Burmarrad vs Xewkija

Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.

Summary

Burmarrad suits families seeking affordable rural living in Malta's north, while Xewkija is the stronger choice for families and tourists wanting central Gozo access with traditional village character. Xewkija rates higher across most lifestyle factors: family appeal scores 9/10 versus Burmarrad's 7/10, safety reaches 9/10 compared to 8/10, and transport connectivity is 5/10 against Burmarrad's 2/10. Xewkija's bus links to Victoria and Mgarr ferry are functional without a car, whereas Burmarrad relies almost entirely on private transport. Property in Xewkija offers a strategic central location — equidistant from Victoria, the Gozo ferry terminal, and Ramla Bay. Burmarrad sits roughly a 5-minute drive from St. Paul's Bay amenities but has no local shops, cafes, or services within the area itself. Burmarrad appeals to families wanting larger properties with gardens at northern Malta's most affordable prices, with flat terrain and open countryside views. Xewkija attracts families and tourists drawn to traditional Gozitan village life, the monumental Rotunda dome, and surrounding vineyards — though the ferry crossing adds over 80 minutes to any trip to Malta International Airport.

Burmarrad

Rural residential outskirts

Xewkija

Historic village dominated by monumental church dome

€1300

Avg. Rent

€1240

Listings

Avg. Bedrooms

2.6

Poor. Spread-out residential area with no central amenities. Car essential.

Walkability

Moderate. Flat within the village. Victoria is a 20-minute walk; Mgarr ferry 30 minutes on foot.

Excellent. Private driveways and ample street parking.

Parking

Good. Easy parking around the church square and side streets.

Very low. Rural quiet. Occasional farm machinery.

Noise Level

Very low. Quiet village life with church bells as the main soundtrack.

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 Xewkija

Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, sitting on a plateau between Victoria and the eastern coast. The village is dominated by the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist — a colossal church whose dome is visible from nearly every point on the island. At 74 metres in diameter, it is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, exceeding St. Peter's Basilica in diameter, and it serves as a landmark for sailors approaching Gozo from the east. The village has a quiet, traditional character with narrow streets of old stone houses radiating from the church square. Xewkija is believed to be the first settlement established outside Victoria after the arrival of the Knights of St. John, and its name derives from the Maltese word for thorny bushes that once covered the area. The village retains a strong agricultural identity, with surrounding fields producing fruit, vegetables, and grapes for local wine. Property in Xewkija offers some of the best value in Gozo. Traditional townhouses with original stone arches and internal courtyards can be found at prices well below the coast. Newer developments have appeared along the main road toward Mgarr harbour, but the village core remains authentically Gozitan. The location is strategic — equidistant from Victoria, Mgarr ferry terminal, and the beaches of Ramla Bay.

Highlights

The Rotunda — one of Europe's largest unsupported church domes at 74m diameter
One of Gozo's oldest settlements, dating to the Knights of St. John era
Strategic location between Victoria, Mgarr ferry, and Ramla Bay
Some of the most affordable traditional property in Gozo
Strong agricultural heritage with surrounding vineyards and fields

Lifestyle Comparison

3/10

dining

4/10

7/10

family

9/10

8/10

safety

9/10

6/10

beaches

7/10

1/10

nightlife

2/10

transport

5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Xewkija stands out for dining, family, safety, beaches, nightlife, transport. Burmarrad is popular with families. Xewkija is popular with families and tourists.

Xewkija has a lower average rent at €1240/month compared to Burmarrad's €1300 — a difference of around €60.

Burmarrad and Xewkija are around 18 km apart — roughly a 45-minute drive depending on traffic.