Attard vs Burmarrad

Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.

Summary

Attard is better for families wanting central convenience and prestige, while Burmarrad suits families seeking affordable rural space in the north. Attard scores higher for family-friendliness (9/10 vs 7/10), transport connectivity (6/10 vs 2/10), and safety (9/10 vs 8/10). It sits at Malta's geographic centre, served by two bus routes on the Valletta–Rabat corridor, and is 20 minutes from the airport by car. Burmarrad has only one bus route and sits 30 minutes from the airport. Attard's strengths include San Anton Gardens, the Presidential Palace, and established stone farmhouses or modern villas in a quiet 'Three Villages' setting. Property prices sit in the mid-to-upper bracket. Burmarrad offers the most affordable properties in the St. Paul's Bay area, with larger homes featuring gardens and private outdoor space near Pwales Valley's agricultural land. Neither area suits beachgoers or nightlife seekers. Attard requires a 15–20 minute drive to reach beaches and has limited nightlife (3/10). Burmarrad scores just 6/10 for beach access despite its northern location, and 1/10 for nightlife. Both areas require a car for daily needs, though Burmarrad has no local shops, cafes, or services within walking distance.

Attard

Refined garden village

Burmarrad

Rural residential outskirts

€1950

Avg. Rent

€1300

Listings

2.8

Avg. Bedrooms

Moderate. Pleasant walks in the town centre and gardens. Car essential for commuting and shopping.

Walkability

Poor. Spread-out residential area with no central amenities. Car essential.

Good. Residential streets have ample parking. Villa properties have driveways.

Parking

Excellent. Private driveways and ample street parking.

Very low. One of the quietest urban areas in Malta. Gardens absorb what little traffic noise there is.

Noise Level

Very low. Rural quiet. Occasional farm machinery.

Living in Attard

Attard is one of Malta's 'Three Villages' — a cluster of quiet, upscale inland towns (with Balzan and Lija) known for their gardens, historic palaces, and a pace of life that feels a world away from the coastal strip. Sant' Anton Palace, the official residence of Malta's President, sits within Attard's boundaries, surrounded by botanical gardens that are open to the public. The town has a refined, established character. Old stone farmhouses sit alongside modern villas, and the streets are wider and greener than in most Maltese towns. The San Anton Gardens, originally laid out in the 17th century for the Grand Master, are one of Malta's loveliest green spaces — a formal garden with peacocks, fountains, and specimen trees from across the Mediterranean. Attard appeals to families and professionals who want space, quiet, and prestige without paying Sliema prices. Property here is mid-to-upper range, with villa properties commanding the highest values. The town sits at the geographic centre of Malta, making it equidistant from almost everywhere. A car is essential.

Highlights

San Anton Gardens and Presidential Palace
One of Malta's prestigious 'Three Villages'
Geographic centre of the island
Spacious villas and green surroundings
Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere

Living in Burmarrad

Burmarrad is a small residential area on the inland edge of St. Paul's Bay — a flat, rural-feeling neighbourhood of modern houses and smallholdings that sits between the coast and the agricultural land of the Pwales Valley. It's not a traditional village with a church square; it's a spread-out residential community that grew as St. Paul's Bay expanded inland. The surrounding Pwales Valley is one of Malta's few remaining agricultural areas, with small farms producing vegetables, strawberries, and the tomatoes that go into Malta's famous sun-dried tomato paste. The valley floor is flat and green — a rarity in Malta — and the distant view of the Mellieha ridge provides a pleasant backdrop. Property in Burmarrad is among the most affordable in the St. Paul's Bay area. Buyers get larger properties with gardens — almost unheard of in coastal apartments — at prices well below the seafront. The trade-off is distance from the coast and a car-dependent lifestyle.

Highlights

Pwales Valley — one of Malta's few agricultural areas
Larger properties with gardens at affordable prices
Flat terrain and open countryside views
Part of the St. Paul's Bay area but quieter
Close to Mistra Bay and Xemxija

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

3/10

9/10

family

7/10

9/10

safety

8/10

2/10

beaches

6/10

3/10

nightlife

1/10

6/10

transport

2/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

Attard comes out ahead in dining, family, safety, nightlife, transport .

Choose Burmarrad

families

Burmarrad comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for dining, family, safety, nightlife, transport. Burmarrad stands out for beaches. Attard is popular with families. Burmarrad is popular with families.

Burmarrad has a lower average rent at €1300/month compared to Attard's €1950 — a difference of around €650.

Attard and Burmarrad are around 5 km apart — roughly a 13-minute drive depending on traffic.