The Island of Gozo
The island lures 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 delve into the Gozo real estate market, let’s provide a brief overview of what you can expect once you arrive.
Getting There
There are two reliable links to the island of Gozo, one of which is from the Capital, Valletta, via a fast ferry for foot passengers. The trip duration is 45 minutes. The other options for passenger vehicles and foot passengers are the Gozo Channel Ferry, which operates from Cirkewwa on a 24-hour basis. Travellers can drive their vehicle right onto the ferry-boat and emerge on the other island, ready to resume their drive, just 25 minutes later. Any location around Gozo is easily reachable by car, whether one decides to live in the most remote village or right in the central city core, beaches and countryside are just 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 Victoria, alias Rabat of Gozo. Gozo’s capital, Rabat, was renamed 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 sea, the inland sea ‘Dwejra’ 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 leading shops are located in Victoria and within its environs. It is possible to find all amenities, as well as 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 some supermarkets 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, and there is a small Gozo campus of the University of Malta where different short courses are offered regularly.
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 hospitality of the people on the Island are 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 exciting due to its variety of possibilities. Key attractions include numerous old farmhouses, townhouses, country homes, seaside apartments, and penthouses, all of which are available and reasonably priced. Property prices in Gozo are still attractive, and foreigners, as well as those who love Malta, frequently buy.
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.
Several significant property developments in Gozo 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 several new build-to-market developments, namely, Ħal Sagħtrija, Fort Chambray, Hillock, L-Mgarr, Tal-General and Vista Point. These developments offer a high-end condominium-type estate that features several 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 budget. Our office in Victoria, Gozo, is staffed by the most educated estate agents on the Island, who are waiting for your call. Dial +356 79551616 and speak to Edith Camilleri, our office manager in Gozo. Edith has vast experience in the real estate market and is always accommodating, ensuring your experience is a successful one.
Gozo Gallery
