Burmarrad vs Gzira
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Burmarrad sits on St. Paul's Bay's inland edge, offering the most affordable property prices in the northern area with larger homes featuring gardens and private outdoor space. The area scores 8/10 for safety and 7/10 for family suitability, but only 2/10 for transport — a car is essential as there are no local amenities and bus service is limited to Route 49 from Valletta. The flat, quiet setting in Pwales Valley appeals to those wanting countryside views, though winter isolation and lack of a village centre are trade-offs. Burmarrad's population is approximately 1,500.
Gzira, with a population of around 9,800, scores 9/10 for transport with direct bus routes to Valletta and the University, plus the Sliema ferry terminal within a 5-minute walk. Property prices are lower than neighbouring Sliema while retaining similar location benefits, including direct seafront views of Valletta's bastions. The area rates 7/10 for dining and 6/10 for nightlife, with high walkability and strong rental demand from students and young professionals. Ongoing Manoel Island development promises future property appreciation. Limited parking and construction disruption are notable drawbacks.
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 Gzira
Gzira sits in the sweet spot between Sliema and Valletta — close enough to both to benefit from their amenities, but with its own identity and a more residential pace of life. The seafront looks out at Manoel Island and the fortified walls of Valletta across the creek, giving Gzira some of the best free harbour views on the island. The town has been quietly gentrifying over the past decade. Once considered a budget alternative to Sliema, Gzira now has its own crop of modern apartment developments, a growing restaurant scene, and the Manoel Island project poised to transform the western end into a luxury residential and marina district. The seafront promenade connects seamlessly to Sliema's — residents can walk from Gzira to Sliema's commercial strip in ten minutes. Gzira appeals to a broad demographic: young professionals priced out of Sliema, students at the nearby University of Malta campus, and families who value the area's relative quiet and good schools. Property prices sit below Sliema but above the island average, and the rental market is strong due to the area's walkability and transport links.
Highlights
- Direct views of Valletta's bastions across the creek
- Manoel Island — pending luxury development
- Seamless seafront promenade connection to Sliema
- More affordable than Sliema with similar convenience
- Strong rental market driven by proximity to university and business districts
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Burmarrad
Burmarrad comes out ahead in safety, beaches .
Choose Gzira
Gzira comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Burmarrad (1 listings)
View all Burmarrad properties
Gzira (24 listings)
1 Bedroom Apartment in Gzira
1-Bedroom Apartment for Rent | Gzira, Malta
2 Bedroom Apartment in Gzira with Terrace and Views
