Pembroke vs Siggiewi
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Modern residential town with military heritage
Traditional agricultural village
Living in Pembroke
Pembroke is one of Malta's newest towns, built on land that served as a British military base from the 1860s until the navy left in 1979. Named after the 12th Earl of Pembroke, the area still bears visible traces of its military past — coastal fortifications, Victorian-era barracks, and gun emplacements that once guarded the approach to the Grand Harbour. The town has developed rapidly since the 1990s into a residential area popular with middle-class Maltese families and expat professionals. The housing stock is predominantly modern apartment blocks and terraced houses, with some newer villa developments on the eastern edge. Pembroke's big advantage is greenspace — the town sits adjacent to the Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve, a protected area of rocky coastline and wild garigue habitat that's one of the few remaining natural spaces in urban Malta. Pembroke occupies a strategic position between St. Julian's and the northern coast. It's close enough to Paceville and Sliema to benefit from their amenities but far enough to escape the noise and congestion. Property prices sit in the mid-range — above the southern towns but below the premium coastal strip.
Highlights
- Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve — protected coastline
- Former British military base with Victorian fortifications
- Mid-range property between St. Julian's and the north
- Popular with families and expat professionals
- Greenspace rare in this part of Malta
Living in Siggiewi
Siggiewi is a large inland village on Malta's western side, spread across a plateau between the Dingli Cliffs and the central plain. It's one of Malta's most traditional villages — the kind of place where the festa is still the social event of the year and where the older generation still speaks in proverbs. The village centre clusters around a large square and the imposing parish church of St. Nicholas, which has a commanding position visible from across the western plain. The streets radiating from the square are a mix of traditional limestone houses and newer developments, though Siggiewi has managed its growth better than many Maltese towns and retains a cohesive village character. The surrounding countryside is Siggiewi's biggest asset. Walking trails lead to the Dingli Cliffs, Ghar Lapsi (a popular swimming cove), and the Laferla Cross on the hilltop overlooking the village. The nearby Girgenti area houses the Prime Minister's summer residence in a valley of orange groves. Property here is affordable and community-oriented.
Highlights
- Large, cohesive traditional village square
- Walking trails to Dingli Cliffs and Ghar Lapsi
- Surrounded by open countryside
- Strong festa traditions and community life
- Affordable inland property
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Pembroke
Pembroke comes out ahead in nightlife, transport .
Choose Siggiewi
Siggiewi comes out ahead in family, safety .
