Owning a property in Gozo – Benefits and best locations

Owning a property in Gozo – Benefits and best locations

Owning a property in Gozo has become an increasingly strategic choice for many, especially for those seeking a balanced lifestyle, secure long-term value and access to a highly distinctive residential environment. Gozo combines a measured pace of life with strong community ties, scenic surroundings and a maturing property market that appeals to residents, second-home buyers and investors alike.

The island’s scale, accessibility and cultural depth support a broad range of lifestyles, from family living to semi-retirement and remote working. As demand rises for countryside homes in Gozo, opportunities to buy range from traditional houses of character to contemporary apartments and premium seafront residences.

Understanding Gozo’s lifestyle and pace of living

The appeal of the lifestyle on Gozo lies in its coherence: manageable distances, a convivial social atmosphere and an environment conducive to overall wellbeing. Those pursuing slow living on Gozo appreciate the island’s sense of order, moderate congestion and the ability to access nature and local amenities without compromise. Whether you are purchasing a primary residence here or simply plan on owning a holiday home in Gozo, buyers typically find that daily life on the island supports continuity, restorative routines and a high quality of living.

Gozo is also a place where family and community ties are very strong, but it is a place where strangers can make lifelong friends once you display a willingness to integrate. This is rare in today’s fast-paced world and one of the island’s most enduring qualities. Although the island is tiny, it is a microcosm that offers everything: from 5-star hotels to boutique bars and restaurants, authentic village feasts and heritage sites, contemporary cultural events, outdoor recreation and a coastline that supports swimming, diving and boating for much of the year. Despite its size, Gozo functions as a complete ecosystem where residents can access services, embrace leisure activities, partake in cultural events and enjoy its spectacular, unspoilt nature in a way that feels cohesive yet convenient, making it especially attractive for those seeking a balanced and sustainable way of living.

Evaluating Gozo’s most desirable towns and villages

Gozo’s localities differ substantially in character, making it important for buyers to align location with personal priorities or investment objectives. We take a brief look at some of the most popular locations:

Qala

• Qala’s elevated views, coastal paths and proximity to the Gozo Channel ferry make it highly sought after.
• Its residential stock includes modern apartments, townhouses and premium villas, all of which perform strongly in both the short-let and long-let markets.
• Qala is known for Hondoq ir-Rummien, one of Gozo’s most scenic and favourite beaches.

Ghajnsielem

• Close to the harbour and rich in amenities, Ghajnsielem is ideal for those who value connectivity.
• It appeals to commuters and investors, with consistent occupancy rates due to its ferry-related convenience and proximity to Mgarr’s waterfront culinary scene.

Victoria (Rabat)

• As Gozo’s administrative and commercial centre, Victoria is appropriate for families and professionals seeking access to schools, healthcare, good restaurants and a wide variety of retail options.
• Apartments and townhouses dominate, offering practical layouts and ease of maintenance.
• The unique allure of Victoria’s meandering alleyways is a crowd favourite and the Citadella, right in the heart of town attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists a year.

Xaghra

• Known for its heritage sites, generous village core and open views, Xaghra is especially suitable for retirees and families.
• Properties here include houses of character, maisonettes and high-spec apartments.
• The village is best known for the Ggantija Megalithic Temple Complex which features the second oldest manmade structures on the planet after Göbekli Tepe in Turkey.
• The town is also well known for its church square with its selection of restaurants and being the gateway to popular Ramla Beach.
  

Nadur

• With spectacular views towards Comino and the channel, Nadur offers strong long-term value, particularly for the apartments, terraced houses and villas with open views.
• It is well connected and served by good amenities.

Xewkija

• A central and historic village, Xewkija offers a balanced residential environment.
• Townhouses, houses of character, apartments and terraced houses are common, providing accessible entry points for first-time buyers and growing families.
• The village is also home to one of Gozo’s most visible landmarks, the Rotunda of Xewkija also known as the Church of St John the Baptist, which has the world’s third-highest unsupported dome, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Sannat

• Bordering the Ta’Cenc cliffs, Sannat is valued for its scenery and quiet setting.
• It offers an excellent selection of countryside homes in Gozo and restored houses of character suited to those prioritising privacy.
• Here you will also find terraced houses, townhouses and modern apartments.
• Sannat is also known for its Megalithic dolmens and the Borg l-Imrammasite that can be found on the Ta’Cenc plateau.

Zebbug

• Positioned above Marsalforn with wide-reaching views, Zebbug is known as Gozo’s most elevated village and appeals to buyers seeking a peaceful village with direct access to coastal areas.
• It offers a good mix of new and traditional properties. On a clear day one can easily see the coast of Sicily and even Mount Etna in the far distance.

Marsalforn

• One of Gozo’s most established seaside resorts and a perennial favourite of expats and locals, Marsalforn provides robust rental demand, particularly during the peak season.
• Apartments and penthouses near the promenade are well suited to investors targeting short-let income and the village has a very active property scene.

Xlendi

• With its sheltered bay, restaurants and diving sites, Xlendi is a high-performance short-let market.
• Waterfront and near-water apartments attract second-home buyers seeking a lock-and-leave holiday base. Several multi-storey blocks are in the planning for this once sleepy seaside village.

Gharb and San Lawrenz

• These western villages offer easy access to the scenic countryside, a strong sense of heritage and a concentration of high-quality houses of character.
• They attract semi-retired buyers, long-stay holidaymakers and those pursuing peaceful, view-oriented living.
• Many of the larger properties here have also been renovated to cater to the burgeoning hospitality industry.
• San Lawrenz is also home to the 5-Star Kempinski Hotel, part of which is an SDA development.