This seaside village in southern Malta is known for its Pretty Bay beach and ancient cart ruts. Archaeological finds from 5000 BC and a 19th-century British fort add historical depth.
Birżebbuġa lies on Malta’s southeastern coast where four valleys reach the Mediterranean. Walk St. George’s Bay to see ancient olive wells cut into limestone, explaining the town’s name meaning “well of olives.” Visit Ghar Dalam cave to find Neanderthal teeth and bones of dwarf elephants preserved in its soil. If you arrive in early August, you’ll hear brass bands playing during the feast of St. Peter in Chains. Look for stone towers along the shore, built by the Knights of Malta in the 1600s to guard against naval attacks. These forts now overlook cargo ships docking at the modern Freeport terminal.
St. George’s Bay and Olive Well History
St. George’s Bay serves as Birżebbuġa’s social center. A concrete path follows the beach, passing a gazebo where locals watch boats navigate the harbor. Examine the bay’s limestone edges to spot shallow wells once used to soak olives in saltwater. Fishermen still mend nets near the beach each morning before heading out to sea. Across the water, cranes at the Freeport terminal load containers onto ships bound for Europe and North Africa. The mix of old and new here defines the town’s character.
Fossils and Ancient Settlements
Ghar Dalam cave holds animal bones from when Malta connected to mainland Europe. Scientists found hippo fossils here alongside tools used by early humans. Walk 15 minutes uphill to Borg in-Nadur, where Bronze Age farmers built stone walls still visible today. Closer to the coast, the Kaccaturo Roman villa ruins display cracked mosaic floors and broken olive presses. Adventurous hikers can follow the cliff trail to Ghar Hasan cave, said to hide stories of pirates and medieval hermits.
Defensive Towers and Forts
The Knights of Malta built Benghaisa Tower in 1610 to spot enemy ships early. Later, the British expanded defenses by adding Delimara Fort’s thick limestone walls and cannon platforms. Fort Tas-Silg, now partly collapsed, once stored gunpowder for coastal batteries. St. Lucian Fort’s yellow-stone structure houses a marine biology lab but originally aimed cannons at Ottoman ships. Many forts remain accessible—climb their staircases for unobstructed views of fishing boats returning to harbor.
Seasonal Events and Local Life
Birżebbuġa’s biggest celebration occurs on August 1st for St. Peter in Chains. Two rival bands parade through streets draped in red and gold banners, followed by fireworks over the bay. The town’s 1938 church hosts all-night vigils with statues carried shoulder-high by devotees. In December, Benghaisa’s smaller church glows with candles during evening processions honoring the Immaculate Conception. Join Friday gatherings at the fishermen’s club to hear stories about storms and record catches over cups of strong coffee.
Where to Stay: Areas and Accommodations
Birżebbuġa has 63 lodging options, from budget guesthouses to apartments with sea views. Stay near St. George’s Bay to wake up to the sound of waves and walk to seafood restaurants within minutes. Benghaisa’s residential streets offer quieter stays, with grocery stores and bakeries selling fresh hobz bread. For isolation, book a farmhouse near Delimara Point to hike coastal trails without crowds. June sees fewer tourists and better rates than September’s peak season. Most rentals provide basic kitchens, letting you cook rabbit stew or fry lampuki fish bought from morning markets.
