Gzira vs Munxar
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Gzira scores 9/10 for transport with direct bus routes to Valletta, the University, and a 5-minute walk to the Sliema ferry terminal. It rates 7/10 for dining and nightlife, with a walkable flat seafront promenade connecting to Sliema. Property prices are more affordable than Sliema while maintaining similar location benefits, and ongoing Manoel Island development promises future appreciation. The population of 9,800 supports growing local amenities, though parking is limited and construction activity can cause disruption.
Munxar is a cliff-top village of 1,500 people with dramatic views over Xlendi Bay, scoring 9/10 for safety and 8/10 for beaches. Property prices are very affordable even by Gozo standards, but the area has no shops, cafes, or restaurants. Public transport scores just 2/10 with infrequent buses on route 306. The Mgarr ferry terminal is a 20-minute drive, and reaching Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry. Ta' Cenc plateau walks and Xlendi's restaurants are a 5-minute drive, though the walk down to Xlendi is steep and challenging.
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
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 Gzira
Gzira comes out ahead in dining, family, nightlife, transport .
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in safety, beaches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Gzira (18 listings)
MODERN FAMILY HOME 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT GZIRA
Highly finished Apartment in Gzira
Modern 2 bed 2 bath Penthouse with Front Terrace, Gzira
