Malta is a popular retirement destination and a wonderful place to live. It offers a slower pace of life and a delightful climate. There are plenty of perks for those choosing to retire there, including an affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare systems, and plenty of options for becoming a citizen.
Most people choose to live in the northern half of the island. as this is the more populated and urban. However, if you’re looking for a rural escape, the southern part of the island also has plenty to offer. You can find many different styles of living in Malta so there is something to suit everyone.
If you are thinking of making the move to Malta, this blog post is for you. We have put together some of the best destinations for those looking to spend their retirement years in the sun.
1. Valletta
The only city in Malta is Valletta; nothing else qualifies for city status. It is the southernmost European capital, and it is also the smallest capital city, so it’s probably not like any city you have experienced before. It’s absolutely stunning and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 2018, it was crowned the European capital of culture. There is the National Fine Arts Museum, the National Museum of Archaeology, the Royal Opera House, and the Manoel Theatre. Tourists seek out Valetta in order to visit the former home of the Knights of St John, and it is certainly worth a look when you first arrive.
Many of the historically significant buildings have wooden balconies, which were characteristic of the architecture at the time. Unusually, for a capital city, it is not the most expensive place to buy property.
Many of the older apartment blocks have been converted and are stunning modest dwellings, perfect for retirement. If you are looking for a bustling nightlife, you will not find one in Valletta. It tends to go very quiet after dark.
2. The Habour Area
Those looking for a bit more life in the evenings should head to the harbour area. Known to the locals as greater Valetta, it is a stunning natural harbour area that is globally revered. The area is split into three towns, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, all of which are bustling and urban-type areas.
There are plenty of cafes and bars for meeting up with friends and enjoying a leisurely coffee during the day, and at night, there is a lively nightlife along the seafront wall. It's actually more expensive to live in this area, and the closer to the seafront you get, the more expensive the price becomes.
It's the most popular tourist area, and plenty of young people flock there during the high season, so it's certainly not the quietest place if you're looking to retire in peace. Local transport is good, including a regular ferry that heads from Valletta to both the south and north sides of the Grand Harbour. It certainly makes a change from buses and taxis!
3. Swieqi and Pembroke
The areas of Swieqi and Pembroke are considered rather upper-middle-class and it is a popular area for expats looking to retire. Swieqi is situated inland, whereas Pembroke is on the coast. It's a great area for outdoor living, especially if you are active and enjoy hiking.
You can hike a trail that takes you to the Maddalena Watchtower, which is historically significant. Once upon a time, a British military base was at Pembroke, and this included military barracks and various other buildings for the officers to use.
These buildings have been renovated over the years and are now popular residential dwellings. Over time, more houses have been added to the east and South, and these contain a mixture of apartments and terraced houses. There are certainly plenty of accommodation options here for anyone looking to retire to this area.
4. Madliena
Madliena is a gorgeous little town that sits up high, affording stunning views out over the bays to the north of the island. It’s quite close to Saint Julian’s and Saint Pauls Bay, which means if you are based here, you can head to the beaches and also take advantage of the shopping and entertainment options available in both of these areas.
Villa housing is the most popular in this area, with beautiful semi-detached, detached and bungalow-style villas. New build property in the region is quite expensive, but if you're lucky, you can find an older 70s-style villa and refurbish it to meet your needs.
5. Marsaxlokk
If picturesque is more up your street, then the gorgeous fishing village of Marsaxlokk is a great choice. It's also home to some of the highest-rated seafood restaurants that the island has to offer.
On Sundays, there is a big Sunday fish market, and you will also find many brightly decorated boats, which the locals call Luzzus, floating in the harbour. It is not overly populated with tourists as it is home to Malta's main power station. However, anyone who lives in the area will tell you this is not a problem, and it means you get access to the stunning Sandie Beach without having to compete with holidaymakers.
At Delimara, which is about 20 minutes away on foot, you can also see the Saint Peters pool, which is a great place to sunbathe, swim, and dive. It certainly has a much slower, quieter pace of life, which some people will love, but if you like the hustle and bustle, it’s probably not for you.
The takeaway
If you are looking to relocate your life to Malta for retirement, then why not get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote to see how we can help? Our team are expert in European Removals, and we would be delighted to help you begin your new life.
Pinnacle Removals & Storage also offer storage options if you want to make the move without taking everything with you until you are settled. Give us a call today to find out more.