The Island of Gozo
The island allures with its promise of serenity and an away-from-it-all quality so that several Maltese locals have a second home there, along with so many foreigners who end up being enthralled by its character, and relocate, lock, stock and barrel, to minute island living. It is known that celebrities have purchased homes in Gozo as their own getaways. Before we get into the real estate market in Gozo, let’s provide a brief guideline of what you’re in for once your get there.
Getting There
There is only one way to reach Gozo, unless of course, one has an own boat– via ferry from Cirkewwa in Malta, to Mgarr in Gozo. Ferries travel to and fro several times a day, only ever hampered if the weather is inclement and the sea is particularly difficult to navigate. Travellers can drive their vehicle right into the ferry-boat and emerge on the other island, ready to resume their drive, just 25 minutes later. If Malta is easily travelled, Gozo is more so. This means that any location around Gozo, is rapidly reachable by car. Whether one decides to live in the remotest village or right in the main city core, beaches and countryside are minutes away.
Places of Note
The name of the Cittadella translates literally into ‘tiny city’. Consider this an alter ego to Malta’s own Mdina, much smaller, with a completely different history to tell. It is perched atop of Victoria alias Rabat of Gozo. Gozo’s capital Rabat was re-named Victoria in honour of Queen Victoria, during the colonial era, precisely in 1897, when the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. The city serves as a hub from which roads emerge to access other parts of the island. It has its own theatres, band clubs, shops, church and more.
Further on, one finds the tiny legendary village of Gharb where the Ta’Pinu Sanctuary can be found, standing on imposing grounds and attracting pilgrims from different parts of Malta and from abroad.
For those who love the open sea, the Azure Window provides an exceptional experience of majestic rock formations and pristine waters – superb for diving and for boat trips that offer photographic opportunities unique to this location. Ggantija Temples is the site to visit for its archaeological importance, whilst the Cave of Calypso in Xaghra is linked to Gozo’s mythological legends.
Shopping, Bars, Restaurants
All the main shops are located in Victoria and within its environs. It is possible to find all amenities and also unique little shops selling antiques and local curiosities. The Arkadia & Duke shopping malls are where you may find all high street brands and more. There are a number of large super markets and hundreds of mini-markets situated around the Island. Bars, clubs and some excellent restaurants are easy to find – follow the seaside areas where you may enjoy anything from Mediterranean Cuisine to Japanese. One may check out the Definitive (ly) Good Guide to Restaurants to guide you accordingly.
Schools in Gozo
Primary and Secondary state schools are found in varied locations around Gozo, as is a small Gozo campus of the University of Malta where different short courses are offered on a regular basis.
Hospitality & Safety
Gozo is considered one of the safest places in the world. In fact, you can still see homes with the key lodged in the front door. The friendliness and hospital people on the Island is a main attraction. People feel at home as soon as they set foot on the Island.
Real Estate Market
Gozo’s real estate market is highly interesting due to its variety of possibilities. Key attractions are the numerous old farmhouses, town houses, country homes and seaside apartments and penthouses which are available – and still reasonably priced. Property prices in Gozo are still attractive and foreigners as well as those that love Malta buy frequently.
Whether one desires to purchase a really ancient Farmhouse and bring it back to life, or whether one wants to settle down immediately in a recently constructed luxury penthouse, all possibilities are there for the taking. A strong interest in short-term accommodation from Maltese and foreign holiday-makers means that property investments presently offer constant and regular returns and are worth considering.
Moreover, there is the possibility of acquiring an old character property which has already been renovated and restored to its previous glory with the intriguing addition of modern day luxuries such as pagodas, pools and landscaped gardens.
There are also a number of major property developments in Gozo – that offer a reasonable investment. The Kempinski Residences was Gozo’s first lifestyle project in that it was such a success that it has been followed by a number of new build up market developments namely, Ħal Sagħtrija, Fort Chambray, Hillock, L-Mgarr, Tal-General and Vista Point. These developments offer a high-end condominium type of estate that offers a number of highly finished, state of the art apartments, villas and townhouses with private or communal pools.
Whichever one may fancy, Gozo offers an unbelievable selection of types of properties that may fit any kind of budget. Our office in Victoria, Gozo is equipped with the most educated estate agents on the Island whom are waiting for your call. Dial +356 79551616 and speak to Edith Camilleri, our office manager in Gozo. Edith has a vast experience in the real estate market and is always accommodating and will ensure your experience will be a successful one.
Gozo Gallery
