In full view of the gorgeous Mediterranean sunset, San Lawrenz is almost too good to be true. Despite being one of the least populated places in the Maltese islands, San Lawrenz certainly packs its share of Gozitan charm.

1. It’s traditional to the core

As of the latest census, San Lawrenz is home to almost 750 people, making it the second least populated locality in Gozo and the third least populated in the Maltese islands. The village has retained its rural environs, and dates back to before the Siege of Gozo in the mid-16th century when it was still called Ta’ Ċangura, making it a must on any visiting tourist’s to-do list. 

2. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset

San Lawrenz in and of itself is a geological oddity, built between the three hills of Ta’ Gelmus, T’Għammar, and Ta’ Dbieġi, the latter being Gozo’s highest point at 195 metres above sea level. The west-facing locality and it’s austere vantage point makes it perfect for your sunset golden hour snaps. 

3. There’s an inland sea

You might not think much of it, but inland seas are pretty hard to come by around the world. Also called Qawra in Maltese, the Dwejra Inland Sea forms a lagoon of sorts fed by the outlying Mediterranean through a small fault in the cliffs; the resulting narrow archway can be sailed through on calm days. The lagoon was notably a favourite diving spot of French marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau. 

4. As saintly as you can get

San Lawrenz is home to its namesake, Saint Lawrence of Rome, in a very literal sense. The village broke off from Għarb in 1893 when it was finally declared a parish, seven years after a relic of the saint was placed beneath the foundation stone. 

5. It’s got its own nature reserve

As an administrative division of the village, the Dwejra reserve deserves a hearty mention. The reserve contains the gorgeous Dwejra Bay, a relatively untouched stretch of deep blue, flanked by towering cliffs and Fungus Rock. The latter is of both historical and ecological significance, being home to the Malta Fungus (a misnomer for an endemic parasitic Mediterranean plant) and a subspecies of the Maltese wall lizard. 

Other notable sites include the Dwejra tower built in the mid-17th century, a freshwater waterfall seen mostly during the winter months that feeds of the area known as Il-Qattara, and the Blue Hole. 

6. The Azure Window (of lack thereof) is still a big draw

Over 7 months ago, the former Azure Window collapsed beneath the waves after several years of advanced deterioration. The attraction was notably a favourite amongst filmmakers appearing in Clash of the Titans, The Count of Monte Cristo and Game of Thrones. The remnants of the Azure Window rest at the bottom of the sea off the remaining cliffs, where they have begun to draw a keen interest in the diving community as an intricate reef. 

Interestingly, the Azure Window’s name Tieqa Żerqa is reputedly derived from the narrow channel leading out of the Inland Sea, which was referred to as Tieka Szerka in archaic Maltese. 

Have we missed out on any San Lawrenz highlights? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below!

Tag someone who never took a selfie at the Azure Window

READ NEXT: 5 Reasons Għajnsielem Is Gozo’s Best PR Stunt

Matthew Baldacchino

Self-titled resident SJW and expressionless in-house Head of Internal Marketing. Matt loves prepping vegan and vegetarian food, consumes way too much coffee, and has an unhealthy penchant for storyboarded Instagram Stories. When he's not trying to figure out social media policies, marketing strategies or cracking SEO conundrums, you can catch him as the host of Basically, Livestream Of Consciousness or Lovin Daily. Hit him up if you've got a story about the environment, arts and culture, health, politics and activism, or LGBTQI+ issues. He's also a doctor, but we don't talk about that.