Gozo, which in Maltese is called ‘Ghawdex’ (pronounced: Awdesh), provides a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change. The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, life on Gozo moves at a leisurely pace. The rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.
The island – only 14.5 km long and 8km wide – has a beautiful rural charm and is dotted with tiny villages, each with its own Baroque church and patron saint’s day, celebrated annually with much fireworks, fun and revelry. Over 27,000 people inhabit the island and this amounts to one-twelfth of the overall population of Malta. When compared to the overall area of the Maltese Islands, Gozo covers approximately one-third of that area. This means that the island of Gozo is not overpopulated, and therefore greener and quite more peaceful.
Gozo is steeped in myth. Thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey, it’s a peaceful, mystical backwater. Its history stretches back thousands of years, from the mysterious megalithic temples of Ggantija to the Knights of St. John’s walled Citadel, this is truly an Island that seems lost in time. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. The sea is only ten minutes from anyplace on the island. All roads in Gozo lead to Victoria, or Rabat, as the local people call it. When you arrive in Gozo, you can see its Citadel rising steeply above the surrounding countryside.
Gozo’s weather and climate are strongly influenced by the sea and have a very characteristic Mediterranean flavour, similar to that found in southern Italy or southern Greece. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall.
Lace-making ladies still gossip in the quiet streets while their fingers manipulate their flying bobbins; farmers coax crops from the sun-beaten soil; the water laps gently at the rocks off the shore. Gozo has shrugged off the frantic race against time of modern life however it still offers a high street shopping arcade with fast food eateries in the capital city. In Gozo, the leisurely pace of life itself revolves around farming and the sea while still offering excellent restaurants, exciting nightlife, a yacht marina, superb dive sites and all modern services.
The Maltese Islands built a second-to-none reputation as a leading Mediterranean destination for anyone wanting to purchase a holiday or retirement home or simply to purchase property as an investment. Constructed in cream-coloured limestone, most properties offer a wealth of features and facilities, such as sunny terraces, secluded courtyards, Mediterranean gardens and private swimming pools. For those who prefer proximity to the clear, clean sea, seaside villages are an enjoyable alternative. In fact, Gozo is especially attractive to foreigners who want a taste of the typical Maltese village life. Others are attracted by the fiscal advantages offered by Malta and by the ideal investment opportunity.
Most properties have increased in value by at least 20% over the last two years. That’s not unusual. For almost 40 years, the housing market has recorded average annual gains of around 8%. No great booms, but no busts either. Buy a property to let, and you can expect returns of 5% to 6.5% a year. In other words, this means that within five / six years the value of your property will have gone up by approximately 50%.
Choice properties include traditional farmhouses overlooking some peaceful valley, apartments and luxurious villas in quiet Mediterranean settings. Sea views are never hard to find in Gozo wherever you choose to stay! Clients wishing to view property in Gozo may arrange to be picked up from Mgarr Harbour without having to transport their car to Gozo. Our experienced property consultants will guide you through the process of locating, choosing negotiating and purchasing the property of your choice in Gozo.
RE/MAX is able to assist clients in finishing and furnishing their newly acquired property at discounted prices in collaboration with Gozo’s leading suppliers and service providers thus giving a complete solution. If you decide to buy property as an investment, we can negotiate commercial property leasing on your behalf. On the other hand if you wish to let your property, our estate management services can ensure the protection and maintenance of your property during the period of lease.
Our RE/MAX Gozo office can be found in the Independence Square, Victoria (better known with the Gozitans at ‘It-Tokk’). The office is a prestigious old townhouse which has been expertly converted and refurbished in this very active and historical square. It is renowned for having the largest selection of farmhouses and apartments both for sale and letting.
Gozo is located to the north-west of its larger sister island Malta. Considerably smaller, it does however provide a nutshell experience of typical Maltese traditions, terrain, ambience and lifestyle in a somewhat quieter and more serene form. Find out the way to get to Gozo, and discover the undiscoverable when visiting Gozo.
