Hamrun vs Munxar
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Hamrun scores 9/10 for transport with multiple bus routes on the central corridor, reaching Valletta in minutes and Malta International Airport in 15 minutes by car. The town offers affordable property, a traditional shopping street, and flat walkability to neighbouring towns. Munxar rates 9/10 for safety and 8/10 for beaches, positioned on cliffs above Xlendi Bay. Property here is very affordable even by Gozo standards, but transport scores just 2/10, with infrequent buses and over 90 minutes to the airport including the ferry.
Hamrun delivers urban convenience with dining rated 7/10 and a population of 10,400 supporting daily amenities within walking distance. Munxar has just 1,500 residents, no shops or cafes locally, and requires a 5-minute drive to reach Xlendi's restaurants. Hamrun nightlife rates 4/10 versus Munxar's 1/10. Munxar provides direct access to Ta' Cenc plateau walks and dramatic coastal scenery that Hamrun cannot match.
Living in Hamrun
Hamrun is a dense, bustling town that connects the harbour area to Birkirkara and the interior — a through-town that most people pass through rather than visit, but one with a character and commercial strip that sustains a loyal local community. The main street is one of Malta's longest shopping streets, lined with traditional Maltese bakeries, butchers, and family-run shops alongside modern chains. The town has deep roots in Malta's political and social history. Hamrun was a centre of Maltese nationalism during the British colonial period, and several prominent Maltese politicians and intellectuals called it home. The parish church, dedicated to St. Cajetan, has an unusually tall bell tower that serves as a navigation landmark visible from across the harbour area. Property in Hamrun is affordable and practical. The town's central location — between Valletta, the Three Cities, and Birkirkara — makes it a convenient base for commuters. Prices sit well below the coastal strip and moderately below Birkirkara. The housing stock ranges from traditional terraced houses with interior courtyards to post-war apartment blocks.
Highlights
- One of Malta's longest traditional shopping streets
- Central location between Valletta and Birkirkara
- Affordable property with good transport links
- Deep political and cultural history
- Strong local community and traditional shops
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 Hamrun
Hamrun comes out ahead in dining, family, nightlife, transport .
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in safety, beaches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Hamrun (4 listings)
Hamrun - 2 Bedroom Terraced House - 2 Bathrooms - Air Conditioned - Garden - €5,000 Monthly
Room to rent in a private home
Hamrun – Brand New 1 Bedroom Apartment
