Attard vs Xewkija
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 Malta living with garden spaces, while Xewkija wins for affordability and traditional Gozitan village life near beaches. Both score 9/10 for family-friendliness and safety, but they sit on different islands. Attard lies at Malta's geographic centre, 20 minutes from the airport by car, with buses running on the Valletta–Rabat corridor. Xewkija occupies a strategic central position in Gozo, 10 minutes from the Mgarr ferry and requiring 80 minutes total to reach the airport.
Attard scores higher for dining (6/10 vs 4/10) and nightlife (3/10 vs 2/10), with San Anton Gardens and the Presidential Palace providing world-class green space. However, it lacks beach access entirely, requiring a 15–20 minute drive to coastal areas. Xewkija scores 7/10 for beach proximity — Ramla Bay is minutes away — and offers some of Gozo's most affordable property prices with authentic stone houses. Attard sits in the mid-to-upper price bracket for Malta.
Attard suits established families seeking prestige, spacious villas, and quiet residential living on Malta. Xewkija suits families and tourists prioritising value, coastal access, and traditional Gozitan community life. A car is essential in both locations.
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 Xewkija
Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, sitting on a plateau between Victoria and the eastern coast. The village is dominated by the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist — a colossal church whose dome is visible from nearly every point on the island. At 74 metres in diameter, it is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, exceeding St. Peter's Basilica in diameter, and it serves as a landmark for sailors approaching Gozo from the east. The village has a quiet, traditional character with narrow streets of old stone houses radiating from the church square. Xewkija is believed to be the first settlement established outside Victoria after the arrival of the Knights of St. John, and its name derives from the Maltese word for thorny bushes that once covered the area. The village retains a strong agricultural identity, with surrounding fields producing fruit, vegetables, and grapes for local wine. Property in Xewkija offers some of the best value in Gozo. Traditional townhouses with original stone arches and internal courtyards can be found at prices well below the coast. Newer developments have appeared along the main road toward Mgarr harbour, but the village core remains authentically Gozitan. The location is strategic — equidistant from Victoria, Mgarr ferry terminal, and the beaches of Ramla Bay.
Highlights
- The Rotunda — one of Europe's largest unsupported church domes at 74m diameter
- One of Gozo's oldest settlements, dating to the Knights of St. John era
- Strategic location between Victoria, Mgarr ferry, and Ramla Bay
- Some of the most affordable traditional property in Gozo
- Strong agricultural heritage with surrounding vineyards and fields
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Attard
Attard comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .
Choose Xewkija
Xewkija comes out ahead in beaches .
