Attard vs Pembroke

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 space, prestige, and a traditional village atmosphere at Malta's centre, while Pembroke suits families and nature lovers who prefer coastal living near the island's entertainment hub. Attard scores 9/10 for family living and safety, with a refined character built around San Anton Gardens and the Presidential Palace. It sits at Malta's geographic centre, roughly equidistant from all major areas and 20 minutes from the airport by car. A car is essential here — there is no beach access within a 15-minute drive, and nightlife scores just 3/10. Properties tend to be spacious villas and converted farmhouses at mid-to-upper price brackets. Population: 11,300. Pembroke offers a different package: coastal nature reserves, a beach score of 7/10, and a strategic position between St. Julian's and northern Malta. Transport links score 7/10, with direct buses to Sliema (10 minutes) and Valletta, plus 30-minute airport access. Property is mid-range with modern housing stock, though the area lacks a traditional village centre or established character. Population: 4,200.

Attard

Refined garden village

Pembroke

Modern residential town with military heritage

€1575

Avg. Rent

€1900

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

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

Walkability

Moderate. Residential streets are walkable. Coast promenade connects to St. Julian's. Car recommended for shopping.

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

Parking

Good. Modern residential streets with adequate parking. Easier than neighbouring St. Julian's.

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

Noise Level

Low. Quiet residential atmosphere. Military range nearby occasionally generates noise from training exercises.

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 Pembroke

Pembroke is one of Malta's newest towns, built on land that served as a British military base from the 1860s until the navy left in 1979. Named after the 12th Earl of Pembroke, the area still bears visible traces of its military past — coastal fortifications, Victorian-era barracks, and gun emplacements that once guarded the approach to the Grand Harbour. The town has developed rapidly since the 1990s into a residential area popular with middle-class Maltese families and expat professionals. The housing stock is predominantly modern apartment blocks and terraced houses, with some newer villa developments on the eastern edge. Pembroke's big advantage is greenspace — the town sits adjacent to the Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve, a protected area of rocky coastline and wild garigue habitat that's one of the few remaining natural spaces in urban Malta. Pembroke occupies a strategic position between St. Julian's and the northern coast. It's close enough to Paceville and Sliema to benefit from their amenities but far enough to escape the noise and congestion. Property prices sit in the mid-range — above the southern towns but below the premium coastal strip.

Highlights

Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve — protected coastline
Former British military base with Victorian fortifications
Mid-range property between St. Julian's and the north
Popular with families and expat professionals
Greenspace rare in this part of Malta

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

5/10

9/10

family

8/10

9/10

safety

8/10

2/10

beaches

7/10

3/10

nightlife

4/10

6/10

transport

7/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

Attard comes out ahead in dining, family, safety .

Choose Pembroke

families nature lovers

Pembroke comes out ahead in beaches, nightlife, transport .

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Attard has a lower average rent at €1575/month compared to Pembroke's €1900 — a difference of around €325.

Attard and Pembroke are around 7 km apart — roughly a 18-minute drive depending on traffic.