Attard vs Sannat

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 mainland living with excellent transport links, while Sannat suits those seeking dramatic cliff-top scenery and a slower Gozitan pace of life. Attard scores 9/10 for family-friendliness and sits at Malta's geographic centre, with buses to Valletta and Rabat along the Route 51/52 corridor. Sannat, perched on Gozo's southern cliffs, scores just 3/10 for transport and relies heavily on private cars — the nearest ferry terminal is a 15-minute drive, and Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the crossing.

Both villages rate 9/10 for safety and appeal primarily to families. Attard offers San Anton Gardens, the Presidential Palace, and spacious properties including old stone farmhouses and modern villas. Sannat delivers Ta' Cenc's wild nature reserve with cliff walks, Mgarr ix-Xini's fjord-like swimming inlet, and traditional lacemaking heritage. Its population of 2,200 compared to Attard's 11,300 reflects a significantly quieter, more rural environment.

Sannat provides better beach access — Mgarr ix-Xini is within walking distance — while Attard requires a 15–20 minute drive to reach any coast. Sannat also attracts tourists drawn to its dramatic plateau views, whereas Attard caters exclusively to permanent residents seeking refined, established neighbourhoods with mid-to-upper bracket property prices.

Attard

Refined garden village

Sannat

Cliff-top village with artisan heritage

€1668

Avg. Rent

€1020

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

2.6

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

Walkability

Moderate. Village centre walkable. Cliff walks accessible. Beach access involves steep paths.

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

Parking

Good. Easy parking in the village. Ta' Cenc hotel has private parking.

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

Noise Level

Very low. Quiet village. Wind exposure on the plateau can be strong.

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 Sannat

Sannat is a village on Gozo's southern cliffs, known for two things: the Ta' Cenc plateau — a wild, rocky headland with some of Gozo's most dramatic coastal scenery — and its lacemaking tradition, which produces the finest Gozitan lace still made by hand today. The village sits on the edge of Gozo's southern escarpment, where limestone cliffs drop into the Mediterranean. The Ta' Cenc area is a designated nature reserve with walking trails through garigue habitat, ancient cart ruts, and dolmens that predate the temples. Mgarr ix-Xini, a narrow inlet below the cliffs, is one of Gozo's most photogenic swimming spots — a fjord-like channel between sheer rock walls. Property in Sannat includes the Ta' Cenc Hotel and residential development, one of Gozo's most exclusive addresses. The hotel's villas command premium prices, while the village centre offers more affordable traditional houses. The cliff-edge position means views are spectacular but the walk to the nearest beach is a steep descent.

Highlights

Ta' Cenc plateau — wild nature reserve with cliff walks
Mgarr ix-Xini — fjord-like inlet for swimming
Traditional Gozitan lacemaking still practised
Exclusive cliff-top residential development
Ancient dolmens and cart ruts on the plateau

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

4/10

9/10

family

7/10

9/10

safety

9/10

2/10

beaches

6/10

3/10

nightlife

2/10

6/10

transport

3/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

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

Choose Sannat

families tourists

Sannat comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sannat has a lower average rent at €1020/month compared to Attard's €1668 — a difference of around €648.

Attard and Sannat are around 20 km apart — roughly a 50-minute drive depending on traffic.