Mgarr vs Xewkija
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Mgarr is better for beach access and rural seclusion on Malta, while Xewkija wins for families wanting central Gozo living at the lowest property prices. Mgarr scores 9/10 for beaches, sitting directly above Ghajn Tuffieha, Golden Bay, and Gnejna Bay, with a 25-minute drive to the airport. Xewkija scores 9/10 for family life and safety, positioned centrally on Gozo's plateau equidistant from Victoria and the Mgarr ferry. A car is essential in both locations.
Mgarr suits nature lovers and families seeking traditional farmhouse properties with land at Malta's most affordable prices. The village of 4,100 residents has minimal nightlife (2/10) and poor public transport (3/10), with bus routes 44 and 45 taking 25+ minutes to Valletta. Xewkija suits families and tourists prioritising budget, scoring 5/10 for transport via Gozo route 301, though the ferry crossing adds 80+ minutes to any international trip.
Mgarr offers genuine agricultural character with working vineyards and the annual Strawberry Festival. Xewkija delivers flat terrain, easy parking, and one of Europe's largest unsupported domes at 74 metres. Property in Xewkija ranks among Gozo's most affordable, while Mgarr provides Malta's cheapest farmhouses with surrounding countryside.
Agricultural village with oversize church
Historic village dominated by monumental church dome
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 Xewkija
Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, sitting on a plateau between Victoria and the eastern coast. The village is dominated by the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist — a colossal church whose dome is visible from nearly every point on the island. At 74 metres in diameter, it is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, exceeding St. Peter's Basilica in diameter, and it serves as a landmark for sailors approaching Gozo from the east. The village has a quiet, traditional character with narrow streets of old stone houses radiating from the church square. Xewkija is believed to be the first settlement established outside Victoria after the arrival of the Knights of St. John, and its name derives from the Maltese word for thorny bushes that once covered the area. The village retains a strong agricultural identity, with surrounding fields producing fruit, vegetables, and grapes for local wine. Property in Xewkija offers some of the best value in Gozo. Traditional townhouses with original stone arches and internal courtyards can be found at prices well below the coast. Newer developments have appeared along the main road toward Mgarr harbour, but the village core remains authentically Gozitan. The location is strategic — equidistant from Victoria, Mgarr ferry terminal, and the beaches of Ramla Bay.
Highlights
- The Rotunda — one of Europe's largest unsupported church domes at 74m diameter
- One of Gozo's oldest settlements, dating to the Knights of St. John era
- Strategic location between Victoria, Mgarr ferry, and Ramla Bay
- Some of the most affordable traditional property in Gozo
- Strong agricultural heritage with surrounding vineyards and fields
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Mgarr
Mgarr comes out ahead in dining, beaches .
Choose Xewkija
Xewkija comes out ahead in family, safety, transport .
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.
