Mgarr vs Xlendi
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Mgarr is better for families and nature lovers seeking affordable rural farmhouse properties, while Xlendi suits tourists, retirees, and beach lovers wanting a walkable coastal lifestyle with strong rental returns. Both locations score 9/10 for beaches and 8/10 for safety, but Xlendi outperforms on dining (8/10 vs 5/10) and nightlife (4/10 vs 2/10). Mgarr, with a population of 4,100, offers Malta's most affordable farmhouses with land and genuine agricultural community life. Xlendi, home to roughly 500 residents, provides premium seafront property in Gozo with everything within walking distance.
Transport is limited in both areas, each scoring 3/10. Mgarr requires a car, situated 25+ minutes from Valletta by road and 25 minutes from the airport. Xlendi connects to Victoria via bus route 306, but reaching Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the Gozo ferry. Mgarr appeals to buyers wanting space, dark skies, and traditional village character at lower prices. Xlendi attracts investors seeking holiday rental income and retirees prioritizing sea views, waterfront restaurants, and a car-free lifestyle in a sheltered bay setting.
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 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
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.
