Sannat's Baroque church
Spectacular
cliff walks Sannat and surroundings
Sannat is one of the oldest villages in Gozo. It still has a strong farming community, the village being surrounded by mosaics of tiny fields, lovingly tended by families through the generations.
Despite the encroachment of the modern world, the village retains its rustic charm and elements of the old way of life – one can still see some farmers, barefoot, carrying sacks of vegetables home.
Sannat originally was one of the centres on Gozo for manufacturing lime, for
building. One old kiln is still operating on the outskirts of the village. In
the centre there is the baroque masterpiece of a parish church. Nearly
five hundred years ago this was just a chapel but it has evolved over the
years as Sannat has expanded.
Gozo is hilly, and Sannat is on of one of the highest points, in the south of the island. Looking to the north, there are great panoramic views of almost the whole island. Behind there are the spectacular Sannap cliffs. These also back on to the area known as Ta Cenc (pronounced “ta chench”). This is where you will find open countryside, Neolithic dolmens and mysterious ruts in the rock resembling cart tracks. Nobody really knows why or what they are, although theories abound.
A short drive away (or walk, depending on your preference) to the west there
is the lovely little bay of Xlendi ( “shlendie”) where there
is a beach, bars, restaurants and tourist shopping. It is a great place
for “sundowners”.
Sannat’s local beach is the charming tiny cove at the end of a spectacular ravine: Mgarr ix-Xini (“mm-jar ish-sheenie”) - also just minutes away by car. There is just one rustic café, a beach…and, for most of the year, solitude. In the summer it is a popular meeting place for swimming and scuba diving.
What’s going on?
In the village square there are a number of bars ready to welcome any visitor (almost everyone speaks English, so no problem ordering a beer or a bottle of local wine!)- one of which is owned by the local football team! “Ta Rosina”, a friendly little bar situated up the hill behind the church, is a must – particularly on a Sunday lunchtime!
By contrast, there is the five-star Hotel Ta Cenc. Non residents are welcome to try the spa, gym and tennis courts…and sample a cocktail or two while overlooking the straits to Malta!
And, for hot nights on a summer weekend, teenagers of all ages will love one of the most beautifully situated clubs in the Med, “La Grotta”, perched on a hillside above Xlendi bay!
