Paola, Malta

With just 9,929 residents, Paola is a crowded commercial center in southern Malta, home to the country's largest church and sole mosque. While the town boasts historic sites like the UNESCO-listed Hypogeum, the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache - the local prison and cemetery are also situated here. Paola may appeal to those seeking an authentic Maltese experience, but the lack of greenery and abundance of government facilities make it a tough sell for many expats.