Where to stay in Gżira with kids: a cheaper alternative to Sliema

Gżira is not a typical holiday destination that people choose for its beaches or resort atmosphere. Gżira (roughly pronounced “jeera”) is often more affordable than Sliema, despite having a similarly central location. You stay close to the promenade, buses, the Valletta ferry and a wide choice of restaurants and everyday services.

Quick decision: Gżira works best for families who want a central and more affordable base for exploring Malta. If you are looking for a sandy beach, a resort and easy daily swimming with young children, Mellieħa or St. Paul’s Bay will usually be more practical. If you are still undecided, start with my guide to choosing where to stay in Malta with children according to the type of holiday you want.

Recommended accommodation in Gżira for families

Most accommodation in Gżira consists of urban hotels and apartments that work well as a base for day trips. Prices can vary considerably between booking platforms, so it is worth comparing availability for your exact dates and number of guests.

If you do not want to spend too long comparing options, I would start with Bayview by ST Hotels, which combines a promenade location with hotel rooms, apartments and a rooftop pool. For a longer stay and more space of your own, also consider Blubay Apartments, which have kitchenettes.

Where exactly should you stay in Gżira?

When choosing accommodation, I would focus mainly on the distance from the promenade and whether the property is closer to Sliema, Manoel Island or the inner streets. The difference looks small on a map, but you will notice it quickly with children, a pushchair or luggage.

• Waterfront and promenade – the best location for evening walks, restaurants and quick access towards Sliema.
• Around Manoel Island – convenient for walks and views, although it is still not a traditional beach area.
• Inner streets – often cheaper, but pay closer attention to noise, the direction the room faces, the view and the distance from the main bus stops.

For the exact room, check its actual size, whether the building has a lift and whether the windows face the street or an inner courtyard. Family rooms sell out quickly in peak season, so I would not wait too long to book a suitable option.

Gżira or Sliema?

Gżira lies between Msida, Ta’ Xbiex and Sliema and merges almost seamlessly into Sliema. The promenade, restaurants, cafés and main transport connections are therefore usually within walking distance. The main differences between the two areas are the atmosphere and, often, the price of accommodation.

Sliema feels more tourist-oriented and polished, with a higher concentration of shops, hotels and waterfront venues. Gżira is more residential, sometimes busier and less picture-perfect. If you mainly want a practical base for day trips, however, it can offer a similarly central location at a lower price. You can find a more detailed comparison in my guide to staying in Sliema with children.

Who is Gżira best suited to?

• families planning plenty of day trips who want good bus connections
• families with older children or teenagers who do not mind an urban setting
• those who want to spend less than they would in Sliema while remaining in a central part of the island
• longer stays where an apartment with a kitchenette is more practical than a resort hotel
• families travelling without a hire car

When I would choose another area

• if young children or non-swimmers need a sandy beach with a gently shelving entry into the sea
• if you want a quiet holiday area or a resort where you will spend much of your stay
• if you want to hire a car for the entire trip but your hotel does not provide parking
• if a holiday atmosphere matters more to you than a central location and convenient transport

For daily swimming with young children, Mellieħa is usually more practical. If you want a promenade, a wider choice of hotels and still relatively easy access to beaches in the north, also compare St. Paul’s Bay with children.

Swimming in Gżira with children

Gżira does not have a traditional sandy beach. Around Manoel Island and along the coast towards Ta’ Xbiex, people generally enter the water from ladders, rocks or concrete platforms. This may be sufficient for adults and older children who swim well, but it is not particularly convenient with toddlers or non-swimmers.

If you want sand and a gently shelving entry into the water every day, you will need to travel to the beach by bus, taxi or car. Before planning, read my overview of the best beaches and attractions in Malta with children.

How much does accommodation in Gżira cost?

Accommodation in Gżira is often slightly more affordable than in Sliema, particularly apartments and three-star hotels. It is still a central area, however, so do not expect the same prices as in less tourist-oriented parts of the island.

• outside the high season: approximately €75–130 per night
• summer and school holidays: approximately €130–220 per night
• larger family apartments and rooms with a view may cost more

The balance between price and location is the main reason Gżira can make sense for families. Not because it is more beautiful than Sliema, but because it allows you to remain in a central area without paying extra for a more tourist-oriented address.

Do you need a hire car in Gżira?

If you want to visit Valletta, Sliema and places served by buses, you generally do not need a hire car in Gżira. Parking is difficult, and accommodation in the inner streets may not have its own garage. For ordinary day trips, combining walking, buses, the ferry and taxis is often easier.

If you want to combine several more distant places in one day, you do not need to hire a car for your entire stay. You can book a private half-day or full-day trip with a local driver and arrange stops according to your interests. This can make sense when visiting the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra and other places that are difficult to combine by bus in a single day. The driver transports you between stops but does not replace a licensed tour guide.

Before deciding, read how public transport in Malta works. If you still want to hire a car, confirm parking with your hotel and read the rental conditions carefully. My guides to hiring a car in Malta, deposits and insurance and hiring a car without a credit card may help.

How to get from Malta Airport to Gżira

You can travel from the airport to Gżira by bus, taxi or a pre-booked transfer. I compare the options in my guide to getting from Malta Airport to Gżira. If you arrive in the evening or with young children and luggage, the most comfortable option is often to book a ride directly to your accommodation.

Things to do from Gżira with children

Gżira itself is not full of attractions for children. Its main advantage is its location, which makes it easy to plan day trips to other parts of the island.

• Valletta – walk towards Sliema and continue across the harbour by ferry. If you plan to visit the Order’s principal church, you can also read why St. John’s Co-Cathedral is so lavish.
• Harbour cruise – from Sliema Ferries, you can take a cruise around Grand Harbour and Malta’s other harbours.
• Blue Lagoon – before booking, compare boat tours, the ferry and private charters.
• Popeye Village – a popular family day trip in the north of Malta; before visiting, read what to expect from Popeye Village.

Does Gżira make sense for a family holiday?

Yes, if you want a central location, good transport connections and a more affordable alternative to Sliema. It works best for active families and older children who do not mind an urban setting and do not need a sandy beach every day. Gżira is a pragmatic base for exploring Malta, not a traditional holiday resort.