Burmarrad vs Munxar
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Burmarrad is better for families wanting affordable homes with gardens near northern Malta, while Munxar suits nature lovers seeking dramatic coastal scenery on Gozo. Burmarrad sits on St. Paul's Bay's inland edge with flat terrain, open countryside views, and larger properties at the most affordable prices in the northern area. Munxar perches on Gozo's southern cliffs above Xlendi Bay, offering coastal walks along the Ta' Cenc plateau and property prices that are very affordable even by Gozo standards. Burmarrad scores higher for families (7/10 vs 6/10), while Munxar rates better for beaches (8/10 vs 6/10) and safety (9/10 vs 8/10). Neither area has local shops or restaurants, and both require a car due to poor public transport.
Burmarrand is a 5-minute drive from St. Paul's Bay amenities and 30 minutes from Malta's airport by car. Munxar is 5 minutes from Xlendi's restaurants and beach, but reaching Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the Gozo ferry. Both villages share a population of around 1,500 and offer quiet, rural atmospheres with minimal nightlife. Burmarrad suits families wanting space and proximity to northern Malta's conveniences. Munxar suits nature lovers and families prioritising coastal scenery and traditional Gozo village life over accessibility.
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 Munxar
Munxar is a small village on Gozo's south coast, perched on the cliffs between Sannat and Xlendi. The name means 'bucksaw' in Maltese, supposedly referring to the jagged shape of the coastline below the village. It's one of Gozo's least-known villages — most visitors drive past it on their way to Xlendi without realising it's there. The village centre is tiny — a church, a square, and a few streets of traditional houses. But Munxar's real identity is tied to the coastline below: Ta' Cenc plateau extends to its west, and the cliffs between Munxar and Xlendi contain some of Gozo's most dramatic coastal scenery. Mgarr ix-Xini, the fjord-like inlet shared with Sannat, is accessible from Munxar's side. Property in Munxar is very affordable, even by Gozo standards. Traditional houses with sea views are available at prices that seem extraordinary given the coastal position. The village has minimal amenities — a church, a social club, and not much else. Xlendi's restaurants are a five-minute drive.
Highlights
- Cliff-top position above Xlendi Bay
- Access to Ta' Cenc plateau walks
- Very affordable even by Gozo standards
- Dramatic coastal scenery on the doorstep
- Five minutes from Xlendi's restaurants
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Burmarrad
Burmarrad comes out ahead in family .
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in dining, safety, beaches .
