Munxar vs Sliema
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Sliema scores 9/10 for transport with buses to Valletta every few minutes and a 10-minute fast ferry, plus direct airport connections in 25 minutes. Munxar rates just 2/10 for transport, served only by Gozo route 306, and requires a 90-minute journey including the Mgarr ferry to reach the airport. Property in Munxar is very affordable even by Gozo standards, while Sliema commands the highest rents in Malta outside Valletta.
Sliema delivers top ratings for dining (9/10) and nightlife (8/10), with a 3km seafront promenade and Malta's largest shopping mall. Munxar scores 9/10 for safety and 8/10 for beaches, sitting on a cliff-top above Xlendi Bay with access to Ta' Cenc plateau walks. Sliema's population of 26,500 creates a dense, international atmosphere popular with digital nomads and luxury buyers. Munxar's 1,500 residents maintain a traditional village community with no local shops or cafes — the nearest amenities are a 5-minute drive away in Xlendi.
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 Sliema
Sliema is Malta's premier waterfront district, a vibrant stretch of coastline where modern apartment towers meet historic townhouses along a sweeping seafront promenade. Once a quiet fishing village favoured by Valletta's upper class as a summer retreat, Sliema transformed in the 20th century into the island's commercial and residential hub. The Strand and Tower Road form the backbone of daily life here, lined with cafes, restaurants, and retail chains that draw both locals and tourists year-round. The area is defined by its rocky beaches and swimming spots — no sand, but plenty of lidos and concrete platforms where residents take their morning dip with views across to Valletta's Grand Harbour. The Ferries terminal connects Sliema to the capital in under ten minutes by boat, making it one of the best-connected spots on the island. Tigne Point and The Point Shopping Mall anchor the northern end, while the quieter Exiles and Qui-Si-Sana areas offer respite from the commercial buzz. Sliema is the default choice for expats relocating to Malta, particularly those working in the gaming, finance, and tech sectors. The property market here is the most active on the island, with a high turnover of rental apartments and a steady pipeline of new developments. Parking is notoriously difficult and traffic congestion is a daily reality, but most residents find that walkability and proximity to everything compensate.
Highlights
- Seafront promenade stretching 3km along the coast
- 10-minute ferry to Valletta
- The Point — Malta's largest shopping mall
- Rocky beaches and swimming lidos
- Highest concentration of modern apartments on the island
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Munxar
Munxar comes out ahead in family, safety, beaches .
Choose Sliema
Sliema comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Munxar (1 listings)
View all Munxar properties
Sliema (22 listings)
1-Bedroom Apartment in Sliema, Malta
3 Bedroom Apartment in Sliema - €1800/month
Sliema Penthouse
