Pembroke vs Xlendi
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Pembroke is a modern residential town of 4,200 residents positioned between St. Julian's and Malta's northern beaches. It scores 8/10 for both family-friendliness and safety, with mid-range property prices and contemporary housing stock that includes parking. Bus routes 120, 225, and 212 connect directly to Sliema and Valletta, and Malta International Airport is a 30-minute drive. The nearby Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve provides protected coastal greenspace.
Xlendi is a compact seaside resort village of 500 residents on Gozo's south coast, scoring 9/10 for beaches and 8/10 for dining. The sheltered bay has crystal-clear water and waterfront seafood restaurants within a few minutes' walk. Properties here are priced higher than most of Gozo due to limited supply constrained by surrounding cliffs. Transport is restrictive — the village connects to Victoria via bus route 306, but reaching Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry from Mgarr, which is a 20-minute drive away.
Living in Pembroke
Pembroke is one of Malta's newest towns, built on land that served as a British military base from the 1860s until the navy left in 1979. Named after the 12th Earl of Pembroke, the area still bears visible traces of its military past — coastal fortifications, Victorian-era barracks, and gun emplacements that once guarded the approach to the Grand Harbour. The town has developed rapidly since the 1990s into a residential area popular with middle-class Maltese families and expat professionals. The housing stock is predominantly modern apartment blocks and terraced houses, with some newer villa developments on the eastern edge. Pembroke's big advantage is greenspace — the town sits adjacent to the Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve, a protected area of rocky coastline and wild garigue habitat that's one of the few remaining natural spaces in urban Malta. Pembroke occupies a strategic position between St. Julian's and the northern coast. It's close enough to Paceville and Sliema to benefit from their amenities but far enough to escape the noise and congestion. Property prices sit in the mid-range — above the southern towns but below the premium coastal strip.
Highlights
- Pembroke Garigue Nature Reserve — protected coastline
- Former British military base with Victorian fortifications
- Mid-range property between St. Julian's and the north
- Popular with families and expat professionals
- Greenspace rare in this part of 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
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Pembroke
Pembroke comes out ahead in family, transport .
Choose Xlendi
Xlendi comes out ahead in dining, beaches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Pembroke (1 listings)
View all Pembroke properties
Xlendi (6 listings)
Stunning Sea Front 2-Bedroom Apartment
Stunning Sea Front 2-Bedroom Apartment
Stunning Sea Front 2-Bedroom Apartment
