Attard vs Ta' Xbiex
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Attard sits at Malta's geographic centre with a family rating of 9/10 and safety score of 9/10. The established 'Three Villages' character brings San Anton Gardens, spacious farmhouses and villas, and a notably quiet atmosphere. A car is essential — buses on the Valletta–Rabat corridor serve the area, but the nearest beaches require a 15–20 minute drive. Nightlife scores just 3/10 and dining 6/10.
Ta' Xbiex is a compact harbour-front enclave of 2,200 residents, scoring 10/10 for safety and 9/10 for transport. Embassy-lined streets, a yacht marina, and Marsamxett Harbour views define the area. The Sliema ferry is a 5-minute walk, and buses on the Sliema–Valletta route run frequently. Dining rates 8/10 and nightlife 6/10. Property prices are premium with limited supply, dominated by expensive harbour-view apartments rather than family houses. Malta International Airport is 20 minutes from Attard and 25 minutes from Ta' Xbiex by car.
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 Ta' Xbiex
Ta' Xbiex is a tiny, prestigious waterfront locality between Gzira and Msida — barely a neighbourhood by most standards, but home to several foreign embassies, a marina, and some of the most expensive apartments on the harbour. The name means 'threshing floor' in Maltese, though you'd never guess it from the current property values. The seafront promenade is Ta' Xbiex's crown jewel. It looks out across Marsamxett Harbour to Valletta's fortifications, with yacht masts from the marina filling the foreground. Several diplomatic residences line the waterfront — the British, Australian, and Egyptian embassies among them — giving the area a quiet, exclusive atmosphere. Property here is premium. Apartments with harbour views command prices comparable to Sliema's best addresses, and the limited supply keeps values stable. Ta' Xbiex appeals to professionals and diplomats who want harbour views without Sliema's commercial density. There's no real commercial strip — you walk to Gzira for groceries and restaurants — but for a certain type of buyer, that's exactly the point.
Highlights
- Foreign embassy row — diplomatic enclave
- Yacht marina and harbour views
- Walk to Valletta via ferry from neighbouring Gzira
- Prestige address with limited supply
- Quiet residential atmosphere
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Attard
Attard comes out ahead in family .
Choose Ta' Xbiex
Ta' Xbiex comes out ahead in dining, safety, beaches, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Attard (11 listings)
Available NOW
Attard
Studio €650 Attard
