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Notably, when the Turkish invaders arrived there, it played a significant role in the Great Siege in 1565. The harbour housed British military flying boats and battleships during the 20th century. It still has a considerable economic impact today owing to the Freeport, which makes it possible to handle a staggering number of cargo ships and containers every day.

Through an extensive array of centuries-old structures, Birżebbuġa highlights its historical past as it offers a window into the island’s residents’ daily lives during various times of governance. A few noteworthy buildings are the Farretti Coastal Battery, the mediaeval entrenchments at Birżebbuġa, and additional British-built fortifications. Birżebbuġa had additional development in terms of military use throughout the British era. The Royal Air Force was given two bases and further defences were built. The first permanent airstrip on the island was RAF Hal Far, which was constructed in 1929. The Malta Freeport, a global commercial port, took the role of the second airbase, RAF Kalafrana, in 1988. The port has prospered and expanded over time to become one of the biggest in the Mediterranean Sea, serving a sizable amount of marine traffic. As a result, this old fishing community changed course and evolved into a thriving beachfront resort city. 

Birżebbuġa, like many other towns in Malta, has an abundance of chapels and churches. We recommend that you visit this charming village during the first weekend in August, which falls on the feast of St. Peter in Chains for an unforgettable experience. Brass bands from various clubs’ march through the streets during this time, capturing the vivacious spirit of a typical Maltese village festival and bringing the town to life. The modest church of Our Lady of Sorrows initially served as the parish until the larger church was dedicated for worship in 1938. Birżebbuġa obtained the status of a separate parish from Zejtun in 1913. 

Several clubs, such as a fishermen’s club, a regatta club, a boċċi club (a traditional metal-ball game) and many music groups, contribute to the town’s community life. Such connections provide as evidence of the traditional Maltese activities in Birżebbuġa’s lasting social footprint. We guarantee that a trip to Birżebbuġa will surely be eventful and memorable!