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If you are looking for a holiday home, or maybe a retirement destination, why not consider living in Gozo? This quaint 67km2 island in the middle of the Mediterranean, will definitely give you a healthy break from hectic city life. Abounding in natural beauties, coupled with a laidback lifestyle, the island is just as popular with the Maltese as it is with foreign nationals, the former often escaping to the island for a weekend getaway. Expats appreciate living in Gozo, particularly for its relaxed lifestyle, offering a glimpse of what life used to be like decades ago, whilst still enjoying an active social life and today’s amenities.
Access to Gozo is easy, thanks to the frequent ferry services that connect the two islands, with ongoing talks of a bridge and air transport. The pleasant 20 minute ferry ride gives one the opportunity to also enjoy the stunning shores and cliffs of the island, before reaching the island’s harbour Mgarr, also doubling as a fishing village.
It is difficult to pick the best spots in Gozo in terms of natural beauty, with the island having retained an overall rural feel to it. Its cliffs, bays and alcoves, and the numerous fishing villages that dot its shores provide the perfect romantic setting, which was not lost on Brad Pitt and Angelina Julie, who chose the island to film their comeback movie together By The Sea – filmed entirely here. Hot zones in Gozo include Xlendi, Marsalforn and Victoria, being favourites with tourists living in Gozo, and supplemented with a fair share of hotels, restaurants and entertainment establishments. A number of five star hotels can also be found here, including international signature hotel Kempinski San Lawrenz, and the Ta’ Cenc Hotel for a more local touch.
Residents of Gozo enjoy an active life. Those who dare be adventurous, often try their hand at underwater sports, thanks to the unique rock formations, caves and underwater wrecks that surround the island. Then there are village feasts, country walks and island trekking and popular village sports such as bocci (a game similar to cricket). The locals are a key asset to the island’s appeal, who not only speak English for the most part, but are also very renowned for their hospitality and culinary skills. It is worth pointing out that according to the World Database of Happiness, some of the happiest people in the world are those living in Gozo.
And what would a weekend break cost in terms of accommodation? A three night stay in an average village apartment would cost around €25 daily while a farmhouse or house of character could cost around €75 daily in the winter period. Prices tend to go up in the summer and holiday weekends. The larger properties are a favourite amongst Maltese who opt to visit with family and friends for short spells and require a good number of bedrooms. A key advantage to living in Gozo is its affordability, both in terms of cost of living and property prices. With a thriving economy based primarily on tourism and agriculture, Gozo also offers its fair share of job opportunities, albeit not on the same levels as mainland Malta.
Properties for sale in Gozo are also affordable, with sea-view apartments starting from as little as €100,000. Charming farmhouses with traditional features and a cozy atmosphere starting from just €220,000. Gozo offers a wide array of properties and you will definitely find something to suit your taste and budget that will complement the island lifestyle Gozo provides! A sample of such properties is highlighted below. Find out what makes living in Gozo such a charming option.
