Mgarr vs Safi
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 character near beaches, while Safi wins for the lowest property prices on the island. Mgarr scores 9/10 for beaches compared to Safi's 5/10, with direct access to Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha, and Gnejna Bay. Safi sits just 10 minutes from Malta International Airport, half the 25-minute drive required from Mgarr.
Both villages require a car and score poorly for public transport — Mgarr at 3/10 and Safi at 2/10. Mgarr offers slightly more local infrastructure with its annual Strawberry Festival, vineyards, and dining options rated 5/10 versus Safi's 2/10. Safi counters with a higher safety score of 9/10 compared to Mgarr's 8/10.
Mgarr suits nature lovers and families seeking farmhouse properties with surrounding land at affordable prices. Safi targets families prioritising budget above all else, offering the cheapest property in Malta within an extremely quiet southern hamlet of just 2,100 residents. Mgarr's larger population of 4,100 supports marginally more village amenities.
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 Safi
Safi is one of Malta's tiniest villages — a hamlet on the southern edge of the island with a single church, a square, and a handful of streets. The name comes from the Arabic 'safi' meaning pure or chosen, possibly referring to the quality of the local spring water that once made this area a stop on inland routes. The village is surrounded by agricultural land and sits at the boundary between Malta's residential south and the open countryside that leads toward the cliffs. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the megalithic temples are within a short drive, connecting Safi to Malta's prehistoric landscape despite its modest appearance. Property in Safi is among the cheapest in Malta. Traditional houses are available at rock-bottom prices, though the village has minimal amenities — residents travel to nearby Zurrieq or Paola for shopping, medical care, and services. It's a niche choice for buyers who value extreme quiet and low cost above all else.
Highlights
- One of Malta's smallest villages
- Among the lowest property prices in Malta
- Surrounded by agricultural land
- Near prehistoric temple sites
- Extreme quiet and rural atmosphere
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Mgarr
Mgarr comes out ahead in dining, family, beaches, nightlife, transport .
Choose Safi
Safi 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.
