Munxar vs Rabat
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Munxar sits on Gozo's south coast as a tiny cliff-top village of 1,500 residents, scoring 9/10 for safety and 8/10 for beaches but just 2/10 for transport. The only bus connection is Gozo route 306 to Victoria and Xlendi, and reaching the airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry. Rabat, with 11,800 residents, is significantly better connected — buses 51 and 52 link to Valletta, and the airport is a 25-minute drive. Rabat scores 6/10 for transport and 7/10 for dining, compared to Munxar's 4/10.
Property prices are affordable in both areas. Munxar offers dramatic coastal scenery and Ta' Cenc plateau walks but has no shops, cafes, or restaurants within the village. Rabat provides Roman catacombs, proximity to Mdina, and a growing food scene, though beaches require a 15-20 minute drive. Munxar rates 8/10 for family suitability; Rabat rates 8/10 for family life and 8/10 for safety.
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
Living in Rabat
Rabat is Mdina's neighbour — where the Silent City's walls end, Rabat begins. But where Mdina is a museum piece, Rabat is a living town. The name means 'suburb' in Arabic, a reference to its origins as the residential quarter outside the old capital's walls. Today it's one of Malta's most characterful towns, with a mix of historic architecture, traditional village life, and a growing food scene that draws Maltese from across the island. The town is built on top of a network of catacombs — underground burial chambers dating back to Roman times. St. Paul's Catacombs, where the apostle is said to have sheltered after his shipwreck on Malta, are the most famous, but there are several sites open to visitors. Above ground, Rabat's narrow streets hide grand palazzos, wayside chapels, and the Domus Romana, a reconstructed Roman townhouse with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean. Rabat offers a different pace of life from the coastal towns. Property is more affordable, streets are quieter, and there's a genuine village atmosphere that's disappearing from much of Malta. The trade-off is distance — Rabat sits inland, and reaching Sliema or Valletta takes 25–30 minutes by car. For some, that distance is exactly the point.
Highlights
- St. Paul's Catacombs — underground Roman burial chambers
- Adjacent to Mdina's city walls
- Growing restaurant and cafe scene
- More affordable property than coastal Malta
- Authentic Maltese village atmosphere
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in safety, beaches .
Choose Rabat
Rabat comes out ahead in dining, family, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Munxar (1 listings)
View all Munxar properties
Rabat (3 listings)
Rabat - Modern 2 Bedroom Ground Floor Maisonette - 2 Bathroom - Fully Air Conditioned - Front Yard - Dishwasher - €1,400 Monthly
Three Bedroom Apartment for Rent – Rabat
