Attard vs Munxar

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 refined living, while Munxar suits nature lovers seeking affordable coastal seclusion on Gozo. Attard scores 9/10 for family-friendliness and sits at Malta's geographic centre, with bus routes 51 and 52 linking directly to Valletta and Rabat. The airport is a 20-minute drive. Residents enjoy San Anton Gardens, the Presidential Palace grounds, high safety ratings, and spacious properties including traditional farmhouses. The trade-off is limited nightlife (3/10) and no beach access — the nearest coast requires a 15-20 minute drive. A car is essential here. Munxar, by contrast, scores 8/10 for beaches and sits on dramatic cliffs above Xlendi Bay. Property prices are very affordable, even by Gozo standards. The village has just 1,500 residents, minimal nightlife (1/10), and no local shops or restaurants. Xlendi's beach and dining are a 5-minute drive away, but the walk is steep. Public transport is limited to route 306, and reaching the airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry. Munxar is a car-dependent village best suited to buyers who prioritise quiet, scenery, and value over convenience.
Attard

Refined garden village

VS
Munxar

Tiny cliff-top village above Xlendi

€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. Village is tiny. Walk to Xlendi is possible but steep. Car recommended.
Good. Residential streets have ample parking. Villa properties have driveways.
Parking
Excellent. No parking issues.
Very low. One of the quietest urban areas in Malta. Gardens absorb what little traffic noise there is.
Noise Level
Extremely low. One of the quietest villages in Gozo.

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 Munxar

Munxar is a small village on Gozo's south coast, perched on the cliffs between Sannat and Xlendi. The name means 'bucksaw' in Maltese, supposedly referring to the jagged shape of the coastline below the village. It's one of Gozo's least-known villages — most visitors drive past it on their way to Xlendi without realising it's there. The village centre is tiny — a church, a square, and a few streets of traditional houses. But Munxar's real identity is tied to the coastline below: Ta' Cenc plateau extends to its west, and the cliffs between Munxar and Xlendi contain some of Gozo's most dramatic coastal scenery. Mgarr ix-Xini, the fjord-like inlet shared with Sannat, is accessible from Munxar's side. 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. The village has minimal amenities — a church, a social club, and not much else. Xlendi's restaurants are a five-minute drive.

Highlights

  • Cliff-top position above Xlendi Bay
  • Access to Ta' Cenc plateau walks
  • Very affordable even by Gozo standards
  • Dramatic coastal scenery on the doorstep
  • Five minutes from Xlendi's restaurants

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10
dining
4/10
9/10
family
6/10
9/10
safety
9/10
2/10
beaches
8/10
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, nightlife, transport .

Choose Munxar

nature lovers families

Munxar comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for dining, family, nightlife, transport. Munxar stands out for beaches. Attard is popular with families. Munxar is popular with nature lovers and families.
Munxar has a lower average rent at €1000/month compared to Attard's €1668 — a difference of around €668.
Attard and Munxar are around 23 km apart — roughly a 58-minute drive depending on traffic.