Attard vs San Lawrenz
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Attard is better for families seeking safe, central living in mainland Malta, while San Lawrenz suits nature lovers, retirees, and tourists wanting remote coastal tranquillity in Gozo. Attard scores 9/10 for family-friendliness and safety, sits at Malta's geographic centre with bus routes 51 and 52 on the Valletta–Rabat corridor, and is 20 minutes from the airport. San Lawrenz scores 9/10 for beaches and safety but only 2/10 for transport, requiring a car for daily life; it sits 25 minutes from Victoria and over 90 minutes from the airport including the Mgarr ferry.
Attard offers prestigious 'Three Villages' living with San Anton Gardens, spacious villas, and old stone farmhouses, though properties sit in the mid-to-upper price bracket with no beach access within 15–20 minutes. San Lawrenz provides Dwejra Bay on the doorstep, world-class diving at the Blue Hole, and traditional farmhouses at affordable prices, plus the Kempinski Residences SDA allowing foreign buyers without AIP permits — but the village of 700 residents has no shop or restaurant in its core and virtually no nightlife.
Attard is ideal for families wanting refined, quiet residential living with excellent green space and central access. San Lawrenz is best for those prioritising dramatic coastal scenery, stargazing with minimal light pollution, and a traditional Gozitan way of life over everyday convenience.
Refined garden village
Remote plateau village beside dramatic coastal landmarks
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 San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz is a tiny, tranquil village perched on Gozo's western plateau — the quietest corner of an already quiet island. With a population of under 800, it is one of the smallest localities in the Maltese archipelago, yet it sits beside some of Gozo's most dramatic natural landmarks. The village is the gateway to Dwejra Bay, home to the site where the Azure Window stood before its collapse in 2017, alongside the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and the Blue Hole — one of the Mediterranean's top diving sites. The village itself is a cluster of traditional limestone houses around a small church square. There are no hotels, no tourist shops, and virtually no commercial activity in the village core. Life here moves at the pace of farming, church bells, and the sea breeze off the western cliffs. The surrounding countryside is open and rugged, with panoramic views toward the sea and the dramatic coastal cliffs that define Gozo's western shore. San Lawrenz also hosts the Kempinski Hotel and its associated residences — one of Gozo's few SDA-designated developments. This creates an unusual contrast: one of Malta's most exclusive luxury addresses sitting alongside one of its most rural, traditional communities. Property in the village consists almost entirely of converted farmhouses and traditional houses, many with views toward the sea or across the open plateau.
Highlights
- Dwejra Bay — the Azure Window site, Inland Sea, and Blue Hole diving site
- Kempinski Residences — Gozo's most prestigious SDA luxury address
- One of the smallest and quietest villages in Malta
- Panoramic views of western Gozo's dramatic cliff coastline
- Fungus Rock — a protected islet once guarded by the Knights for its medicinal plant
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Attard
Attard comes out ahead in dining, family, nightlife, transport .
Choose San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz comes out ahead in beaches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Attard (23 listings)
ATTARD PENTHOUSE
Modern 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms apartment in Attard
ATTARD | PENTHOUSE | €2,500 /month
