Attard vs Safi

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

Summary

Attard is the better choice for families seeking prestige and centrality, while Safi suits buyers prioritising the lowest property prices and rural isolation. Attard scores 9/10 for family life and safety, sits at Malta's geographic centre, and connects via bus routes 51 and 52 on the Valletta–Rabat corridor. Safi also rates 9/10 for safety but drops to 6/10 for family living, with transport scoring just 2/10 and a single bus route (82 from Valletta) serving the area. Property prices in Safi rank among the lowest in Malta, compared to Attard's mid-to-upper bracket. Attard residents access San Anton Gardens, the Presidential Palace, and a 6/10 dining scene within the village. Safi offers minimal amenities and a dining score of 2/10. Both areas require a car, though Attard's centrality puts all major locations equidistant. Safi sits just 10 minutes from the airport versus Attard's 20 minutes, but lacks Attard's established infrastructure and green spaces. Both areas have virtually no nightlife.

Attard

Refined garden village

Safi

Tiny quiet southern hamlet

€1668

Avg. Rent

€2000

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

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

Walkability

Poor. No amenities beyond a church. Car essential for everything.

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 places in Malta.

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 Safi

Safi is one of Malta's tiniest villages — a hamlet on the southern edge of the island with a single church, a square, and a handful of streets. The name comes from the Arabic 'safi' meaning pure or chosen, possibly referring to the quality of the local spring water that once made this area a stop on inland routes. The village is surrounded by agricultural land and sits at the boundary between Malta's residential south and the open countryside that leads toward the cliffs. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the megalithic temples are within a short drive, connecting Safi to Malta's prehistoric landscape despite its modest appearance. Property in Safi is among the cheapest in Malta. Traditional houses are available at rock-bottom prices, though the village has minimal amenities — residents travel to nearby Zurrieq or Paola for shopping, medical care, and services. It's a niche choice for buyers who value extreme quiet and low cost above all else.

Highlights

One of Malta's smallest villages
Among the lowest property prices in Malta
Surrounded by agricultural land
Near prehistoric temple sites
Extreme quiet and rural atmosphere

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

2/10

9/10

family

6/10

9/10

safety

9/10

2/10

beaches

5/10

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 Safi

families

Safi comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Attard has a lower average rent at €1668/month compared to Safi's €2000 — a difference of around €332.

Attard and Safi are around 9 km apart — roughly a 23-minute drive depending on traffic.