Attard vs Xghajra

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

Summary

Attard is better for families seeking a quiet, central location with spacious properties, while Xghajra suits budget buyers and beach lovers wanting affordable coastal living with sea views. Attard scores 9/10 for family suitability and safety, with its prestigious 'Three Villages' character, San Anton Gardens, and central Malta location. Properties tend to be larger villas and farmhouses in the mid-to-upper price bracket. A car is essential, with bus routes 51 and 52 providing connections along the Valletta–Rabat corridor and Malta International Airport 20 minutes away by car. Xghajra, with a population of just 1,800, offers some of the most affordable coastal property in the Grand Harbour area, with direct sea views across to Valletta and a rocky swimming area rated 6/10 for beach access. Transport connections are limited (scored 3/10), served only by bus route 3 from Valletta, and local amenities are minimal. The village is 15 minutes from the airport by car and a short drive to the Three Cities. Attard rates 2/10 for beach access; Xghajra has no sandy beaches.

Attard

Refined garden village

Xghajra

Tiny harbour-entrance coastal village

€1668

Avg. Rent

€900

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

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

Walkability

Good. Small village. Connected to Kalkara on foot. Flat terrain.

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

Parking

Good. Easy parking in the village. Seafront can fill on summer evenings.

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

Noise Level

Low. Quiet residential village. Some harbour activity noise.

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 Xghajra

Xghajra is a tiny coastal village between Kalkara and Zabbar on the southern side of the Grand Harbour entrance — a small residential community that grew around a coastal watchtower and a handful of old farmhouses. The name means 'a small open space' in Maltese, describing the flat coastal ground where the village sits. The village has a small seafront promenade with a rocky swimming area, a handful of restaurants, and views across the harbour entrance to the Valletta fortifications. It's one of Malta's smallest and least-known localities — most visitors drive past it on the coast road between the Three Cities and the south without realising it's there. Property in Xghajra is affordable, particularly for a coastal location. The proximity to the Grand Harbour and the short distance to the Three Cities make it a practical, low-cost base with a sea view. The village is quiet and has limited amenities — residents rely on nearby Zabbar and Kalkara for shopping and services.

Highlights

Views across the Grand Harbour entrance to Valletta
Rocky swimming area and seafront promenade
Affordable coastal property near the Three Cities
One of Malta's smallest localities
Quiet residential atmosphere

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

4/10

9/10

family

7/10

9/10

safety

8/10

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, safety, nightlife, transport .

Choose Xghajra

budget buyers beach lovers

Xghajra comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for dining, family, safety, nightlife, transport. Xghajra stands out for beaches. Attard is popular with families. Xghajra is popular with budget buyers and beach lovers.

Xghajra has a lower average rent at €900/month compared to Attard's €1668 — a difference of around €768.

Attard and Xghajra are around 11 km apart — roughly a 28-minute drive depending on traffic.