Burmarrad vs Fgura
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Burmarrad offers larger properties with gardens at some of the lowest prices in the St. Paul's Bay area. It scores 8/10 for safety and 7/10 for family suitability but only 2/10 for transport — a car is essential. The nearest coast is a 5-minute drive, and Malta International Airport is 30 minutes away by car. With a population of around 1,500, Burmarrad suits families who prioritise quiet countryside living, flat terrain, and private outdoor space over walkability and local amenities.
Fgura is significantly more connected, with four bus routes to Valletta and an airport drive of just 15 minutes. It scores 8/10 for family living and 7/10 for transport, compared to Burmarrad's 2/10. Property here is among the most affordable in the harbour region with no tourist premium. With a population of 11,800, Fgura has modern amenities including schools and shopping, plus direct access to the Three Cities and Paola. It suits budget buyers and families who want walkable, practical commuter living over rural character.
Living in Burmarrad
Burmarrad is a small residential area on the inland edge of St. Paul's Bay — a flat, rural-feeling neighbourhood of modern houses and smallholdings that sits between the coast and the agricultural land of the Pwales Valley. It's not a traditional village with a church square; it's a spread-out residential community that grew as St. Paul's Bay expanded inland. The surrounding Pwales Valley is one of Malta's few remaining agricultural areas, with small farms producing vegetables, strawberries, and the tomatoes that go into Malta's famous sun-dried tomato paste. The valley floor is flat and green — a rarity in Malta — and the distant view of the Mellieha ridge provides a pleasant backdrop. Property in Burmarrad is among the most affordable in the St. Paul's Bay area. Buyers get larger properties with gardens — almost unheard of in coastal apartments — at prices well below the seafront. The trade-off is distance from the coast and a car-dependent lifestyle.
Highlights
- Pwales Valley — one of Malta's few agricultural areas
- Larger properties with gardens at affordable prices
- Flat terrain and open countryside views
- Part of the St. Paul's Bay area but quieter
- Close to Mistra Bay and Xemxija
Living in Fgura
Fgura is a compact residential town sandwiched between the Three Cities and Zabbar — a primarily residential area that grew rapidly in the post-war period as housing spread outward from the harbour. It's one of Malta's newer towns, with most development dating from the 1960s onward, which gives it a different character from the ancient harbour cities next door. The town's landmark is a striking bronze monument of Christ the King that stands at the main junction, visible from the approach roads and a reference point for anyone navigating the area. Fgura's parish church, dedicated to St. Mary, has a distinctive modernist design that stands out among Malta's predominantly baroque churches. Fgura's appeal is straightforward: affordable housing close to both the harbour area and the southern towns. Property here is modestly priced, and the location is practical — a short drive to the Three Cities, Paola, and the arterial roads heading south and north. It's a commuter town, pure and simple, with no tourist pretensions.
Highlights
- Affordable housing close to the harbour area
- Christ the King monument — local landmark
- Quick access to Three Cities and Paola
- Modernist parish church — unusual for Malta
- No tourist premium on property prices
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Burmarrad
Burmarrad comes out ahead in safety, beaches .
Choose Fgura
Fgura comes out ahead in dining, family, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Burmarrad (1 listings)
View all Burmarrad properties
Fgura (5 listings)
Spacious 3 bedroom Apartment
FGURA TERRACED HOUSE
2- Bedroom 1-Bathroom New Brand Apartment
