Escape from the every day…

Gozo -  An oasis with a warm friendly face, in Gozo the world is still sane!  Only nine miles by six it is greener than Malta with several sandy beaches.  Though only 5kms of water separate it from the larger island of Malta it is very different here.  The pace of life is calmer and simpler, it has terraced farmlands and the villages are distinctly rural and yet attractive with their flower adorned balconies and pretty village squares.  The island coastline has tiny creeks, sandy beaches, watchtowers and dramatic cliffs all surrounded by the blue of the Mediterranean. The climate is typical of the area: generally mild winters with an average temperature of 16°and warm dry summers that stretch from April to October with an average 25° though in August this reaches the 30’s.
Gozo is an island for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to unwind where locals are charming and friendly and in hotels that offer you the sophistication of a Kempinski or the more rustic appeal of  Ta Cenc.

Victoria is the islands’ capital, it is locally known as Rabat but was awarded the new name to celebrate Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1887, at some point everyone ends up there.  Perhaps to visit the various historical and cultural places of interest, of which the Citadel is considered a must the views from the fortifications are virtually of the whole island, or perhaps to shop or visit the Villa Rundle public gardens. Another reason you may end us in Victoria is because the islands buses all start and end here!

Getting to Gozo

You fly into Malta and then we transfer our you in private transfers from the airport to the ferry, then in Gozo from the ferry to your hotel.  If you are travelling light, perhaps you are only going for a few days,  we can offer a flight from Valletta Harbour by seaplane.  We will transfer you either end, naturally.  The only limitation is that you can only take 10 kilos of luggage each on this small plane. For an extra fee (€14) you could even sit in the cockpit with the pilot with headphones, this is classified as a premium seat!

The locations of our hotels

San Lawrenz

San Lawrenz is in one of the most picturesque valley in Gozo surrounded by three hills the highest, Ta' Dbiegi, peaks at 195 metres above sea level and is the highest point on the island.  A small charming village that retains a traditional rural way of life and it takes its name from the villages’ patron saint. When San Lawrenz became a separate community from Gharb the locals naturally wanted their own church. The relic of St Lawrence was place under the foundation stone for this new church which was consecrated in November 1886. Every villager participated with great enthusiasm in the building of the church and the feast of San Lawrenz is held in the first week of August each year.   In the north west of the island is it near the coast of Dwerjra which is where the famous “Inland Sea” is, a shallow body of water that connects to the sea through a narrow tunnel, boat trips take visitor through to view the cave inside. Near to San Lawrenz is the islands’ only craft village, Ta’Dbiegi, where you can watch craftsmen, such as glass blowing, other crafts here are handmade lace and hand knitted sweaters, there is also an opportunity to buy some of the items here. Fungus Rock and the famous Azure window are also not far.

Sannat

More accurately known as Ta’ Sannat is in the South of the island and this is the nearest  village to our second hotel on the island, Ta Cenc.  Ta Cenc is also the name of the sheer cliffs 180 meters high which are home to some rare species of flora and fauna, there are good views across the sea to Malta here.  The village remains a traditional agricultural village where women still sit on their doorsteps in the sunshine making shawls or other handmade lace items. The village is distinctive for its stone balconies and the area for archaeological sites including, L-Imramma Temple a pre-historic site with an oval courtyard and oval “rooms”, there are also three dolmens and burial mounds.  The best diving on the island is nearby at Mgarr ix-Xini Bay, the beach here is pebbles and therefore not frequented with sunbathers much as there are sandy beaches elsewhere (see our what to do page). The village feast of St Margaret is during the 3rd week of July.

What to do in Gozo

Gozo is a place to do nothing if that is what you are looking for, but if you want more activity… the sea is never far away and therefore windurfing, sailing and diving the clear waters are some of the options, other activities are shown on our What to do page.

Events in Gozo

These like many small islands centre around the village saints feasts and other community based events – it is not a long list but we do give you more detail on our What’s on page.

Getting around Gozo

Ideally the best way is to have a hire car, this gives you the freedom and independence to explore at your leisure, as with sister island Malta they drive on the left and sign posts are in English, the country lanes may be narrow but they have little traffic on them.

Alternatively the islands bus service is efficient and cheap, the longest journey is only twenty minutes  the average 10 to 15. As mentioned early ultimately all buses end up in Victoria.

Mountain bikes and scooters can be rented but many country roads are not really suitable for two wheels.

Local best buys: Hand-made lace, glassware and pottery and hand knitted woolens.

Prestige Plus in Gozo

Private transfers from the aiport to the ferry and then to your hotel.
Guide book to Malta and Gozo
Gozo Eperience and audio visual show of the islands history
The support and services of our local representative and handling agent.