Attard vs Xemxija
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Attard scores 9/10 for both family-friendliness and safety, sitting at Malta's geographic centre roughly equidistant from all major areas. It has no beach access — the coast is a 15–20 minute drive — and nightlife is minimal at 3/10. A car is essential for daily life. Property here falls in the mid-to-upper bracket, with spacious villas and restored farmhouses. Buses on the Valletta–Rabat corridor (routes 51, 52) serve the village, and Malta International Airport is 20 minutes away by car.
Xemxija offers direct coastal living with a beach rating of 7/10 but less dining variety at 4/10. Its population of just 2,000 creates a quieter residential feel than neighbouring Bugibba and Qawra. Rents are more affordable than nearby northern towns. Sandy beaches like Mellieha Bay are a short drive away, though Xemxija's own bay is rocky. Bus routes 48, 49, 58, and 250 connect to Valletta and Sliema. The Gozo ferry terminal at Cirkewwa is 15 minutes north by car, and the airport is a 30-minute drive.
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 Xemxija
Xemxija is a small coastal hamlet at the western end of St. Paul's Bay — a quieter, more residential alternative to the tourist strips of Bugibba and Qawra. The name means 'sunny' in Maltese, and the sheltered bay lives up to it, catching afternoon sun long after the north-facing parts of St. Paul's Bay have gone into shadow. The hamlet is tiny — a handful of restaurants, a small beach, a hillside of apartment blocks, and a marina. But its surroundings are rich with history. The Xemxija Heritage Walk is a 2km trail that passes Roman apiaries, cart ruts carved into the limestone, a Neolithic menhir, and a Knights-era watchtower — essentially a compressed timeline of Maltese civilisation in a single walk. Property in Xemxija is modestly priced and popular with buyers who want northern coastal living without the full tourist intensity of Bugibba. The marina adds a premium for waterfront properties, and the area has a small but loyal year-round community.
Highlights
- Xemxija Heritage Walk — 5,000 years of history in 2km
- Sheltered bay with afternoon sun
- Marina and waterfront restaurants
- Quieter alternative to Bugibba and Qawra
- Loyal year-round residential community
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Attard
Attard comes out ahead in dining, family, safety, nightlife .
Choose Xemxija
Xemxija comes out ahead in beaches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Attard (24 listings)
2 bedroom apartment in Attard
ATTARD PENTHOUSE
Modern 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms apartment in Attard
