Xemxija vs Zebbug (Gozo)
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Xemxija scores 8/10 for safety and 7/10 for family living, with direct bus routes to Valletta and Sliema. The hamlet has a marina, waterfront restaurants, and a 2km heritage walk covering 5,000 years of history. It sits 30 minutes from the airport by car and 15 minutes from the Gozo ferry. Rents remain affordable compared to neighbouring Bugibba and St Paul's Bay, attracting retirees and tourists who want sea views without nightlife noise.
Zebbug (Gozo) rates 9/10 for safety but just 2/10 for transport, with infrequent buses on route 311 requiring a 10-minute drive to Victoria for shops and services. This hilltop village of 1,400 people has no local amenities — no cafes, restaurants, or shops. Property here is among Gozo's cheapest, with traditional houses offering panoramic views from roof terraces. Reaching Malta's airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry. It appeals exclusively to retirees and nature lovers who prioritise walking routes to coastal bays over everyday convenience.
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 Zebbug (Gozo)
Zebbug is a small hilltop village in northern Gozo — not to be confused with the larger Haz-Zebbug on Malta. The name means 'olives' in Maltese, a reference to the olive groves that once covered the surrounding hillsides. It's one of Gozo's highest points, and the views from the church square take in the entire northern coastline. The village is small even by Gozitan standards, with a single square, a parish church, and a few streets of traditional houses. The surrounding countryside is some of Gozo's finest — open farmland, dry stone walls, and walking trails that lead to the coast at Marsalforn and Qbajjar. The Zebbug plateau has several prehistoric sites, including cart ruts and megalithic remains that are yet to be fully excavated. Property in Zebbug is among the most affordable in Gozo. Traditional houses with views come at prices that are remarkably low for the quality of life on offer. The village has minimal amenities — a church, a band club, and a few houses — which is either a drawback or the whole point, depending on your perspective.
Highlights
- One of Gozo's highest villages with panoramic northern views
- Named after historic olive groves
- Walk to Marsalforn and the salt pans
- Prehistoric cart ruts and unexcavated megalithic sites
- Among the most affordable property in Gozo
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Xemxija
Xemxija comes out ahead in dining, family, nightlife, transport .
Choose Zebbug (Gozo)
Zebbug (Gozo) comes out ahead in 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
