Sannat vs Zabbar
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Sannat is better for tourists and dramatic coastal living, while Żabbar wins for affordable family homes with easy access to mainland Malta. Sannat sits on Gozo's southern cliffs with spectacular views, a safety rating of 9/10, and a population of 2,200. Żabbar is one of Malta's largest towns at 17,200 residents, scoring 8/10 for family suitability with property prices among the lowest in urban Malta.
Transport differs significantly between the islands. Sannat relies on Gozo route 305 to Victoria, with ferry access requiring a 15-minute drive and airport transfers exceeding 90 minutes. Żabbar has bus routes 3, 4, and 6 from Valletta, sits 15 minutes from the airport by car, and reaches Marsaskala beaches in 10 minutes. Sannat rates just 3/10 for transport versus Żabbar's 6/10.
Sannat suits families and tourists seeking cliff-top walks at Ta' Cenc nature reserve, swimming at Mgarr ix-Xini inlet, and traditional Gozitan lacemaking heritage. Żabbar suits families wanting strong community identity, excellent parking, traditional festa culture, and coastal access without island-hopping. Sannat offers beaches rated 6/10 and nightlife 2/10, while Żabbar scores 7/10 for beaches and 3/10 for nightlife.
Cliff-top village with artisan heritage
Traditional residential town with deep festa culture
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
Living in Zabbar
Zabbar is one of Malta's largest inland towns — a sprawling residential community southeast of the Grand Harbour area with a strong working-class identity and a devotion to its patron saint that borders on the legendary. The town was granted the title Città Hompesch by Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch in 1797, just before Napoleon expelled the Knights in 1798. The town centre is built around a large parish church dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, which holds a remarkable collection of ex-voto paintings — offerings from sailors and soldiers who survived shipwrecks and battles, each depicting the incident that nearly killed them. The collection is one of the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean and worth a visit regardless of religious inclination. Zabbar is a practical, affordable base. Property prices are among the lowest in the urbanised part of Malta, and the town has all daily amenities — schools, shops, medical services. It's not a destination town — tourists rarely visit — but for residents it offers authentic Maltese life without the premium of coastal locations. The drive to Valletta takes about 15 minutes, and Marsaskala's beaches are ten minutes south.
Highlights
- One of Malta's largest towns by population
- Extraordinary collection of ex-voto paintings in the parish church
- Among the most affordable property in urban Malta
- Strong community and traditional Maltese life
- 10 minutes from Marsaskala beaches
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Sannat
Sannat comes out ahead in safety .
Choose Zabbar
Zabbar comes out ahead in dining, family, beaches, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Sannat (5 listings)
Renovated Spacious Apartment with Open Views
This beautifully finished Apartment enjoys open, unobstructed views
3 Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment
