Sannat parish church.

Sannat, Gozo: The Local’s Guide to Cliffs, Coast and Village Life

By Kerry Gaffney | Last Updated 04/11/2026

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Why Visit Sannat, Gozo?

Sannat is the kind of village that rewards slowing down. Its square was recently renovated and is one of the most handsome on Gozo, broad, unhurried, with the Baroque façade of St Margaret’s Church at one end and Llena, the restaurant at the Quaint Hotel, doing a reliable job of drawing you back repeatedly. It’s not a place I find myself in constantly, but when I do go, I’m always glad I did.

The walking here is some of the best on the island. The cliff path from Xlendi to Sannat is a favourite, though “path” is generous, you’re largely following red dots painted on random rocks, scrambling in some places, and wondering briefly if you’ve gone wrong. You haven’t. The walk from Sannat down to Mġarr ix-Xini is easier and passes an abandoned pumping station that feels like it belongs in a film, which, given that the bay at the bottom was used for both By the Sea and Two Weeks in August, is entirely fitting.

The cliffs themselves, Ta’ Ċenċ and Sanap, are the highest on Gozo and the views from the edge are dramatic. Sunset up here, with the Mediterranean stretching out below you in every direction, is hard to beat.

Sannat sits on Gozo’s southern plateau, where the countryside runs right up to the village houses. As you approach, a cluster of honey-coloured houses rises in terraces, flanked by olive groves and the fertile stretch known as Ġnien is-Sultan, the King’s Garden. Sannat’s name is thought to come from an Arabic-Greek family who settled here from Sicily.

Where to Stay in Sannat 

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious escape, a cosy farmhouse or a friendly place to call home for a few days, Sannat has accommodation options to suit every style and budget. The village’s peaceful setting and easy access to Gozo’s natural wonders make it a favourite for couples, families, and solo travellers alike. 

  • Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel & Spa: This five-star retreat is perched on the plateau, offering sweeping Mediterranean views, tranquil gardens, outdoor pools, and a renowned spa. It’s perfect for couples and anyone seeking relaxation close to nature.

  • Quaint Boutique Hotel Sannat: Right on the main square, this stylish boutique hotel features comfort rooms, deluxe options, and superior suites, many with church views. Enjoy on-site dining at Llena Steakhouse or Vivilo and step straight into village life.

  • Boutique Farmhouses & Apartments: Sannat is dotted with beautifully restored farmhouses and modern apartments, many with private pools and rustic charm. These are ideal for families or groups wanting privacy and a home-from-home feel.

  • Guesthouses & B&Bs: For a more local experience, try a family-run guesthouse or B&B. Expect friendly hosts and a taste of Gozitan hospitality.

Sanap Cliffs, Gozo.

Things to Do in Sannat

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Sannat suits walkers, history fans and anyone happiest outdoors. Between the ancient temples, the cart ruts, the cliffs and a couple of film locations, there’s plenty to fill a day. Bring decent walking shoes: the best of it is off the road.

  • St Margaret’s Parish Church & Square: The heart of village life, St Margaret’s Square is one of the loveliest on Gozo. The Baroque church, dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch, rises above the square, its symmetrical façade and finely carved stonework a testament to local craftsmanship. The square is shaded by one of the island’s oldest trees and is a good spot for coffee or lunch. On one side of the church, four weathered statues of saints, which once stood on the church parvis, stand as silent witnesses to Sannat’s long history.

    It’s no surprise this setting was chosen as the backdrop for the first series of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Sannat was Sainte Victoire for Series 1 before the production moved to Għarb. Both villages, and more than 60 other locations, are covered in The Real Sainte Victoire, our guide to the Madame Blanc filming locations, which you can find on Amazon.
  • Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs & Plateau: Sannat’s best-known landscape, the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, are the highest on Gozo. These dramatic limestone walls plunge into the Mediterranean, with long views and some of the best sunsets on the island. The surrounding plateau is a haven for wildflowers in spring and is dotted with prehistoric remains: dolmens, cart ruts, and the ancient Borg l-Imramma Temple.
  • Sanap Cliffs: A quieter alternative to Ta’ Ċenċ, the Sanap Cliffs offer the same views with fewer people. The panoramic views here are among the best on the island, and the cliffs are a favourite for sunset picnics and birdwatching.

  • Mġarr ix-Xini Bay: Follow the winding road or a scenic footpath down to Mġarr ix-Xini, a secluded inlet famed for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The bay is also a film location:
    • By the Sea (starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) was filmed here, with the cove standing in for the South of France.
    • The BBC drama Two Weeks in August shot scenes here in early 2025.
  • Countryside Walks: Areas like Ta’ Ċenċ, Ta’ Saguna, and Tal-Bardan are a must for lovers of wide-open spaces, wildlife, and wildflowers. The trails here offer ever-changing vistas, peace, and inspiration.
  • Events & Festas: Life in Sannat moves to the rhythm of the seasons, with the village filling up for its festas and community events. Whether you’re visiting for a summer feast, a spring wine festival, or simply to soak up the local atmosphere, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of reasons to join in.

    • St. Margaret’s Feast
      Celebrated in late July, this festa brings colourful processions, fireworks, music, and a joyful village atmosphere. You can find more about what happens in our Sannat Festa guide.

    • Est! Est!! Est!!! Sannat Wine Festival
      Held annually in early May, this lively wine festival celebrates Sannat’s special connection with Montefiascone, Italy. Enjoy a diverse selection of wines, delicious food stalls, live music, and a much-anticipated house wine competition. The festival is held in St Margaret Square and is free to attend.

One of the great things about Gozo is that there is always something going on, check out our events page to see what’s coming up.

Where to Eat and Drink in Sannat, Gozo

Sannat may be a small village, but it’s big on flavour and hospitality. Whether you’re after a leisurely meal with panoramic views, a hearty Gozitan feast, or a simple coffee and pastry in the square, you’ll find plenty to tempt your taste buds. The village’s eateries offer a welcoming mix of traditional favourites, local produce, and friendly faces, perfect for sampling the real taste of Gozo.

  • Mġarr ix-Xini Cafe:
    Open in summer, this seaside spot is known for fresh fish and a relaxed pace.
  • Ta’ Rosina: A traditional village pub, perfect for a drink and a chat with locals. Reportedly a favourite haunt of Scottish comedian Billy Connolly when he lived on Gozo.

How to Get to and Around Sannat, Gozo

Getting to Sannat is easy once you’ve arrived on Gozo.

Travelling to Gozo:
The only way to reach Gozo is by ferry, either as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.

  • From Malta, take the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr Harbour (about 25 minutes), or the Gozo Highspeed Ferry from Valletta’s Grand Harbour (about 45 minutes for foot passengers). For details, see our How to Get to Gozo guide.

From Mġarr Harbour or Victoria to Sannat:

  • By Bus:
    • Take bus No. 305 from Victoria to Sannat (Victoria – Ta’ Sannat – Victoria), with stops at Parrocca and Ta’ Skerla, both a short walk from the village centre.
    • Other buses serving Sannat include 302, 306, and 323.
    • Buses run roughly once an hour, with the first bus at 05:20 and the last at 22:55.
    • For the latest schedules, use the Tallinja app or check Malta Public Transport’s website.

  • By Taxi:
    • Taxis and apps like Bolt, Uber, and eCabs operate across Gozo and can take you directly to Sannat from the ferry terminal or Victoria.

  • By Car:
    • Sannat is a short drive from both Mġarr Harbour and Victoria, with parking available near the village centre.

  • By Bike or on Foot:
    • Gozo’s compact size makes it easy to explore by bike or on foot, especially if you enjoy scenic countryside and coastal walks.

For more tips on navigating the island, see our guide to getting to and around Gozo.

Sannat is a haven for those who want peace, easy access to walking trails and long views, yet it’s just a short drive from Victoria and Gozo’s main attractions.

FAQ

Sannat is well served by Gozo’s public transport. The 323 runs directly from Mġarr Harbour to the village, while the 302, 305 and 306 also stop there and can be picked up from Victoria Bus Terminus. Journey time from the harbour is around 20 minutes. Taxis, Bolt and eCabs are also available from the ferry terminal if you prefer a direct transfer.

The cliffs are the standout. The walk along Ta’ Ċenċ and Sanap gives you the highest coastal views on Gozo, and in spring the plateau is covered in wildflowers with prehistoric cart ruts and dolmens scattered across it. The walk from Xlendi up to Sannat is a good route in: follow the red dots on the rocks and expect a scramble in places. From Sannat, the path down to Mġarr ix-Xini is gentler and passes a photogenic abandoned pumping station on the way. The bay itself is one of Gozo’s most sheltered inlets and worth the descent for a swim. The village square, recently renovated, is also one of the prettiest on the island.

Yes, particularly for families who enjoy the outdoors. The square is traffic-free and relaxed, and the Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel has good facilities including a pool. Mġarr ix-Xini is one of the calmer bays on Gozo, which makes it good for children swimming. The cliff walks are best suited to older children and confident walkers given some uneven terrain.

Llena at the Quaint Boutique Hotel is the standout. It opened in 2024, replacing the previous Beppe’s Restaurant, and has quickly become one of the better tables on the island. For something more relaxed, Ta’ Rosina is a traditional village pub reportedly favoured by Billy Connolly during his time on Gozo, and the Mġarr ix-Xini Cafe is open in summer for fresh fish right on the water.

The St Margaret feast in late July is the main event: processions, band marches, fireworks and the village at its most alive. The Est! Est!! Est!!! Wine Festival in early May is also worth timing a visit around: held in the square, it celebrates Sannat’s connection with Montefiascone in Italy and includes a house wine competition. Both are free to attend.

Sannat is compact and easy to navigate on foot. The village itself is walkable in minutes, but the real walking is out on the cliffs and the paths toward Mġarr ix-Xini and Xlendi. The terrain on the cliff routes is uneven in places so decent footwear is worth packing. Cycling is possible on the plateau roads though the descent to Mġarr ix-Xini is steep.

Spring is ideal for the cliff walks: the wildflowers are out, the temperature is mild and the plateau feels properly wild. The wine festival is in early May too. Summer brings the St Margaret feast, and Mġarr ix-Xini is at its best for swimming from June through September. Autumn is quieter and the light on the cliffs in October is particularly good.