About Gozo

Gozo, has a population of approximately 30,000 people and is one of Malta's smaller islands.

One third of the size of Malta, separated by a 5km stretch of sea, the island is much more rural and still operates primitive forms of agricultural. Rural farming is still widely seen in Gozo thus allowing the island large stretches of green fields.

Gozo is a short 25 minute ferry ride from Malta. This separation allows Gozo to maintain its relaxed lifestyle.

Living in Gozo was harsh for well over two millennia, the Islands were unprotected to any passing raiders, even more so than Malta with its own natural harbours and defences.

Pirates especially Saracens raided Gozo at intervals, throughout the Middle Ages and even during the time of the Knights. In 1551 the Saracens carried out a devastating raid, capturing almost the entire population turning them to slaves.

The Island never really recovered from this and remained under populated for centuries although the arrival of the Knights saw the medieval Citadel (now Victoria) refortified and allowing the Gozitans to venture to the rest of the Island.

Gozo and its inhabitants have their own distinct character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, accents and dialect. Gozitans are known for their friendliness and always welcome visitors, going out of their way to assist in indicating directions to visitors to find their way to their destination.

In Gozo carnival and festas also have a different feel to those held in Malta.  The village of Nadur celebrates carnival with a black sense of humour unlike its more joyful counterparts elsewhere.

The real beauty of Gozo, apart from its stunning sea and landscape, lies in the villages, where time seems to have stood still. The locals treasure their peace and the villages are tranquil.

Bars including those in small villages open early and close fairly late at night, catering for the socialising needs of locals and visitors.

Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the Capital of Gozo which is where the fortified citadel sits atop a summit. All main roads pass through Victoria as it is the geographic heart of Gozo.

Victoria manages to combine the commotion of its market, shops and bars with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the Gozitans go about their day, especially when It-Tokk, the main market square, comes to life.

Opera and horse racing are two of the main cultural activities in Victoria.

Eating can be especially good in Gozo as the island is full or restaurants offering fresh and genuine food at reasonable prices. The variety of cuisine is quite impressive considering the size of the island. There are also restaurants specialising in ethnic food such as Italian, Indian, Chinese. However fresh fish remains the obvious choice of both locals and foreigners, to be found in fishing villages such as Mgarr, Marsalforn and Xlendi.

Gozo is extremely safe and theft and mugging are practically non-existent.

In terms of property Gozo offers a good mix of houses of character and farmhouses which bring out the true essence of life in Gozo. A good number of which have lately added their own private pools in their gardens. On the other hand a large variety of terraced houses and apartments some of which have stunning views overlooking both sea and country are also on offer at reasonable prices.