Covering an area of 67 km², Gozo is one of the eight islands of the Maltese archipelago and the second largest after Malta itself. More rural than its bigger sister, Gozo appeals strongly to expatriates—especially those drawn to nature and history—thanks to its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. If you are considering settling on this island, this guide provides an overview of the real estate market, the most attractive areas to live, and current rental prices.
Gozo: An island of tranquility and charm
The island of Gozo is renowned for its unspoiled nature, beauty, landscapes, beaches, cuisine, and archaeological treasures. The Ä gantija Temples in Gozo, for example, are among the oldest man-made structures still standing on Earth. Naturally, they are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island also boasts 46 churches, including the impressive Xewkija Church, also known as the Rotunda.
The island is also a very popular tourist destination, attracting a large number of tourists, especially during the summer season. These include both foreigners and Maltese looking for a peaceful getaway for a weekend or vacation.
Gozo can also boast some of the best diving spots in the entire Mediterranean region. You can also engage in various water sports in its lagoons and calm bays.
Let's not forget its multitude of hiking trails, which attract many local tourists during the off-season, especially in the spring when the island is lush and reveals all its beauty.
The unique atmosphere of Gozo did not leave Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt indifferent to its charms, as they decided to shoot their entire film "By the Sea" there.
Tourists do not stay long in Gozo, while the Maltese generally visit for a weekend. The only bottleneck is at the ferry terminal to the main island.
Characteristics of Gozo
Measuring only 7 km wide by 14 km long, Gozo is a small, tranquil, and romantic island located 5 km from its larger sister Malta. Victoria, sometimes called Ir-Rabat, is its main town. If you love nature and aspire to a peaceful life, turn to Gozo!
Gozo is a calm and peaceful island, offering a very relaxed lifestyle to its inhabitants. It benefits from a serene environment, with very little urban noise, pollution, or other nuisances.
Divided into 14 municipalities, the island of Gozo is 25 minutes by ferry from the main island, Malta, which is much more lively, with the small island of Comino in between. The inhabitants of Gozo, a little over 39,000 people, are very friendly and always ready to help.
Living in Gozo
To adapt to the pace of life in Gozo, you must enjoy peace and tranquility. Those who want to party can always go to Malta for a wild night out: it's just next door!
Do you love nature, simplicity, and authenticity? Gozo offers a privileged living environment, with a Mediterranean climate. It is easy to integrate, as the population is very welcoming to expatriates.
Living in Gozo, you will forget the hectic life of big cities and let yourself be carried away by the calm rhythm of the passing days. As in Malta, Maltese and English are spoken, and it's not uncommon to hear Italian, while the locals also have their own dialect. It is difficult to meet them as they travel by car, but with time and being proactive, you will make new friends. Moreover, Gozo is an island free from theft. You can leave your house doors open and your phone on the terrace table when you go swimming, and it will still be there when you return! However, be careful, as in high season, tourists attract thieves, like anywhere in the world.
Furthermore, you will find all the necessary amenities in Gozo, including supermarkets, medical offices, and government services. There is no need to go to the island of Malta to access these services unless you need to visit your embassy.
The island is less developed than Malta, and job opportunities are fewer. You can certainly commute between the islands, as many Gozitans do. It is true that taking the ferry daily to Gozo can be pleasant, given the proximity (and if you don't get seasick). However, commuting by boat between the two islands can take a lot of time, more than commuting in some capitals and major cities like London or Paris! Because of this situation, some Gozitans who work in Malta rent accommodation on the main island and only return to Gozo for the weekend. Another consequence: the ferry back to Malta is often crowded on Sunday evening. Two fast ferries have recently started operating between Valletta and Gozo, slightly improving the situation. The journey takes just under 45 minutes, but you need to add the car or bus trips to get to the ferry.
If you wish to live and rent accommodation in Gozo, the best alternative is to adapt to the local job market. Agriculture and tourism (notably agritourism) are the main sources of employment. Many expatriates moving to Gozo have chosen to create their own jobs by working online, investing in real estate, or starting a business in the tourism sector.
The best places to settle in Gozo
The best area to find accommodation in Gozo depends on your plans and lifestyle.
If you don't have a car and plan to use public transport, consider Victoria (also called Rabat), the capital of Gozo. Indeed, the bus routes in Gozo resemble an octopus, and all buses depart from Victoria to serve a specific village. For example, if you live in Xlendi and want to go to Ramla Bay beach by bus, you will need to go from Xlendi to Victoria, wait for the next bus, then go from Victoria to Ramla Bay. And vice versa for the return. A 15-minute car ride quickly turns into an hour-long bus journey. Similarly, if you need to go to the supermarket often, it will be more convenient to rent an apartment or house in Victoria or nearby. Most of Gozo's supermarkets are located in the capital of Gozo or its surroundings.
If you have a car or if spending time on public transport doesn't bother you, you can live by the sea. Gozo offers a wonderful relaxed environment for those who dream of such a lifestyle. Marsalforn and Xlendi are the most touristy villages: a small beach (and a port), numerous bars, restaurants, and hotels, and many tourists. These areas are quite lively but still much quieter than the more touristy areas of Malta, like Sliema.
If you are considering renting or buying property in Gozo to live in a truly quiet place surrounded by nature, think about Qala (with the beautiful Hondoq Bay beach), Nadur or ³Ý²¹²µÄ§°ù²¹ (where the Ä gantija Temples are located). If you do not rely on supermarkets for your groceries, be aware that each village in Gozo has at least one grocery store.
Finally, if you often need to take the ferry to Malta, it is advisable to live near the port of ²ÑÄ¡²¹°ù°ù in Gozo. ²ÑÄ¡²¹°ù°ù and ³Òħ²¹Âá²Ô²õ¾±±ð±ô±ð³¾ are the villages closest to the ferry.
House hunting in Gozo
Start by determining the type of accommodation you want to rent in Gozo: apartment, house, or farmhouse. These are the most common options on the island. Apartments can be found everywhere in Gozo, especially in Victoria and in tourist areas such as Marsalforn and Xlendi, but you can also find traditional townhouses. In most cases, they come with a rooftop terrace, allowing you to enjoy Gozo's sunny weather.
In the countryside, it is possible to rent beautiful farmhouses, sometimes with a pool. This option allows you to enjoy your stay in Gozo with family, but remember that it is more expensive than other types of accommodation.
Although Gozo is cheaper than Malta in terms of housing, you should also budget accordingly.
Be patient during your housing hunt in Gozo, as landlords prefer to rent to tourists on a daily basis, which is much more financially attractive than monthly rentals. Many accommodations are set up accordingly, with, for example, old farmhouses (over a hundred years old!) restored as luxury holiday homes, often with a pool. Moreover, agritourism is developing in Gozo.
For a long-term rental, you will sign a lease of more than a year and pay a deposit and one or two months' rent in advance.
There are three ways to find accommodation in Gozo: the internet, real estate agencies, and the local press.
Real estate agency services are chargeable, but they can make the search much faster and easier. Here are the main real estate agencies in Gozo: , , , , , and .
On the internet, you must conduct your searches in English. Do not underestimate the power of social media in Gozo, especially Facebook, which is particularly used by the Maltese and Gozitans. Go to Facebook's "marketplace" and use the filters to discover the list of available properties. You can also join groups dedicated to housing in Gozo by searching for keywords like "accommodation in Gozo". Also, take a look at , which is the most popular marketplace in Gozo and Malta.
It is wise to seek the help of a real estate agent to find the currently available options, as online listings are rarely up to date. But it can still be useful to browse the offers in the classifieds of local newspapers and online to get a general idea of property availability.
Note that most accommodations are located in Victoria, also known as Rabat. You can also explore options in the areas of Fontana, ³Òħ²¹Âá²Ô²õ¾±±ð±ô±ð³¾, Għarb, Għasri, KerÄ‹em, Marsalforn, Munxar, Nadur, Qala, San Lawrenz, Sannat, ³Ý²¹²µÄ§°ù²¹, Xewkija, Xlendi, and Å»ebbuÄ¡.
Important:
Remember that to reside in the Maltese archipelago for more than three months, you must have a residence permit (eResidence card for Malta). For more information, see our article "Residence and work permits in Malta".
Rental prices in Gozo
Regarding the rent price, it obviously depends on the type of accommodation you want: by the sea, living space, interior and exterior amenities, apartment, house, etc. It will be difficult to find rent below 700 euros (a studio or one-bedroom) in town. You will find two or three-bedroom apartments for a price between 700 and 1,200 euros. Housing prices are higher in Victoria, the main town, while in the countryside, you can rent a luxury villa with a pool for anywhere between 1,300 and 3,200 €.
Buying property in Gozo
If you have the financial means, why not buy real estate in Malta? This way, you can become the owner of an apartment, penthouse, or even a farmhouse. Apartment prices start at 130,000 € while farmhouses start at 320,000 €. Be aware, prices are much higher for larger and modern farms. They are a very good choice if you want to enjoy your life in Gozo or make it a holiday rental.
Note that purchasing real estate is one of the criteria for benefiting from the Maltese citizenship program "Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program". It indeed allows you to obtain Maltese citizenship in exchange for a high financial investment. For more information, see our article "Obtaining Maltese nationality by investment". Moreover, investing or renting in Gozo can open the door to the Global Residence Program (GRP) in Malta, a special tax status.
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