Attard vs Kercem

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 prestigious surroundings, while Kerċem suits nature lovers and families seeking affordable rural life on Gozo. Attard sits at Malta's geographic centre in the upscale 'Three Villages', scoring 9/10 for family-friendliness and safety, and 6/10 for transport. The village has bus routes 51 and 52 on the Valletta–Rabat corridor, and Malta's airport is a 20-minute drive. Properties are mid-to-upper bracket, with old stone farmhouses and modern villas. Residents have San Anton Gardens and the Presidential Palace as local highlights. Kerċem is a hillside village of 1,900 residents on Gozo's western edge, scoring 9/10 for safety but just 3/10 for transport. Bus route 311 connects to Victoria, while the Mgarr ferry is 15 minutes by car and Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry. The village is affordable even by Gozo standards, with walking trails to western cliffs and Lunzjata Valley's freshwater springs. A car is essential.
Attard

Refined garden village

VS
Kercem

Rural hillside village

€1668
Avg. Rent
€1000
11
Listings
1
2.5
Avg. Bedrooms
2
Moderate. Pleasant walks in the town centre and gardens. Car essential for commuting and shopping.
Walkability
Limited. Pleasant countryside walks but no amenities within walking distance. Car essential.
Good. Residential streets have ample parking. Villa properties have driveways.
Parking
Excellent. No parking pressure.
Very low. One of the quietest urban areas in Malta. Gardens absorb what little traffic noise there is.
Noise Level
Very low. Quiet rural village.

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 Kercem

Kercem is a village on the western edge of Gozo, spread across the slopes leading up to the island's highest point at Ta' Dbiegi. The village has a split character: the old core is a traditional Gozitan settlement with a parish church and narrow streets, while the surrounding countryside is some of Gozo's most attractive — rolling hills, olive groves, and walking trails that lead to the cliffs at San Lawrenz. The village is known for the Lunzjata Valley, a green corridor that runs through the western part of Gozo with freshwater springs that sustain vegetation year-round. The Villa Rundle Gardens, one of Gozo's few public green spaces, sit near Kercem's boundary. The area has attracted a small but growing community of foreign buyers drawn by the rural lifestyle and low property prices. Property in Kercem is affordable even by Gozo standards. Traditional village houses and modern apartments are both available, and the hilltop position offers views that stretch to the sea on a clear day. The village is peaceful and car-dependent, with basic amenities but no major commercial strip.

Highlights

  • Gozo's highest point at Ta' Dbiegi nearby
  • Lunzjata Valley — green corridor with freshwater springs
  • Walking trails to western Gozo cliffs
  • Affordable even by Gozo standards
  • Growing community of foreign residents

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10
dining
4/10
9/10
family
7/10
9/10
safety
9/10
2/10
beaches
5/10
3/10
nightlife
1/10
6/10
transport
3/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

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

Choose Kercem

families nature lovers

Kercem comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for dining, family, nightlife, transport. Kercem stands out for beaches. Attard is popular with families. Kercem is popular with families and nature lovers.
Kercem has a lower average rent at €1000/month compared to Attard's €1668 — a difference of around €668.
Attard and Kercem are around 25 km apart — roughly a 63-minute drive depending on traffic.