Attard vs Zabbar

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 prestige, green spaces, and a central location, while Żabbar suits budget-conscious buyers who want affordable property near the coast. Attard scores higher on safety (9/10) and family-friendliness (9/10), while Żabbar offers better beach proximity with a 10-minute drive to Marsaskala compared to Attard's 15-20 minutes. Both areas have limited nightlife (3/10 each) and require a car for daily commuting. Transport connections differ: Żabbar is just 15 minutes from Malta International Airport versus Attard's 20 minutes, though both sit on bus corridors linked to Valletta. Żabbar is one of Malta's largest towns with a population of around 17,200 compared to Attard's 11,300. Żabbar also holds the advantage on dining accessibility while offering notably cheaper property prices. Attard counters with San Anton Gardens, the Presidential Palace, and its status as one of Malta's upscale Three Villages. Both suit families best. Choose Attard for refined residential living, spacious villas, and established character. Choose Żabbar for traditional Maltese community life, affordability, and quick coastal access.

Attard

Refined garden village

Zabbar

Traditional residential town with deep festa culture

€1668

Avg. Rent

€1375

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

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

Walkability

Moderate. Town centre amenities walkable. Car recommended for commuting and reaching coastal areas.

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

Parking

Good. Ample street parking. Less pressure than coastal towns.

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

Noise Level

Moderate. Typical residential town. Festa season (September) is exceptionally loud — fireworks for days.

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 Zabbar

Zabbar is one of Malta's largest inland towns — a sprawling residential community southeast of the Grand Harbour area with a strong working-class identity and a devotion to its patron saint that borders on the legendary. The town was granted the title Città Hompesch by Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch in 1797, just before Napoleon expelled the Knights in 1798. The town centre is built around a large parish church dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, which holds a remarkable collection of ex-voto paintings — offerings from sailors and soldiers who survived shipwrecks and battles, each depicting the incident that nearly killed them. The collection is one of the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean and worth a visit regardless of religious inclination. Zabbar is a practical, affordable base. Property prices are among the lowest in the urbanised part of Malta, and the town has all daily amenities — schools, shops, medical services. It's not a destination town — tourists rarely visit — but for residents it offers authentic Maltese life without the premium of coastal locations. The drive to Valletta takes about 15 minutes, and Marsaskala's beaches are ten minutes south.

Highlights

One of Malta's largest towns by population
Extraordinary collection of ex-voto paintings in the parish church
Among the most affordable property in urban Malta
Strong community and traditional Maltese life
10 minutes from Marsaskala beaches

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

5/10

9/10

family

8/10

9/10

safety

7/10

2/10

beaches

7/10

3/10

nightlife

3/10

6/10

transport

6/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

Attard comes out ahead in dining, family, safety .

Choose Zabbar

families

Zabbar comes out ahead in beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for dining, family, safety. Zabbar stands out for beaches. Attard is popular with families. Zabbar is popular with families.

Zabbar has a lower average rent at €1375/month compared to Attard's €1668 — a difference of around €293.

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