Attard vs Fontana

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 Malta living with garden access, while Fontana suits nature lovers and retirees seeking affordable, quiet village life in Gozo. Attard scores 9/10 for family suitability and safety, positioned at Malta's geographic centre with bus routes 51 and 52 on the Valletta–Rabat corridor. The island's airport is 20 minutes by car. Properties include old stone farmhouses and modern villas in the prestigious 'Three Villages' area, with prices in the mid-to-upper bracket. Fontana scores 9/10 for safety and 8/10 for family, with an 8-minute walk to Victoria and 15 minutes by car to Xlendi Bay. It offers Gozo's most affordable property prices, though the Mgarr ferry terminal adds 15 minutes to any Malta journey, and the total airport trip takes 90 minutes including the ferry crossing. Attard's 11,300 residents benefit from San Anton Gardens and spacious green surroundings but need a 15–20 minute drive for beach access. Fontana's 1,000-strong community sits beside Wied il-Lunzjata valley with direct access to coastal walks, though public transport scores just 3/10 and car ownership is essential in both locations.

Attard

Refined garden village

Fontana

Quiet valley village with natural springs

€1668

Avg. Rent

€1100

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

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

Walkability

Good. Flat walk to Victoria in under 10 minutes. Xlendi reachable on foot in 25 minutes.

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

Parking

Excellent. No parking issues. Street parking readily available.

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

Noise Level

Very low. Peaceful village atmosphere with only occasional farm vehicle noise.

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 Fontana

Fontana, known in Maltese as It-Triq tal-Ghajn (the road of the spring), is a small Gozitan village nestled in a valley just south of Victoria. The village takes its name from a natural freshwater spring that has served the local community for centuries. The spring water was channeled into a system of washing basins — the famous Il-Lavandieri — stone-built communal laundries where Gozitan women gathered to wash clothes well into the 20th century. These restored laundry basins remain one of the village's most distinctive features. Fontana sits along the road from Victoria to Xlendi, making it a quiet residential area with easy access to both the capital and the coast. The village is surrounded by fertile valley land, and traditional stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Wied il-Lunzjata, one of Gozo's greenest valleys, runs through the area, offering shaded walking routes through agricultural land. Property in Fontana consists mainly of traditional Gozitan townhouses and converted farmhouses. Prices are among the most affordable in Gozo, and the village's proximity to Victoria — under ten minutes on foot — makes it a practical choice for those seeking quiet village life without isolation. The area has a small but active community centred around the parish church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Highlights

Il-Lavandieri — restored 16th-century communal stone laundries fed by natural springs
Wied il-Lunzjata — Gozo's greenest valley with walking trails
Walking distance to Victoria (8 minutes)
Traditional Gozitan farmhouses at affordable prices
On the road to Xlendi Bay — easy coastal access

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

4/10

9/10

family

8/10

9/10

safety

9/10

2/10

beaches

6/10

3/10

nightlife

2/10

6/10

transport

3/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

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

Choose Fontana

nature lovers retirees

Fontana comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for dining, family, nightlife, transport. Fontana stands out for beaches. Attard is popular with families. Fontana is popular with nature lovers and retirees.

Fontana has a lower average rent at €1100/month compared to Attard's €1668 — a difference of around €568.

Attard and Fontana are around 23 km apart — roughly a 58-minute drive depending on traffic.