Natural rock arch over tranquil sea.

San Lawrenz, Gozo: The Local’s Guide

By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 07/06/2026

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Why Visit San Lawrenz, Gozo?

San Lawrenz sits in the west of Gozo, quiet and largely unhurried, with Dwejra Bay on its doorstep. Dwejra was one of the first places I visited on Gozo, on a day trip before we moved here, and it made a strong case for the island immediately — the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, the Blue Hole, the dramatic cliff coastline. It’s been drawing filmmakers for decades for the same reasons it draws everyone else.

The village itself is small and easy to underestimate. The Kempinski is here, which makes it home to the best hotel on the island. The parish church is the kind of building you notice immediately on the drive in. I spent two days in the parish hall filming as an extra for The Madame Blanc Mysteries, which tells you something about how the village relates to the wider filming history of the area — even the buildings that don’t appear on screen end up part of the story.

For the full picture on Dwejra Bay, the filming locations and what to see there, we have a dedicated Dwejra Bay guide.

San Lawrenz derives its name from Lawrence of Rome, the patron saint of the village. The area was originally known as Ta’ Ċangura before becoming a parish in 1893, when the community built its own church dedicated to Saint Lawrence. The relic of Saint Lawrence was placed under the foundation stone, and the village feast in his honour is celebrated every August.

Where to Stay in San Lawrenz 

San Lawrenz offers a diverse range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to charming farmhouses and boutique guesthouses:

  • Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: A five-star resort featuring elegant rooms, suites, and apartments, six restaurants and lounges, a full-service spa, pools, tennis courts, and an authentic Ayurveda Centre. This is Gozo’s premier luxury hotel, perfect for travellers seeking comfort and style.

  • Shanti Ghar Gozo: A highly rated boutique guesthouse within walking distance of the village square and local attractions.

  • Farmhouses: The village and its surroundings are dotted with beautifully restored farmhouses, many with private pools, gardens, and countryside views. Options like Tas Suplu and Dwejra Peak House cater to larger groups and families, offering traditional charm with modern amenities.

  • Self-Catering Apartments: Ideal for families or those seeking flexibility, with options throughout the village and nearby countryside, and there are plenty of options available.

Things to Do in San Lawrenz

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San Lawrenz offers a peaceful immersion in Gozo’s northwest countryside, where terraced valleys meet dramatic cliffs and traditional farms dot the landscape. Its Knights-era chapel anchors a timeless setting perfect for unwinding amid nature.

  • Dwejra Bay: Explore this UNESCO-listed site, famous for its geological wonders, the Blue Hole, Inland Sea, and Fungus Rock. It’s a hotspot for swimming, diving, and boat trips.

  • Diving & Snorkelling: The Blue Hole is one of the Mediterranean’s most renowned dive sites, attracting divers worldwide.

  • Inland Sea Boat Ride: Take a traditional boat through the tunnel to the open sea, enjoying spectacular cliff and cave views.

  • Dwejra Tower: Visit this 17th-century watchtower for panoramic views and a glimpse into Malta’s coastal defences.

  • Saint Lawrence Parish Church: Admire the beautiful baroque church, the heart of village life and home to significant artworks.

  • Ta’ Dbiegi Craft Village: Discover local artisans producing pottery, glass, and lace.

  • Walking & Cycling: Enjoy scenic trails around the hills and coastline, including mysterious cart ruts near Dwejra.

  • Star spotting: Dwerja is a dark sky haven and a great spot to watch the Perseid meteor showers every August.

Where to Eat in San Lawrenz

San Lawrenz is home to a selection of excellent restaurants.

  • L-Istorja: Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cuisine, renowned for its fresh ingredients and inviting atmosphere.
  • Azure Window Restaurant: Popular for seafood and traditional Maltese dishes, with views of Dwejra Bay. Highly recommended if you want to watch a stunning sunset.

How to Get to San Lawrenz

To get to Gozo, you first need to travel to Malta and then catch a ferry to this sister island. You have a few options, so we recommend reading taking our quick quiz on which Gozo Ferry is the best one for you.

Once you arrive in Mgarr, Gozo, you can either drive, take public transport or take a taxi.

  • By Public Transport: Buses run regularly from the harbour to Victoria, once there you’ll need to catch the 311.

  • By Car: Renting a car is ideal for exploring Gozo’s rural areas at your own pace. There are several car rental offices at Gozo harbour. Alternatively, Bolt and Uber both operate on Gozo.

San Lawrenz: Gozo’s Filming Location Hub

If you’re interested in spotting where famous films and TV productions have been shot, Dwerja is an unmissable spot. From the earliest days of Gozo’s forays on to the silver screen, in The Sailor of the King,  this bay has proved popular with filmmakers from all over the world. The famous, and now-collapsed Azure Window, served as a backdrop for a remarkable number of film and TV productions. Notable examples include:

Even though the Azure Window is now gone, there’s plenty of other productions that have made the most of the area’s dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations, and atmospheric coastline. From the BBC’s 1980s mini-series, Byron, which shot around the boathouses of the Inland Sea, to the recent Swedish movie, Syndabocken (Shame on Dry Land). I often joke that when I discover a new production that has shot, or is being shot on Gozo. That the answer to where the exact location is will usually be Dwerja. Take a look out our filming locations page and you’ll see what I mean.

Plan Your Film Location Day Out

Want to discover everything that was shot in Dwejra? We’ve got you covered with our dedicated Gozo in a Day: Film & TV Guide. It covers 40 productions with over 80 filming locations to discover in Dwejra, Victoria and Mġarr Harbour.

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FAQ

San Lawrenz is around a 10-15 minute drive from Mġarr Harbour, either with a hire car or taxi. Public transport takes a little longer and you’ll need to catch a bus to Victoria, either the 301, 303 or 323. Then transfer to the 311.

My favourite thing to do in San Lawrenz is to explore the coastline around Dwerja Bay. I’m mainly trying to location spot but if that’s not your thing, it’s still a wonderful part of Gozo to explore.

San Lawrenz is great for families, with lots of family-friendly accommodation and locations to explore.

San Lawrenz offers a refined dining scene anchored by luxury hotels and a few standout village spots, blending Mediterranean flair with Gozitan touches. Check out our recommendations for eating out in San Lawrenz above.

San Lawrenz hosts vibrant events, topped by St. Lawrence Feast in early August with processions, fireworks, band marches, and square concerts. It’s one of Gozo’s liveliest summer fiestas.

Yes, San Lawrenz is a quite a small village and is perfect to explore by foot or by cycling.

  • Spring: Mild, ideal for countryside walks. Wildflowers are in bloom and there are fewer tourists.
  • Summer: Hot, perfect for swimming and diving. You’ll catch the village feast in early August, but it is peak tourist season.
  • Autumn: Warm, quieter beaches, great for hiking with fewer crowds.
  • Winter: Cooler, peaceful atmosphere and off-peak prices, ideal for relaxation but weather might be stormy.
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A small limestone gothic chapel on a hill over a harbour, set in a film strip border.

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