Where to Stay in Birżebbuġa with Kids: Is This the Right Area for Your Family?

Looking for a quieter place by the sea, but don’t want a crowded tourist resort? Birżebbuġa in the south of Malta offers a very different atmosphere from what most visitors expect. At first glance, it may seem unremarkable, but it combines a few advantages that can work especially well for families with children. At the same time, there are a few specifics that can catch some travellers off guard — which is exactly why it’s not the right choice for everyone. How do you know if Birżebbuġa is the right fit for your stay?

One thing matters more than anything else here: how much the industrial surroundings bother you. From the beach, you will see the container port, and planes land overhead throughout the day.

If you already know you want a quieter south and a sandy beach for children, I recommend quickly checking accommodation availability in Birżebbuġa. The offer is smaller than in the north, and the best apartments near Pretty Bay tend to get booked out quickly.

Is Birżebbuġa Good for Families? Who It Suits (and When to Choose Another Area)

I would mainly recommend Birżebbuġa for families with younger children who are looking for a quieter seaside location and do not mind that it is not a typical tourist resort. Thanks to the sandy beach, it is especially suitable for children up to around 5–6 years old and for travellers who want to save on accommodation.

On the other hand, if you are visiting Malta for the first time, do not have a car, or expect a lively promenade and a more classic tourist-resort atmosphere, you will likely prefer the north of the island, for example Mellieħa or St. Paul’s Bay.

Birżebbuġa vs Northern Malta: Key Differences in Where to Stay

The difference between the south and the north of Malta is significant when it comes to accommodation – and Birżebbuġa is a good example of how much your holiday experience can vary depending on location.

In the north (for example Mellieħa or St. Paul’s Bay), you will find larger beaches, more hotels, better tourist infrastructure, and easier access to the main attractions. On the other hand, these areas are noticeably more expensive and crowded during peak season.

Birżebbuġa in the south feels completely different. It is less touristy, accommodation prices are often lower than in the most sought-after northern locations, and the overall atmosphere is calmer and more local. At the same time, you need to factor in longer travel times to northern beaches and the partially industrial character of the surroundings due to the proximity of Malta Freeport.

The choice between the south and the north is therefore not about what is “better”, but about what fits your style of holiday.

Best Family Accommodation in Birżebbuġa (Hotels and Apartments)

Hotel prices in Malta can vary significantly depending on the booking platform and the season. For popular hotels, it is therefore worth quickly comparing availability and prices and always checking the current offer.

If you are travelling with younger children, an apartment with a kitchen is usually more practical than a standard hotel room – you get more space and flexibility during the day.

Accommodation right by the beach in Malta does not always mean a better experience – just a higher price. In many cases, moving a few streets back gives you a much better price-to-quality ratio.

Birżebbuġa is not a large tourist resort like Sliema or St. Julian’s. The town feels local and residential, which can be an advantage for some families – evenings are generally quieter and you will not find large tourist crowds along the promenade.

The main reason families come here is Pretty Bay – one of the few sandy beaches in the south of Malta.

How to Get from Malta Airport to Birżebbuġa (Transfer, Bus or Car)

Birżebbuġa is located just a few minutes’ drive from Malta International Airport, so the transfer is relatively straightforward. It mainly depends on whether you prefer comfort or the lowest possible price.

If you arrive in the evening or with tired children or multiple suitcases, a better option is to book a transfer in advance – the driver will pick you up directly at the airport.

For shorter trips during your stay, you can use taxis – an overview of apps and prices can be found in the article taxi apps and prices in Malta.

The cheapest option is by public bus. However, expect a longer journey, possible transfers, waiting times, and the classic question from kids: “are we there yet?”. If you are not sure how the system works, I recommend reading public transport in Malta explained.

If you plan to explore more of the island, renting a car at the airport can also be a practical choice. I recommend comparing different rental offers in the article Car rental in Malta.

Pretty Bay: The Main Sandy Beach in Birżebbuġa for Kids

Pretty Bay is an artificially maintained sandy beach with a gradual entry into the sea, which is very practical for children. In the surrounding area, you will find a small promenade, restaurants, cafés, and a playground.

However, the beach is directly opposite the Malta Freeport container terminal. For some, this is not an issue, while others may feel that the industrial view affects the holiday atmosphere. On the positive side, the water is usually calm and the beach tends to be less crowded than popular Mellieħa Bay. During summer, lifeguards are present.

Pros of Staying in Birżebbuġa with Kids

The main advantage of Birżebbuġa is the combination of a sandy beach and a quieter atmosphere. Pretty Bay is one of the few beaches in the south with a gradual entry into the sea, which is especially appreciated by families with younger children. It is generally calmer during weekdays, while more locals visit on weekends. Even then, it does not feel as crowded as the north of the island, and accommodation prices are generally lower.

The location makes more sense for those who want to explore Malta rather than spend the entire holiday lying on the beach. Nearby, you will find places such as Dingli Cliffs, Ħaġar Qim temples, or Tarxien, and with a car you can easily reach other parts of the island.

If you prefer not to organise transport yourself, you can also join organised tours that include transport and a guide. Popular options include boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, often combined with a stop on Gozo.

If you plan to explore beyond the south, renting a car is often the most practical solution. Smaller local rental companies tend to be more affordable than large international brands.

Cons of Staying in Birżebbuġa with Kids

Birżebbuġa is not for everyone, and before booking accommodation it is worth considering a few factors that may not suit everyone:

• views of the Freeport container terminal and low-flying planes
• limited selection of hotels, bars, restaurants, and nightlife
• far from the main attractions in the north and central areas
• trips often require a car or careful planning with public transport

If you are still comparing locations, see where to stay in Malta with kids.

FAQ: Staying in Birżebbuġa with Kids