Getting to Gozo
Gozo is accessible through the main island of Malta by sea transport which is either by ferry service from Ċirkewwa or by fast ferry service from Valletta’s Grand Harbour.
The ferry service from Ċirkewwa is operated by Gozo Channel Line and entails a 25-minute ferry trip from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. This ferry service runs as often as every 30 to 45 minutes during the daytime. Such service is accessible to passengers, vehicle crossing and freight transport. The service is offered on an uninterrupted 24-hour basis, seven days a week.
Moreover, a fast ferry service operates between Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. These trips, that usually take around 45 minutes, are accessible for foot passengers only.
In addition, the island has also embarked upon an infrastructural project of upgrading the existing Gozo Heliport, including the extension of a rural airfield in Gozo and eventually introducing a new inter-island fixed-wing air service between Gozo and the Malta International Airport.
Accomodation
Gozo provides different accommodation and housing options. Nowhere is far away, and one can choose to reside in urban zones such as the island centre or more characteristic areas such as the village cores and surrounding rural and coastal areas. Prices for rented accommodation are typically paid monthly in advance. While rental prices are reasonable, the prices may vary on the basis of location, property type and facilities. Rent does not usually cover utility costs. Gozo’s small size and short distances mean one can choose accommodation anywhere on the island, as commutes are typically short.
Open, Diverse and Multicultural Society
Throughout history, the Maltese Islands have always been a hub for the encounter of different cultures, traditions, values and religious beliefs. As a result, the island’s inhabitants became known for their zeal as well as apt at fostering a sense of openness, hospitality and respect towards diverse customs, and creeds. Over the centuries, they mastered the skill of integrating and enshrining diverse cultures, practices, and ideas into their own without losing their distinct character. Naturally, this process has enriched Malta’s cultural heritage and the local population’s way of life.
A population census in 2021 revealed that foreign nationals living in Malta accounted for 22.2% of the total population. This trend is also prevalent in Gozo, wherein in 2021, 19.5% of the total population of Gozo represented foreign nationals. The attractiveness of the islands to foreign nationals is mainly the result of the quality of life offered, coupled with career and business prospects, with easy access to the local employment market.
Over the years, the Maltese Islands have registered notable advancements in civil liberty rights. In fact, Malta has enacted the civil union law and formalised marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples. In addition, the Maltese Islands have also enacted the gender identity law. Considering these significant advancements in LGBTIQ civil liberty rights, it is no surprise that Malta ranks first in the ILGA’s European Rainbow Map Index.
19.5% of the total population of Gozo represented foreign nationals.
Safe and Secure Country
The Maltese Islands are considered as one of the safest European destinations for travel and residency. In fact, according to the 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index published by the Legatum Institute, the Maltese Islands are ranked 17th out of 167 global countries regarding safety and security.
It is also worth noting that according to a survey conducted by Merchant Machine in 2022, there is evidence that the Maltese Islands are the safest destination for the LGBTIQ+ community out of 38 OECD countries
Work-Life Balance in Gozo
Gozo prioritises family values and this translates into an excellent work-life balance approach resulting into an overall higher quality of life. Gozo’s small size means that after a day of work, one can return home quickly and still have ample time to spend with family or friends, embarking upon after-work activities, interests and entertainment. The short and expedited commutes to work, or any other location for that matter, are definitively one of the key benefits of living in Gozo, thereby making Gozo one of the best places to settle in, seek employment or set up a new business.
Furthermore, the Maltese Islands operate several family-friendly measures which further sustain the establishment of a work-life balance. In fact, besides normal vacation and sick leave, employees in Malta can benefit from paid marriage, maternity, paternity, parental, adoption, and IVF leave. Coupled with this, both the private and the public sectors provide for part-time or reduced working hours arrangements.
Out and About in the Gozo’s Countryside and Coastal Areas
Gozo boasts picturesque rural and coastline landscapes, stunning beaches, and fascinating landmarks. In Gozo, it is easy to escape the daily grind of life. Gozo is home to several pristine beaches, flaunting glistening, sapphire waters that beckon visitors to dive in and explore their secrets. Among these beaches, Ramla Bay, Marsalforn Bay, and Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay stand out, as they have been bestowed with the prestigious Blue Flag Status, a testament to their high environmental and quality standards.
Gozo’s magnificent landmarks have also served as the backdrop of several world-renowned film productions such as Clash of the Titans (1981), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), Troy (2004), Game of Thrones (2011-2019) and By the Sea (2015).
Recreational Activities
Gozo is a fantastic island that offers an impressive array of recreational, sports and cultural events that appeal to visitors and residents alike. From charming cafeterias and restaurants to bustling theatres and fitness centres, there is always something to satisfy the craving for fun and entertainment. The island’s calendar is packed with lively cultural and artistic festivals, some of which are linked to the Roman Catholic faith, featuring jubilant feasts, the colourful carnival and pageants that showcase the island’s traditions.
The weather in Gozo is excellent, making it the perfect destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and diving are key activities often sought by travellers to the island. These activities form an integral part of the VisitGozo brand, attracting thousands of visitors each year. However, residents also engage in various sports during the year, from football to water polo, gymnastics, martial arts, clay target shooting, motorsport, triathlons, and marathons organised by different clubs and associations.
The spirit of a close-knit community is one of the standout features that makes Gozo truly special. The island’s vibrant cultural calendar is built on the zest and passion of small community groups and voluntary organisations, who work hard to organise and produce events and activities on different binaries.
It is easy for foreign nationals residing in Gozo to engage in local community groups. Apart from integrating themselves into the local community, this enables them to learn about the island’s cultural traditions and enhance their personal skills.
Culture and Tradition
Visiting and living on the idyllic island of Gozo is like taking a pilgrimage through time, navigating 7,000 years of history and absorbing rich cultural heritage that has fused to form Gozo’s unique identity, steeped in distinctive traditions and customs.
Adventures in Gozo never cease, as the island is a treasure of exceptional culinary delights, artisanal creations, and inimitable cultural activities that genuinely reflect Gozo’s vibrant traditional heritage. From weekly village feasts during the summer months to pageants, exhibitions and events during the Christmas, Easter, and Carnival periods, Gozo’s rich heritage is on full display all year round.
Education
Malta and Gozo offer an exceptional educational system that closely follows the British system. Education, which is compulsory up to the age of 16, is structured into four stages: pre-primary (ages 3-5 years), primary (ages 5-11 years), secondary (ages 11-18 years) and tertiary education. One can find three school categories: state schools, church schools, and independent schools. In state schools the provision of educational services is free. The majority of localities in Gozo have a state primary school. Malta is a bilingual country, with both Maltese and English constitutionally listed as official languages, thereby both forming an integral part of the educational curriculum.
International students are offered the opportunity to sit for courses supporting students who have relocated from other countries to gradually develop the ability to communicate in English and Maltese. These introductory induction courses are intended to facilitate the admission of foreign students within the local educational system and make this transition a facilitated and supportive journey.
The local educational system also caters for early childhood education and childcare services. The Maltese Islands provide free childcare services for children three months or older up to the pre-primary stage. Childcare services are provided at public institutions or private centres, which are duly recognised and registered. Multiple child care centres are available in Gozo.
Healthcare System
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Malta 5th among around 200 countries in terms of overall healthcare services. According to data collected by the European Observatory on health systems and policies in 2023, Malta’s health and life expectancy ranks fifth out of all EU member states. This is indicative of Malta’s robust and highly certified public healthcare system.
Most healthcare services are publicly funded and are provided free of charge to all Maltese citizens and expats paying National Insurance. A network of regional health clinics and pharmacies complements the public health system. In addition, exceptional private healthcare is also available through private clinics and hospitals.
Medical education is also boosted in Gozo with the prestigious investment made by the Queen Mary University of London with the development of the state-of-the-art Barts Medical School, becoming one of the leading medical educational institutions in the Mediterranean. This campus is located next to the Gozo General Hospital.