Mgarr vs Munxar
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Mgarr is better for buyers wanting rural farmhouse living near Malta's best beaches, while Munxar suits those seeking affordable cliff-top property on Gozo with dramatic coastal views. Mgarr scores higher for beaches (9/10 vs 8/10), family life (7/10 vs 6/10), and transport connectivity (3/10 vs 2/10). It sits 25 minutes from Malta International Airport by car, served by bus routes 44 and 45 from Valletta. Munxar, perched above Xlendi Bay on Gozo's south coast, requires a 90-minute journey including the Gozo Channel ferry to reach the airport. It has no local shops, cafes, or restaurants, and relies on infrequent route 306 buses to Victoria.
Mgarr suits nature lovers and families who want genuine village life with working farms, vineyards, and access to beaches like Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha. Properties here include affordable farmhouses with land. Munxar appeals to nature lovers and families prioritising peace, cliff-top scenery, and the lowest property prices on Gozo. The steep walk to Xlendi's beach and restaurants is challenging, and winter isolation is notable.
Both areas score low on nightlife (Mgarr 2/10, Munxar 1/10) and require a car for daily needs. Mgarr's population of 4,100 supports basic services, while Munxar's 1,500 residents have no village amenities at all.
Living in Mgarr
Mgarr is a rural village in northwest Malta that serves as the island's agricultural heartland. Surrounded by farmland, vineyards, and olive groves, Mgarr produces more of Malta's home-grown food than anywhere else — strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and the grapes that go into Malta's growing wine industry. The annual Strawberry Festival draws thousands of visitors each spring. The village centre is a traditional Maltese square dominated by an enormous parish church that's dramatically oversized for the population — locals reportedly wanted to build the largest church in Malta but ran out of funds before completing the dome. The unfinished dome is a source of village pride rather than embarrassment. The surrounding countryside is scattered with cart ruts, megalithic sites, and the Bingemma valley. Property in Mgarr offers rural Malta at its most affordable. Farmhouses with land are still available, and the village has a genuine agricultural character that's disappeared from most of the island. The trade-off is distance — Mgarr is a 25-minute drive from Valletta with limited public transport.
Highlights
- Annual Strawberry Festival — Malta's biggest food event
- Working farms, vineyards, and olive groves
- Farmhouse properties with land at affordable prices
- Cart ruts and megalithic sites in the countryside
- Genuinely rural Malta
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 Mgarr
Mgarr comes out ahead in dining, family, beaches, nightlife, transport .
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in safety .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Mgarr (2 listings)
New High end finishings 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom penthouse for Rent. Within walking distance of all amenities and Għnejna Beach. Beautiful apartment featuring elegant parquet floors.
