Burmarrad vs Sannat

Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.

Summary

Burmarrad is better for affordable family homes with gardens on mainland Malta, while Sannat suits those seeking dramatic cliff-top views and Gozitan village life. Burmarrad offers the lowest property prices in the northern region, with larger homes featuring private gardens and open countryside views. It sits inland from St. Paul's Bay, just a 5-minute drive from coastal amenities, and is served by bus Route 49 from Valletta. The flat terrain suits families, scoring 7/10 for family lifestyle, but its transport rating is just 2/10, making a car essential. Malta International Airport is 30 minutes away by car. Sannat sits on Gozo's southern cliffs with spectacular coastal views and access to Ta' Cenc nature reserve and Mgarr ix-Xini bay. It scores 9/10 for safety and 7/10 for family living. The Ċirkewwa ferry terminal to Gozo is a 20-minute drive from Burmarrad; Sannat is then 15 minutes by car from the Mgarr ferry terminal. Sannat is connected to Victoria via bus Route 305, though its transport score is 3/10. Reaching Malta Airport takes over 90 minutes including the ferry crossing. Sannat suits tourists and families drawn to its lacemaking heritage and exclusive cliff-top properties.
Burmarrad

Rural residential outskirts

VS
Sannat

Cliff-top village with artisan heritage

€1300
Avg. Rent
€1207
1
Listings
7
3
Avg. Bedrooms
2.7
Poor. Spread-out residential area with no central amenities. Car essential.
Walkability
Moderate. Village centre walkable. Cliff walks accessible. Beach access involves steep paths.
Excellent. Private driveways and ample street parking.
Parking
Good. Easy parking in the village. Ta' Cenc hotel has private parking.
Very low. Rural quiet. Occasional farm machinery.
Noise Level
Very low. Quiet village. Wind exposure on the plateau can be strong.

Living in Burmarrad

Burmarrad is a small residential area on the inland edge of St. Paul's Bay — a flat, rural-feeling neighbourhood of modern houses and smallholdings that sits between the coast and the agricultural land of the Pwales Valley. It's not a traditional village with a church square; it's a spread-out residential community that grew as St. Paul's Bay expanded inland. The surrounding Pwales Valley is one of Malta's few remaining agricultural areas, with small farms producing vegetables, strawberries, and the tomatoes that go into Malta's famous sun-dried tomato paste. The valley floor is flat and green — a rarity in Malta — and the distant view of the Mellieha ridge provides a pleasant backdrop. Property in Burmarrad is among the most affordable in the St. Paul's Bay area. Buyers get larger properties with gardens — almost unheard of in coastal apartments — at prices well below the seafront. The trade-off is distance from the coast and a car-dependent lifestyle.

Highlights

  • Pwales Valley — one of Malta's few agricultural areas
  • Larger properties with gardens at affordable prices
  • Flat terrain and open countryside views
  • Part of the St. Paul's Bay area but quieter
  • Close to Mistra Bay and Xemxija

Living in Sannat

Sannat is a village on Gozo's southern cliffs, known for two things: the Ta' Cenc plateau — a wild, rocky headland with some of Gozo's most dramatic coastal scenery — and its lacemaking tradition, which produces the finest Gozitan lace still made by hand today. The village sits on the edge of Gozo's southern escarpment, where limestone cliffs drop into the Mediterranean. The Ta' Cenc area is a designated nature reserve with walking trails through garigue habitat, ancient cart ruts, and dolmens that predate the temples. Mgarr ix-Xini, a narrow inlet below the cliffs, is one of Gozo's most photogenic swimming spots — a fjord-like channel between sheer rock walls. Property in Sannat includes the Ta' Cenc Hotel and residential development, one of Gozo's most exclusive addresses. The hotel's villas command premium prices, while the village centre offers more affordable traditional houses. The cliff-edge position means views are spectacular but the walk to the nearest beach is a steep descent.

Highlights

  • Ta' Cenc plateau — wild nature reserve with cliff walks
  • Mgarr ix-Xini — fjord-like inlet for swimming
  • Traditional Gozitan lacemaking still practised
  • Exclusive cliff-top residential development
  • Ancient dolmens and cart ruts on the plateau

Lifestyle Comparison

3/10
dining
4/10
7/10
family
7/10
8/10
safety
9/10
6/10
beaches
6/10
1/10
nightlife
2/10
2/10
transport
3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Sannat stands out for dining, safety, nightlife, transport. Burmarrad is popular with families. Sannat is popular with families and tourists.
Sannat has a lower average rent at €1207/month compared to Burmarrad's €1300 — a difference of around €93.
Burmarrad and Sannat are around 17 km apart — roughly a 43-minute drive depending on traffic.