St. Julian's vs Xewkija

Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.

Summary

St. Julian's is better for young professionals and nightlife lovers seeking an active coastal lifestyle, while Xewkija wins for families wanting affordable, traditional village living in Gozo. St. Julian's scores 10/10 for nightlife and dining, with Paceville's bars and the Spinola Bay waterfront at its core. It sits on Malta's east coast with strong transport links (bus routes 12, 13, 14, 16) and is 25 minutes from the airport by car. Rents are premium, parking is limited, and the family rating sits at just 4/10 due to noise and tourist crowds. It suits iGaming professionals and short-term visitors who prioritise convenience over quiet. Xewkija is a historic Gozitan village of 3,300 residents, dominated by the 74m Rotunda dome. It scores 9/10 for both family-friendliness and safety, with some of Gozo's lowest property prices. Its central location places Victoria, Mgarr ferry, and Ramla Bay all within a 10-minute drive. A car is essential — the village has minimal dining (4/10) and nightlife (2/10). Reaching Malta's airport takes 80 minutes including the ferry crossing.

St. Julian's

Lively coastal entertainment hub

Xewkija

Historic village dominated by monumental church dome

€2093

Avg. Rent

€1200

Listings

2.1

Avg. Bedrooms

Very good. Flat coastal promenade connects to Sliema. Paceville is entirely walkable. Some uphill streets heading inland.

Walkability

Moderate. Flat within the village. Victoria is a 20-minute walk; Mgarr ferry 30 minutes on foot.

Difficult, especially on weekends and evenings. Paceville is nearly impossible by car after 8pm. Portomaso has underground parking (paid).

Parking

Good. Easy parking around the church square and side streets.

High in Paceville area. Moderate elsewhere. Spinola and Balluta are surprisingly peaceful considering proximity.

Noise Level

Very low. Quiet village life with church bells as the main soundtrack.

Living in St. Julian's

St. Julian's is where Malta goes to play. By day it's a pleasant coastal town spread around Spinola Bay — one of the most photographed fishing boat harbours on the island — and Balluta Bay with its grand art nouveau houses. By night it becomes Paceville, the island's densest concentration of bars, clubs, casinos, and restaurants, drawing revellers from across Malta until the early hours. The town has a split personality that works in its favour. The Paceville side is loud, youthful, and commercial, home to international hotel chains and the Dragonara Casino. The Spinola and Balluta side is refined, with upscale restaurants housed in converted townhouses and a promenade that connects westward to Sliema. Portomaso, with its signature tower and marina, sits between the two — a luxury residential and commercial complex that symbolises the area's premium positioning. St. Julian's is the heart of Malta's iGaming and tech industries. Office buildings cluster around the Mriehel area and along the coast, making it the most convenient base for professionals working in these sectors. Property here commands some of the highest rents on the island, particularly in developments with sea views.

Highlights

Spinola Bay — iconic fishing boat harbour lined with restaurants
Paceville — Malta's nightlife district with dozens of bars and clubs
Portomaso Marina and luxury tower
Heart of Malta's iGaming industry
Balluta Bay with its art nouveau buildings

Living in Xewkija

Xewkija is one of Gozo's oldest villages, sitting on a plateau between Victoria and the eastern coast. The village is dominated by the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist — a colossal church whose dome is visible from nearly every point on the island. At 74 metres in diameter, it is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, exceeding St. Peter's Basilica in diameter, and it serves as a landmark for sailors approaching Gozo from the east. The village has a quiet, traditional character with narrow streets of old stone houses radiating from the church square. Xewkija is believed to be the first settlement established outside Victoria after the arrival of the Knights of St. John, and its name derives from the Maltese word for thorny bushes that once covered the area. The village retains a strong agricultural identity, with surrounding fields producing fruit, vegetables, and grapes for local wine. Property in Xewkija offers some of the best value in Gozo. Traditional townhouses with original stone arches and internal courtyards can be found at prices well below the coast. Newer developments have appeared along the main road toward Mgarr harbour, but the village core remains authentically Gozitan. The location is strategic — equidistant from Victoria, Mgarr ferry terminal, and the beaches of Ramla Bay.

Highlights

The Rotunda — one of Europe's largest unsupported church domes at 74m diameter
One of Gozo's oldest settlements, dating to the Knights of St. John era
Strategic location between Victoria, Mgarr ferry, and Ramla Bay
Some of the most affordable traditional property in Gozo
Strong agricultural heritage with surrounding vineyards and fields

Lifestyle Comparison

10/10

dining

4/10

family

9/10

6/10

safety

9/10

5/10

beaches

7/10

10/10

nightlife

2/10

8/10

transport

5/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose St. Julian's

young professionals nightlife lovers tourists

St. Julian's comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .

Choose Xewkija

families tourists

Xewkija comes out ahead in family, safety, beaches .

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Julian's is the stronger pick for dining, nightlife, transport. Xewkija stands out for family, safety, beaches. St. Julian's is popular with young professionals and nightlife lovers and tourists. Xewkija is popular with families and tourists.

Xewkija has a lower average rent at €1200/month compared to St. Julian's €2093 — a difference of around €893.

St. Julian's and Xewkija are around 24 km apart — roughly a 60-minute drive depending on traffic.