Xemxija vs Xewkija
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Xewkija is better for families seeking affordable traditional village life in Gozo, while Xemxija suits retirees and tourists wanting quiet coastal living with direct Malta access.
Xemxija sits on Malta's northern coast with a population of 2,000, scoring 8/10 for safety and 7/10 for beaches and family-friendliness. Bus routes 48, 49, 58, and 250 connect directly to Valletta and Sliema, with the airport 30 minutes by car. The hamlet offers sea views, a marina, and the 2km Xemxija Heritage Walk, though nightlife and dining both rate just 4/10. Xewkija, home to 3,300 residents, scores 9/10 for both family living and safety, with beaches at 7/10. Located centrally in Gozo, it sits equidistant from Victoria, Mgarr ferry, and Ramla Bay — all within 10 minutes by car. However, reaching Malta's airport takes 80+ minutes including the ferry crossing. The village is dominated by the Rotunda, a 74m-diameter church dome, and offers some of Gozo's lowest property prices. Both locations rate 2/10 for nightlife, making them poor choices for evening entertainment.
Choose Xemxija for easier Malta-wide commuting and coastal atmosphere; choose Xewkija for larger community, stronger family infrastructure, and better value traditional property in Gozo.
Living in Xemxija
Xemxija is a small coastal hamlet at the western end of St. Paul's Bay — a quieter, more residential alternative to the tourist strips of Bugibba and Qawra. The name means 'sunny' in Maltese, and the sheltered bay lives up to it, catching afternoon sun long after the north-facing parts of St. Paul's Bay have gone into shadow. The hamlet is tiny — a handful of restaurants, a small beach, a hillside of apartment blocks, and a marina. But its surroundings are rich with history. The Xemxija Heritage Walk is a 2km trail that passes Roman apiaries, cart ruts carved into the limestone, a Neolithic menhir, and a Knights-era watchtower — essentially a compressed timeline of Maltese civilisation in a single walk. Property in Xemxija is modestly priced and popular with buyers who want northern coastal living without the full tourist intensity of Bugibba. The marina adds a premium for waterfront properties, and the area has a small but loyal year-round community.
Highlights
- Xemxija Heritage Walk — 5,000 years of history in 2km
- Sheltered bay with afternoon sun
- Marina and waterfront restaurants
- Quieter alternative to Bugibba and Qawra
- Loyal year-round residential community
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
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Xemxija
Xemxija comes out ahead in transport .
Choose Xewkija
Xewkija comes out ahead in family, safety .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Xemxija (8 listings)
Sea Front Apartment Xemxija
3 Bedroom Apartment for Rent – XEMXIJA,Malta
Xemxija, seafront modern and very cozy ground floor studio apartment for long let
