Hamrun vs Xlendi
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Hamrun is better for budget buyers and young professionals seeking central convenience, while Xlendi suits tourists, beach lovers, and retirees wanting a premium coastal lifestyle.
Hamrun scores 9/10 for transport and sits on Malta's central bus corridor with routes 41, 42, 44, and 45. Property prices are affordable compared to coastal neighbours, and the town's flat terrain makes walking to Valletta or Birkirkara straightforward. Xlendi rates 9/10 for beaches and 8/10 for dining but only 3/10 for transport. It connects to Victoria via bus route 306, and reaching Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry.
Hamrun's 10,400 residents live along one of Malta's longest shopping streets with daily amenities within walking distance. Xlendi's population of just 500 enjoys sheltered crystal-clear waters, cliff-top walks, and fresh seafood restaurants. Hamrun suits those prioritising commute times, affordability, and access to urban centres. Xlendi commands premium property prices due to limited seafront supply and strong summer rental demand from tourists and divers.
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 Xlendi
Xlendi is a small seaside resort at the mouth of a narrow valley on Gozo's south coast — a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and apartment buildings wrapped around a sheltered bay. The village is tiny — you can walk from one end to the other in five minutes — but it's one of Gozo's most popular destinations for both tourists and property buyers seeking a seafront lifestyle. The bay is a mix of sand and shingle, sheltered by limestone cliffs on both sides. A watchtower built by the Knights sits on the headland, and the cliff-top walk to the tower offers views that take in the entire bay and the open sea beyond. The restaurants along the waterfront serve fresh fish and Gozitan specialities, and the pace of life is gloriously slow — even by Gozo standards. Xlendi property commands a premium within Gozo due to the seafront location. Apartments with bay views are the most sought-after, and prices have risen steadily as Gozo's profile has grown internationally. The village is seasonal — busy in summer, very quiet in winter — which suits some buyers and deters others.
Highlights
- Sheltered bay with limestone cliff backdrop
- Waterfront restaurants serving fresh fish
- Knight's watchtower with panoramic views
- Premium seafront property for Gozo
- Five-minute village — everything is close
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Hamrun
Hamrun comes out ahead in transport .
Choose Xlendi
Xlendi comes out ahead in dining, 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
