Gozo

Gozo, one of the earliest inhabited places in the Mediterranean, is situated to the North of Malta. It only takes a 40 minute drive from Malta International Airport to Cirkewwa harbour, where the ferry terminal is located. After a 20 minute ferry trip one reaches Gozo at Mgarr harbour.

Much greener that its sister island, one observes many a picturesque views in all parts of the island, however the ultimate treasures of Gozo are the citadel, the Gganijta Temples, Calypso’s Cave and the monumental churches of the villages around the island.

Within the walls of the citadel in Victoria, one will find a 17th century Cathedral and several interesting museums including the Archaeological, Natural History, Crafts and The Armoury. From the citadel's bastions, one can view nearly all of Gozo.

Life in Gozo is not as hectic as in Malta but slower and more relaxed, making it ideal for people who want to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life while on holiday.

Xaghra Village home to Bella Vista

The village is situated on one of the many hills that characterize Gozo, with a population of 4,000. Vernacular in character, the streets of Xaghra have the shape of fingers radiating from the village square.

Adorned with shops, restaurants and wine bars, the village sqaure together with the presence of the dominant Basilica church provide an excellent ambience for dining al fresco, especially in the evening. Being only 10 minutes away from Bella Vista Farmhouses, it is very popular amongst tourists to take an evening walk to the square to dine and drink there.

Xaghra is also home to the famous megalithic prehistoric Ggantija Temples dating back from 3500 B.C.
The village of Xaghra is shaped by the two largest valleys; Marsalforn and Ramla valleys, which valleys form out the two picturesque bays of Marsalforn and Ramla, about five minutes away by car from Bella Vista Farmhouses.

Village and church monuments

Gozo consist of 12 villages and the average population for each village is around 2,000. The capital city of Gozo is Victoria. The medieval citadel city lies, which is situated on high grounds, lies in the heart of Victoria and dominates the whole island.

Although Gozo is small in size, each village stands proudly and authentically on its own. Some are perched on hilltops, while others are huddled below, but each one has its own unique character.

In summer, every village celebrates the patron saint of the church in a most delightful way. Watch out for the colorful fireworks. Most of the village churches are richly adorned and leave an ever lasting impression on the viewer.

Beaches in Gozo

The island of Gozo is surrounded by picturesque beaches and bays. For those seeking clear, blue waters, they can look no further.

Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay is located at the end of a rich and fertile valley and is overlooked by the village of Xaghra. Sweeping terrace fields slope down onto the beach of Ramla.
Locally known as ‘Ir-Ramla il-Hamra’, this beach is totally unspoiled and it is famous for its golden-reddish sand making it different from the rest of the beaches found in Gozo.

Marsalforn Bay

Marsalforn is a fishing village on the North coast and is Gozo's most popular sea resort.   In summer it throbs with life. It is the ideal venue during summer to dine al fresco in one of the many restaurants and bars that dot the waterfront of Marsalforn. It is also ideal to have a stroll after a good meal while listening to the gentle waves of the waters.

Marsalforn has several swimming and sunbathing areas. The rocky area to the left of the bay up to Santa Marija Point, is a very popular swimming zone. The other side of the bay behind 'Il-Menqa' up to 'Ghar Qawqla Point' offers equally good swimming and snorkeling sites and harbours a number of fishing vessels.

Xlendi Bay

Xlendi Bay is a popular beach and lies on the South West side of Gozo. Its small sandy beach is ideal for both the young and old, while for the more adventurous, it is possible to swim and snorkel off the rocks bordering the beach.

Because of its reef formations, Xlendi is an ideal diving site even for beginners. Xlendi is also a typical Gozitan fishing village. It is also full of with tourist-related amenities, such as restaurants, bars and diving centers.

Dwejra Bay

Dwejra, with its curious rock formations and spilling seas, is a magical attraction offering opportunities of swimming in the spectacular deep-sea or in the Inland Sea. Dwejra also offers a unique experience of diving in the so called 'Blue-Hole' near the Azure Window.

Dwejra is also home to the Fungus Rock or, as it is locally known, 'Il-Gebla tal-General' which translates to General's Rock.

Hondoq Bay

The bay lies opposite to the isle of Comino. This sandy beach is well known for its crystalline waters. Apart from an ideal swimming zone, the bay is also renowned for diving, especially for beginners. During summer evenings a number of local families stay late in Ħondoq to relax by their smoking barbeques enjoying the cool summer breeze.