Follow in Ulysses’ footsteps and become… Enchanted
Widely known as Malta’s sister island, Gozo knows no bounds when it comes to its pure charm. For long associated as the home of Homer’s nymph, Calypso, the island is home to 37,000 inhabitants known in Maltese as ‘Ghawdxin’.
Remains of archaeological significance and others of great historical import dot the landscape, proof of the island’s vibrant existence throughout the millennia. Gozo’s history spans 7000 years; through the ages, different peoples have created a colourful mosaic seeped in history and culture. The island is a melting pot of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, British and European influences.
The island’s history has been embodied in the population. Gozitans are warm, welcoming and can speak English and Maltese with a large majority also conversant in Italian and French.
Mild winters and long warm summers, together with 300 days of sunshine per year, mould this little island of rugged terrain, stunning cliffs and the bluest of seas. Days at the beach and nights at the village festa means that summer on the island is a soul-filled affair.
The island awaits…
Ix-Xaghra (pronounced shara) is home to the oldest free-standing structures in the world, a vibrant community of 4000 locals, and a whole lot of charm.
The village is built on a hill to the central north-east of the island of Gozo. It lies just under four kilometres from Rabat (Victoria), the town of the island and aptly described as the village of the goddess and the Madonna.
The Ggantija Temples, as well as the golden sands of Ramla Bay, place it firmly on the world map. The Temples date back to 3600-3200 B.C., older that the Pyramids of Egypt and the oldest known human structure in the world.
Ramla Bay too has its own historical import, with a defensive wall built by the Knights of St John still visible under water and a noticeable sandy mound, under which remains of a Roman Villa lie. Grottoes with stalactites and stalagmites and caves featured in Greek mythology are also there for exploring.
Our properties are 10 minutes walking distance from the summer resort of Marsalforn and 20 minutes away from Ramla Bay. The village square, its award-winning restaurants, bars, shops and magnificent church are a 15 minute walk away.
