Car Hire Gzira

Gzira Mini Guide

Enjoy this charming Mediterranean town on the island of Malta. Gzira is located between Msida and Sliema on the north east coast. It is close to the capital Valletta and the University of Malta.  Gzira is an upmarket area which is noted for its Yacht Marina, and adjacent gardens, the waterfront shopping district and the Strand. You also get incredible views out to Manoel Island and the walled city of Valletta.

In World War II the Manoel Island fort was used as the Royal naval base of the British in Malta. Considerable work is currently being undertaken to renovate and reconstruct the fort back to its former glories. That said like all places it has been lessened by the gradual march of progress with a lot of luxury flats being built which have taken away some of the initial charms of Gzira. Still there is much to impress there. Take a walk around Gzira at night when it is lit up and you will find it to be just stunning.

Gzira's main focal point is Marsamxett Harbour, frequented by the Knights of Malta in days of yore. The harbour is an incredible example of engineering prowess in the 18th century and deserves some time. One of the infamous streets in Gzira is Testaferrata Street which used to have a lot of prostitution but that is more or less a thing of the past.

Gzira has some unusual sights including the 18th century Fort Manoel, on Manoel Island in the harbour. It was used as Royal Navy base in World War II called HMS Talbot and HMS Phoenicia.

Also worth visiting on the island is the informal duck and wildfowl sanctuary set up by a British expatriate. At times there are dozens of birds under her protection there and they are both entertaining and charming. Back on the mainland, hire a car and at night head down to the harbour for the view of the illuminated Fort Manoel and the lights of Valletta.