Burmarrad vs Safi
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 larger properties near the coast, while Safi suits budget buyers seeking Malta's lowest property prices in a quiet rural setting.
Burmarrad, located on St. Paul's Bay's inland edge, offers larger properties with gardens and flat terrain. It scores 7/10 for family lifestyle and 6/10 for beach access, with Mistra Bay and Xemxija just a 5-minute drive away. Property prices are among the most affordable in the northern area. However, Burmarrad has no local amenities, poor public transport limited to Route 49, and is not walkable. Malta International Airport is 30 minutes away by car.
Safi, one of Malta's tiniest villages with a population of 2,100, has the lowest property prices on the island. It scores 9/10 for safety and is surrounded by agricultural land near prehistoric temple sites. Amenities are minimal, and public transport is limited to Route 82 from Valletta. The airport is just 10 minutes away by car. Both areas require a car and offer limited nightlife and dining options.
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 Safi
Safi is one of Malta's tiniest villages — a hamlet on the southern edge of the island with a single church, a square, and a handful of streets. The name comes from the Arabic 'safi' meaning pure or chosen, possibly referring to the quality of the local spring water that once made this area a stop on inland routes. The village is surrounded by agricultural land and sits at the boundary between Malta's residential south and the open countryside that leads toward the cliffs. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the megalithic temples are within a short drive, connecting Safi to Malta's prehistoric landscape despite its modest appearance. Property in Safi is among the cheapest in Malta. Traditional houses are available at rock-bottom prices, though the village has minimal amenities — residents travel to nearby Zurrieq or Paola for shopping, medical care, and services. It's a niche choice for buyers who value extreme quiet and low cost above all else.
Highlights
- One of Malta's smallest villages
- Among the lowest property prices in Malta
- Surrounded by agricultural land
- Near prehistoric temple sites
- Extreme quiet and rural atmosphere
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Burmarrad
Burmarrad comes out ahead in dining, family, beaches .
Choose Safi
Safi comes out ahead in safety .
