Munxar

Munxar occupies a dramatic position on Gozo's south coast, perched on the cliffs between Sannat and Xlendi with views down into one of the island's most beautiful bays. The name means 'bucksaw' in Maltese, supposedly referring to the jagged shape of the coastline below the village — a sawtooth profile of limestone cliffs that drop precipitously toward the sea. It's one of Gozo's least-known villages, hidden from the main roads and overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Xlendi. Most visitors drive past Munxar on their way to the bay without realising it's there, which is exactly how the residents like it.

The village centre is tiny — a church, a square, and a few streets of traditional houses built from the golden limestone that characterises Gozo's architecture. The parish church, dedicated to St. Paul, was built in the 1920s after Munxar separated from the Sannat parish — until then, residents had to walk to Sannat for every church service, wedding, and funeral, a considerable commitment given the hilly terrain. Today, the church is the focal point of village life, and the square around it is where the community gathers for the annual feast and other celebrations.

Munxar's real identity is tied to the coastline below. The village sits on the cliffs above Xlendi Bay, and a steep winding road connects the two — a five-minute drive down or a twenty-minute walk that rewards you with excellent views. Xlendi's restaurants, beach, and summer atmosphere are easily accessible, but Munxar remains removed from the crowds, maintaining its quiet village atmosphere. To the west, the Ta' Cenc plateau extends toward Sannat, offering some of Gozo's most dramatic coastal scenery — high cliffs, deep valleys, and panoramic views toward Malta.

Property in Munxar is very affordable, even by Gozo standards. Traditional houses with sea views are available at prices that seem extraordinary given the coastal position and the proximity to Xlendi. The village has minimal amenities — a church, a social club, and not much else — which is either a drawback or the whole point, depending on your perspective. For buyers who want Xlendi's convenience without its crowds, or who value peace and views above all else, Munxar offers a compelling proposition.

The trade-off is isolation and limited services. Munxar has no shops, no cafes, no restaurants — just a village core surrounded by houses and countryside. The bus service is infrequent, and a car is essential for daily life. The village is quiet — sometimes too quiet — and the winter months can feel isolated. But for buyers who value tranquillity, dramatic scenery, and a strong sense of community, Munxar's drawbacks are minor compared to its advantages.