Munxar vs San Lawrenz
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Munxar suits families and nature lovers wanting affordability near Xlendi Bay, while San Lawrenz is better for retirees, tourists, and foreign buyers seeking luxury SDA property at Dwejra.
Munxar sits on cliffs above Xlendi Bay with a five-minute drive to restaurants and the beach. San Lawrenz sits on Gozo's remote western plateau beside Dwejra Bay, the Inland Sea, and the Blue Hole diving site. Munxar rates 8/10 for beaches and 4/10 for dining; San Lawrenz rates 9/10 for beaches and 3/10 for dining. Both score 9/10 for safety and just 1/10 for nightlife. A car is essential in San Lawrenz, with Victoria 25+ minutes away. Munxar connects to Victoria and Xlendi via bus route 306, though service is infrequent. Both require around 90 minutes to reach the airport including the Mgarr ferry.
Munxar's property prices are very affordable even by Gozo standards, with a community of roughly 1,500 residents. San Lawrenz has just 700 residents and hosts the Kempinski Residences — Gozo's premier SDA development where foreign buyers can purchase without an AIP permit. Traditional farmhouses with land are also affordable here. Munxar suits those who want cliff-top views with walking access to Ta' Cenc plateau. San Lawrenz suits those prioritising seclusion, stargazing with minimal light pollution, and world-class coastal scenery.
Tiny cliff-top village above Xlendi
Remote plateau village beside dramatic coastal landmarks
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 San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz is a tiny, tranquil village perched on Gozo's western plateau — the quietest corner of an already quiet island. With a population of under 800, it is one of the smallest localities in the Maltese archipelago, yet it sits beside some of Gozo's most dramatic natural landmarks. The village is the gateway to Dwejra Bay, home to the site where the Azure Window stood before its collapse in 2017, alongside the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and the Blue Hole — one of the Mediterranean's top diving sites. The village itself is a cluster of traditional limestone houses around a small church square. There are no hotels, no tourist shops, and virtually no commercial activity in the village core. Life here moves at the pace of farming, church bells, and the sea breeze off the western cliffs. The surrounding countryside is open and rugged, with panoramic views toward the sea and the dramatic coastal cliffs that define Gozo's western shore. San Lawrenz also hosts the Kempinski Hotel and its associated residences — one of Gozo's few SDA-designated developments. This creates an unusual contrast: one of Malta's most exclusive luxury addresses sitting alongside one of its most rural, traditional communities. Property in the village consists almost entirely of converted farmhouses and traditional houses, many with views toward the sea or across the open plateau.
Highlights
- Dwejra Bay — the Azure Window site, Inland Sea, and Blue Hole diving site
- Kempinski Residences — Gozo's most prestigious SDA luxury address
- One of the smallest and quietest villages in Malta
- Panoramic views of western Gozo's dramatic cliff coastline
- Fungus Rock — a protected islet once guarded by the Knights for its medicinal plant
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in dining .
Choose San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz comes out ahead in beaches .
