Sanap Cliffs Sunset Hike on the Edge of Gozo
The Sanap cliffs are a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Gozo, Malta. This is a place where the azure Mediterranean Sea touches the sky, and the ancient limestone cliffs stand as witnesses to eons of history.
As an independent traveller with a sometime adventurous leaning (adventure adjacent?), I’ve explored plenty of Gozo’s nooks and crannies, but the Sanap Cliffs hold a special place in my heart.
Let me share with you both practical tips and a flavour of why a sunset hike to the Sanap Cliffs is a moment of slow travel to be savoured.
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Where are the Sanap Cliffs?
The Sanap Cliffs, located on the southwest coast of Gozo, are a geological marvel. Picture this, sheer limestone walls plunging over a hundred metres into the gleaming sapphire sea below.
Sometimes written as ‘Sannat Cliffs’, ‘Sanap’ comes from the Maltese word for mustard plant that may have been grown in these parts (although English is spoken in Malta, Malta also has its own language).
Spend any time at the cliffs and you’ll realise that they’re like ancient storytellers, providing testament to the relentless power of wind and water.
One of the most appealing aspects of seeing the Sanap Cliffs sunset is that it’s somewhat off the tourist trail. It requires a bit of effort to get here but the vast views that are revealed as you stand on what can feel like the edge of the world are worth it. If you only have a day on Gozo, make sure you include them on your itinerary. They are one of the best reasons to visit Gozo and Malta.
Height of the Sanap Ciffs
The Sanap Cliffs are reputed to be one of the highest points on Gozo, standing at 120m tall. Whilst that might not seem that high up, when you look along the coast at the sheer drop, it feels like a terrifying elevation to be stood at.
How to get to Sanap Cliffs
To get to the Sanap Cliffs at sunset you have several options.
Although there’s no direct bus, that doesn’t mean you can’t get here without a car. In fact, I found on my own trips that the walk is all part of the adventure.
Walk
Take bus #305 or #306 from Victoria to Munxar village. Walk 15 minutes away from the village and out to the coast. Once you reach the coast, follow the path along to the west.
Whilst the walk may be easy, let’s just say the location is precarious. If you like your walks with a sense of danger, then the Sanap Cliffs is for you.
There’s a sheer drop down from the cliffs and in most places, there is either no barrier or a short limestone wall. This is not a walk for the faint-hearted.
Bike
Rent a bike on Gozo to get around without a car and at quicker speed than walking. If you’re planning on using it to get to other locations on Gozo, as well as the Sanap Cliffs, hire an e-bike, as Gozo has some big hills.
Bus
There’s no direct bus to the Sanap Cliffs so you’ll need to follow the instructions above for walking.
Tour
To see more of Gozo and enjoy an incredible day out, book a Gozo quad bike adventure. You’ll cross the rugged landscapes of Gozo, including the Sanap Cliffs and Xlendi, plus much more.
This guided tour is not just about the adrenaline rush; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Gozo’s raw beauty, with stops at wonders like Wied il-Mielaħ Window and Xwejni salt pans.
With a traditional Gozitan lunch included to refuel your spirit, this experience combines adventure and local ambience into one great trip.
Car or scooter
If you’ve hired a car or scooter you can drive to the the point just before the Sanap Cliffs and find an off-road spot to park, or park in Munxar village and walk.
For car hire in Malta and Gozo, search Discover Cars. They have a great range of national and local companies so you can easily compare prices.
Taxi/Uber
If you like the convenience of a car but don’t want to drive, there are plenty of Ubers and Bolts on Malta and Gozo. Bolt is more common on Gozo.
What to do at the Sanap Cliffs
As one of the highest points on Gozo, the best thing to do at the Sanap Cliffs is to take in the views and enjoy the tranquillity.
Sanap Cliffs sunset
The Sanap Cliffs sunset is gorgeous. Arrive just before the sun starts to set and you’ll get to witness the cliffs transform as the sun dips, casting a warm glow on the limestone. It’s a photographer’s dream and one of the best things to see in Malta.
Photos and views
The Sanap Cliffs Gozo are where the sky meets the sea in a glorious union of all manner of blue.
From high up on the Sanap Cliffs you can see the three main islands of Malta; the Gozo coast, Malta and Comino.
The dramatic views are what makes the Sanap Cliffs one of the best Instagram spots on Malta. So bring your camera and take plenty of pictures.
Walk the trail to Xlendi Bay
- Distance: 6.3km
- Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Gozo is a great destination for hiking. I’ve hiked all the way from Sanap Cliffs to Xlendi (and in reverse, to end up at the Sanap Cliffs for sunset).
This is a mixed walk, with a formally created paved trail at start, at the Munxar end, which turns into a wild, cross-country route along rough tracks, taking you all the way to Xlendi Bay.
The hike here is thrilling. As I carefully placed one step in front of the other, following the cutthroat edge, I found myself wondering who on earth thought I was responsible enough not to get too close without some kind of barrier to stop me. Of course I kept well back and it reminded me of the walk along the Sussex Coast at Eastbourne.
Bring a picnic to really make the most the immense scenery, as you sit and soak it all in.
For the sunset experience, you’ll want to bring a torch or make sure you leave in enough time to get back to the main roads or your transport before it gets fully dark.
Xlendi is ideal for a swim and you can also rent a boat or a jet ski. If the hike has built up your appetite, grab some food at one of the restaurants on the seafront.
Go diving
Gozo is a popular destination for diving. As well as being a great sunset walk, Sanap Cliffs is also a dive spot below the cliffs. Dive boats will take you there so you can explore the caverns and reefs in the area.
Where to stay
Gozo offers a range of accommodation, here are three top choices that make a great base for enjoying the island.
Stay at this luxurious adults only boutique guesthouse. The hotel was originally built in 1890 and offers incredible views of the Citadel, the ancient fortified city of Gozo.
This 5-star haven offers world-class service amidst beautiful gardens. Air-conditioned rooms with private balconies overlook the stunning Gozo countryside and the Kempinski’s magnificent pools.
A sundowner at the Cornucopia Hotel is one of the best ways to start an evening in Gozo. The views across the island are stunning. Ask for one of the updated modern rooms. The hotel has two pools and a Jacuzzi. I found the staff very friendly and helpful.
For more details on where to stay in Gozo and Malta check out my articles on the best adults only hotels in Malta and the best boutique hotels.
How to get to Gozo
It’s easy get around Malta and Gozo by public transport and getting to Gozo from Malta via ferry is no exception. There are frequent departures from north Gozo and Valletta and both routes are cheap, making this a great destination if you travel without a car.
If you don’t want to organise the transport yourself, check out the best Gozo tours so you can have your transport organised for you, along with enjoy a wonderful experience on Gozo.
Wrap up: Sanap Cliffs sunset hike on the edge of Gozo
As the sun paints the ancient Sanap cliffs in hues of all colours, take a moment. Feel the wind in your hair, taste the salt on your lips, and know that you’re standing on the edge of something ancient and enduring.