Saturday, 6 July 2013

Pergola 4 Bedroom Farmhouse


This traditional Gozo farmhouse, which is nestled comfortably amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Pergola Valley, has been converted to very high standards in order to provide luxury self catering accommodation in Gozo for guests who want to unwind and relax in true Maltese fashion.

The rustic style, which is traditional with Gozo farmhouses, has been lovingly kept and can be seen with the stunning marble staircase leading up to the first floor and in the exposed stone of the spacious living room. It's perfectly designed to make the most of its surroundings whilst providing spacious, airy and light accommodation.
A stunningly beautiful sea view awaits you from this characterful, charming and secluded farmhouse in Gozo, which has its own large outdoor pool and terrace area equipped with a BBQ, sun loungers and chairs. In the warm evenings you can take a stroll through your own private mature garden complete with olive trees or just relax and take in the scenery on your own sun deck.

If you can drag yourself away from the cool, clear pool you will find 4 large en-suite bedrooms to sleep a maximum of 9, with the main bedroom on the first floor also providing a magnificent viewpoint from the balcony terrace from which to watch the sun go down. Just imagine throwing open the shutters to capture the glories of the Pergola Valley every morning - what a way to start your day!

As well as some authentic and rustic touches to give it that cosy farmhouse feel, this farmhouse does benefit from modern additions such as a fully fitted farmhouse kitchen, television and telephone, cooling fans and free WiFi to update jealous friends back home!

For the perfect Gozo holiday, Xaghra makes for a friendly, local base from which to explore the rest of this historic island and the mainland of Malta with all its delights and charms. Xaghra is a peaceful and laid-back village which has a lively community of its own, a traditional bakery and plenty of charming cafes and restaurants, plus one of the most beautiful churches in Gozo. The famous red sands of Ramla Beach is just a 5 minute drive away, whilst the town of Victoria, with its many shops and historical artefacts, is just 10 minutes away.

A warm welcome awaits you here in the jewel of Malta's crown.

Friday, 5 July 2013

Ta' Lucija Farmhouse


This spacious and airy farmhouse, overlooking the valleys and hills of Xaghra to the emerald blue of the Mediterranean Sea beyond, provides a tranquil and luxurious start to your Gozo holiday, encompassing everything you need for a romantic break in Malta or a family self catering holiday.

The Ta' Lucija Farmhouse is a newly built property which is modern and contemporary but which also retains many traditional Maltese features, such as exposed wooden beams, large airy windows which afford spectacular views and decorative archways.

The Gozo farmhouse sleeps 4 people, with 1 grand en-suite bedroom and a large twin en-suite. The main bedroom benefits from patio doors which swing out onto a private terrace from where you can drink in the heavenly view, along with a couple of glasses of the local wine.

As the farmhouse in Gozo is newly built, it offers all the benefits of a modern property. This includes air conditioning throughout, a fully fitted and equipped kitchen, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

As gorgeous as the interior of the farmhouse is, thanks to the glorious Malta weather you will want to spend most of your holiday in Gozo outdoors. So why not make the most of the large private pool, which faces west to take in the setting sun? A BBQ is provided for your usage, along with outdoor dining furniture and sun loungers which will never be reserved by other holidaymakers!

If you can drag yourself away from the quiet, cool and relaxing surroundings of the farmhouse you might want to venture further afield and explore the historical area of Xaghra itself. Ramla Bay is highly regarded as one of the best sandy beaches in Gozo where you can swim in the warm sea, go snorkelling and discover the underwater world or, just relax with a drink from one of the little bars on the beachfront.

Don't miss out on seeing the breathtakingly beautiful Xerri's Grotto, which gives you a glimpse of what lies beneath the island of Gozo. As the stalactites and stalagmites glisten and sparkle, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd entered another world.

There are also plenty of restaurants and small shops in the town of Xaghra itself, as well as the Basilica and Prehistoric Temple. Just a short distance away is the capital of Victoria and if you want to visit the mainland of Malta, there are regular ferries operating daily.

Don't just have a holiday in Gozo, have an experience!

Dar Is-Saqwi Farmhouse


Perched on top of a cliff side and commanding spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the towns of Munxar and Victoria, lies this stunningly converted Gozo farmhouse which retains many traditional Maltese and Gozitan features.

From the moment you arrive, you will experience a true taste of Maltese life in secluded, peaceful and beautifully stunning surroundings that will make your heart sing.

The generously sized farmhouse in Gozo benefits from 4 large bedrooms which can sleep up to 10 people. Each room has its own private ensuite facilities and for a bit of added pampering, the property enjoys a six seater heated Jacuzzi and a luxuriously large outdoor pool.

As the island of Gozo enjoys a warm climate all year round, you will want to make full use of the BBQ with a large open terrace designed to make use of the glorious views, as well as a sun deck area and private garden. It’s perfect for lapping up those rays of glorious sunshine and for sipping margaritas by the pool.

The Gozo farmhouse has kept much of its charm with majestic arches, wooden beams and original stone slabs. Modernity wins in the kitchen, which is fully equipped for self catering holidays and large groups. Families may also be happy to know that the living room has a satellite TV and DVD player to help keep the kids happy whilst you chill out in the evenings.

A weekly maid service is available and you are also able to choose from a number of activities such as boat trips, diving and coastal tours from the comfort of the farmhouse.

Munxar is renowned for offering some of the most beautiful landscapes in Gozo and most of these are viewable from this magnificent farmhouse in Gozo. You may even see the capital of Victoria in the distance, which is just a 10 minute walk from the village of Munxar and which benefits from plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes.

Nearby Xlendi Bay, which is 10 minutes from Munxar in the opposite direction, is a must-see attraction, famed for its sandy beaches and shallow waters. Located in-between Xlendi and Victoria, this typical Gozo farmhouse is the ideal base for exploring the rest of this magical island.

If you're planning a vacation to this beautiful island and would like to book a self catering accommodation, then Dar Is-Saqwi Farmhouse is a perfect fit for your Gozo Holiday.

A General Guide to Gozo


Thinking of traveling to Gozo? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this small, but beautiful Mediterranean island.

Where is Gozo?

Gozo is a small rural island and part of the Malta archipelago located in the Mediterranean sea. Apart from Malta, it's the largest of these islands. In size, Gozo is approximately 14km by 7km.

A Brief History Of Gozo

Gozo was an important place for cultural evolution and contains some of the world's oldest religious structures and temples. Being so close to Malta, their histories are closely linked.
It has a population of around 31,000, with approximately 6,000 of those living in the capital, Victoria (The locals call the capital Rabat). Languages spoken are Maltese and English.

Main attractions in Gozo

There are many attractions to see in Gozo. Some of the most popular include:
The Azure Window – A very impressive huge rock formation.
Citadel - An ancient fortress used in the 15th and 16th centuries as a place of safety from regular raids and pirates.
Fungus Rock in Dwerja - known in Maltese as 'Il-Gebla tal-General', which translates as 'The General's Rock'.
Ta' Pinu church – a spectacular looking church (of the many churches in Gozo this one stands out).
There's also several stunning beaches to enjoy and plenty of small villages to visit.
For lots more attractions, take a look at this list of things to do in Gozo.

The Culture

Culture in Gozo is very rural and agricultural. It has a simple way of life, and fishing is very popular. There are also a surprising 46 churches on the island.
Gozo is well known for carnival, which attracts many visitors from Malta who love to experience this event. Participants dress up in vibrant colours and costumes.

Getting Around on Gozo

To reach Gozo you have to travel by ferry. Car and passenger ferries are regular between Mgarr in Gozo and Cirkewwa in Malta.
On the island you can walk or cycle. There are pleasant footpaths and many of the villages are close enough to walk between. Ensure you take some good shoes and ideally a map or sat nav!
There is also a good bus system in Gozo, complete with a fleet of air-conditioned buses. Tickets on board cost €2.20. You can also purchase a 1 day ticket for €2.60 or a 7 day ticket for €12.00. Alternatively, there is a hop-on hop-off tour bus.
Another option is to either hire a car or to get a taxi. However, it's strongly recommended you check out the taxi price guides situated at taxi stands to avoid being overcharged and to also pre-book.

Where to Stay

Gozo is host to numerous stunning farmhouses, just oozing with Gozitan charm and character. Not only do they offer magnificent views, but they often have their own pools and various home comforts, perfect for a self catering holiday.

Eating in Gozo

Food is excellent on the island, especially as many dishes are made using homegrown ingredients.
Five of the best restaurants in Gozo recommended on Trip Advisor are:
Patricks Lounge/Restaurant and Steakhouse in Victoria (Mediterranean steakhouse)
The Clockhouse in Victoria (cafe)
Chez Amand in Marselforn (local cuisine)
Ta Karolina (local cuisine)

Nightlife in Gozo

Given what we've said so far about Gozo, you may be surprised to find out that it has a vibrant nightlife. Although not as busy as the main island of Malta, there are some nightclubs in Victoria and a disco near Xlendi village. As well as lots of restaurants, it also has some quieter bars and you can always hop on the ferry to Malta for a wider choice of clubs.

Other Facts You Might Not Know About Gozo

- Gozo has its own unofficial football team.
- Students from Gozo have to travel every day by ferry to the University of Malta.
- In the past there have been proposals to create a road or tunnel link between Gozo and Malta, however currently there are no plans to do so.
- Gozo translated means 'joy'.
In summary, Gozo is a wonderful place to visit. It's pretty, historic and a very peaceful, tranquil and relaxing break.

Saturday, 29 June 2013

Gozo Farmhouses


Gozo is a relaxing, tranquil and very pretty place to visit with some great attractions to see and experience. Part of the three Malta archipelago (Malta, Gozo and Comino) it is a very rural island in the Mediterranean sea, full of fascinating culture and history. The population is around 31,000.

If you're thinking about visiting Gozo and wondering where to stay, there are plenty of cottages, villas and farmhouses to choose from. Here's everything you need to know to get you started on your trip to Gozo.

Characteristics and Style of Accommodation

Gozo is full of interesting houses and buildings. You just have to walk down any street or alley to see something unusual. It also has 46 churches including the stunning Ta' Pinu church which is well worth a visit.

All the local buildings are built from stone, particularly from globigerina limestone, a sedimentary rock which the Maltese islands are formed from. Due to using this type of stone, most of the houses are pale yellow in colour, but get darker (reddish-brown) over time due to natural weathering.

What to Expect

Gozo is a small island at around 14km by 7km and has 17 villages in total.

Most Gozo accommodation is self-catering and includes a swimming pool with a fantastic view. Sizes vary, starting off with two bedrooms through to those with seven bedrooms for larger groups and families. They are always very comfortable and enjoyable.

Although facilities vary between accommodations, most Gozo farmhouses, villas and cottages have a kitchen, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, television and wifi (yes, even on this small island you can still get on the Internet).

Styles tend to be very rustic looking buildings, which are a pleasant reminder that you're staying somewhere authentic, steeped in culture and history, as well as also feeling luxurious.

Having opted for a self-catering holiday, you may be wondering where you will eat. There are plenty of supermarkets and shops on the island to stock your kitchen up. Alternatively, there are many restaurants to dine out in and experience the local cuisine.