Attard vs Xemxija

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

Attard

Refined garden village

VS
Xemxija

Small sunny coastal hamlet

€1814
Avg. Rent
€1442 Cheaper
7 More choice
Listings
6
2.9
Avg. Bedrooms
2.3
Moderate. Pleasant walks in the town centre and gardens. Car essential for commuting and shopping.
Walkability
Good. Flat bay area. Heritage trail accessible on foot. Connected to St. Paul's Bay promenade.
Good. Residential streets have ample parking. Villa properties have driveways.
Parking
Good. Easier than Bugibba. Marina area has paid parking. Residential streets free.
Very low. One of the quietest urban areas in Malta. Gardens absorb what little traffic noise there is.
Noise Level
Low. Quiet residential atmosphere. Marina generates gentle activity.

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