11 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Malta

A reasonable cost of living, warm weather, great food, and inexpensive healthcare sound like the perfect recipe for retirement! Malta is certainly a destination to consider for the many benefits offered to retirees. For example, English is one of their official languages, the other Maltese, and they have easy immigration requirements. Attractive and charming towns dot the countryside. In fact, it is one of the oldest civilizations and home to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

This tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is 58 miles south of Sicily, a short ferry ride. The three islands of Malta are Malta, Gozo, and Comino. There are about 475,000 residents on 122 square miles. People live in Malta and Gozo; Comino is a bird sanctuary and nature preserve. In fact, Malta was once a British colony. However, in 1974 they became a republic. They later joined the EU in 2004 as its smallest country.

Warm and sunny weather is a given in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and Malta is one of the sunniest places in Europe. Additionally, the winters are mild, cool, and dry, ranging from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit or 15-32 degrees Celsius year-round. During the summer the water temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius, and winter months are colder. Also, there is minimal rainfall adding to the reasons to consider these secretly amazing places to retire in Malta.

Benefits to those looking to retire in Malta

Low-cost, High-quality Healthcare

Malta offers public healthcare, known as government healthcare service, and private healthcare. Public healthcare is offered at no cost to residents of Malta and citizens of the European Union (EU.) The quality is excellent, however, wait times may be long. As a result, people often opt for private insurance. EU citizens who live in Malta for 3 months or less can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at public clinics and hospitals free of charge. Non-EU citizens must purchase insurance. In addition, purchasing an international health policy covers as many countries as one wishes to travel to without taking out new health coverage for each country.

Reasonable Cost of Living

The cost of living is about 23 percent lower than in the United States and lower than in most other European countries. Public transportation is available on all the islands, therefore one could easily do without a car. Additionally, utility costs are low. The islands have a high standard of living, good infrastructure, and amenities like modern housing, shopping centers, and leisure facilities. In fact, there are also retirement communities and assisted living for those needing additional support. The country’s tax system offers incentives for non-residents such as a flat 15 percent tax on foreign income and pensions.

Safety

Malta is a safe country, crime is low, and violent crime is a rarity.

Ease of Immigration

Malta offers the fastest and easiest path to immigration in Europe. For example, citizens of other EU countries can move to and live in Malta. There is not a specific visa for retirees, but their Global Residence Program is for non-EU citizens. To qualify, simply rent a place for as little as 800 euros a month, year-round residency is not required. Once a residency visa is acquired the rest of Europe is accessible. This program also gives access to free public health care.

Laid-Back Lifestyle and Activities

Life is relaxed and slow-paced, the sea is accessible from any point, and 300 days of sunshine is conducive to a stress-free retirement. Discover colorful festivals, community celebrations, jazz festivals, theater, and historical sites.

Culture and Food

A mix of Mediterranean, Sicilian, and North African cultures creates interesting and diverse culinary and cultural experiences here. Their thriving wine industry has several award-winning varieties as well as a few great types of beer. Bustling food markets where locals buy fresh produce, meat, and seafood are found in nearly every town. They received the designation of Culture Capital of Europe in 2018.

Transportation/ Infrastructure/ Airports

The most common modes of transportation are taxi, bus, or car. Malta’s road conditions are good, but remember to drive on the left side of the road. Their modern and well-equipped airport serves millions annually. Expats can drive with a valid driver’s license from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, a Maltese driver’s license is required for those staying longer.

Language

Most citizens, about 88 percent, are native English speakers making conversation easy in these secretly amazing places to retire in Malta.

Valletta

This walled city of 5,964 is the capital of Malta. It was established in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John and is known for its museums, grand churches, and palaces. The rich culture, stunning architecture, historic sites, and modern amenities lend themselves well to retirees. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has a higher cost of living than other towns. However, for those looking for a rich social life, Valletta offers the majority of the country’s events and activities. In fact, there is no need for a car here as there is an efficient transportation system. The city also offers a wide array of healthcare services and facilities.

St. Paul’s Bay

This beach town of 35,419 is the largest northern town in Malta. It is made up of resorts and vacation homes, reminiscent of Key West, Florida. The well-designed bus system has a convenient route to the airport. The British influence here can be seen in the food and pubs. It is an affordable place to live with rents around 300-400 euros or 50,000 euros to purchase a condo making this one of the secretly amazing places to retire in Malta.

Victoria (Rabat)

The capital of the island of Gozo, Victoria is a laid-back town and the center of commercial activity. With a population of 7,242, there are plenty of things to do. For example, visit the Gozo Museum of Archeology to see prehistoric stone sculptures. Everything here is within walking distance and public transportation is nearby. In addition, there are many fine restaurants and there is a ferry service to the mainland.

Siggiewi or Qrendi

Located on the southwest coast of Malta, these two towns, of 7,903 and 2,800 respectively, were established in the 14^th century near the town of Valletta. Both of the small villages offer a quiet and peaceful lifestyle with plenty of historic sites to visit.

Marsascala (Marsaskala)

On the southeastern border of Malta, northeast of Valletta this town of 9,298 is home to many modern conveniences. This ancient fishing village is a quiet place by the sea in the winter months. However, during the summer the population doubles.

Marsaxlokk

This fishing village of 3,534 in southeastern Malta is a great place to avoid tourists. It is the largest fishing village in Malta but it is serene and quiet with a lively nightlife in the summer months.

Ta Xbiex

This small town of 2,148 is located in eastern Malta on a small headland in the Marsamxett Harbour. Here one can enjoy a grand view of the sunrise. This quiet village is a sought-after place to live by expats and locals. It is centrally located and sheltered from northwesterly winds. Additionally, the breakwater protects it from swells. Amenities include modern conveniences, great restaurants, and harbor views.

Madliena

This small inland village is located on the edge of the Madliena Valley on the eastern coast of Malta. Located on a hill, it offers beautiful views and a blend of rural charm and urban convenience just close enough to the bustling city center of St. Paul’s Bay and St. Julian’s. Madliena is named after the 15th-century Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene. It has a population of 1,453.

Swieqi and Pembroke

West of St. Julian’s is the town of Swieqi. It is 15 minutes from Sliema and within walking distance from St. Julian’s and Paceville with a population of 8,099. Convenient amenities make life there comfortable. North of Swieqi is the town of Pembroke with a population of 13,239. This rocky, undeveloped town has lots of hiking trails. It was once a military base for the British which later turned into residences in use today.

Harbour Area

For those looking for a livelier social life, this is the place to be. Known as Greater Valletta it is located around the Grand Harbour one of the best natural harbors in the world. Sliema and St. Julian’s are the most popular areas here as well as the three cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. This cosmopolitan area is full of cafes, bars, and shops as well as a busy nightlife with a population of 213,722. There are museums and lots of entertainment options. In addition, there is a ferry service to Valletta.

Sliema

This resort town of 22,591 on the eastern coast of Malta is its 4th largest city and features a 3.8-mile promenade and many historical sites. Indeed, it is one of the best places to live on the island, and a mile away from Valletta. In addition, there is a big expat community here including people from many other countries giving it an international flair.

Conclusion

No matter which town you choose to live in, nothing is very far away and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. In fact, tour the country to get a feel for which place feels most like home. Malta makes the transition to retirement an easy one. In addition, most people speak English so there is no language barrier. Enjoy the adventure!

Summary of the 11 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Malta