Gozo is part of the larger Malta island and is one of the best places to work and live if you are looking for some peace and quiet. Even though Gozo has for a long time been known as a place for ex-pats, remote workers have been flocking to the island because of how much it offers to those who live there. It is laid-back and offers great lifestyles and beautiful sceneries. If you are a remote worker looking for somewhere to relocate to, Gozo should be at the top of your list. To help you with the move, here is what you need to know about moving and living in Gozo.
Where to Live in Gozo
Even though Gozo is a smaller island, the experience you get living there will depend on where you decide to live. Some areas are quiet and tranquil while others are filled with tourists who are brought to the island by its beauty. To be a successful remote worker in Gozo, you’ll want to avoid the main streets since many of them lead to roads towards Victoria. Additionally, do a little research to find out if the area is frequented by tourists. You want to avoid areas like Mgarr, Xewkija and Ghajnsielem.
Consider locations in the outer edges and the western side of Zebburg if you are looking for a quiet place to live. The main advantage of living in these areas is that you can drive everywhere easily, including into the busier parts of the island.
Housing
One of the main attractions for those who choose Gozo over Malta is you get better properties for the amount you have to invest or are willing to pay in rent. There are different types of houses to pick from too, such as 3-bedroom flats that cost about 620 euros a month on the expensive end. Since the island is always growing and new developments are being completed all the time, it is easy to find property for sale in Gozo. All you need to do is get in touch with one of the reputable real estate agents on the island and they will help you find what you are looking for.
People
If you are moving somewhere new for remote work, you want to ensure that the people there are friendly and that you can understand each other. The people in Gozo speak good English which makes conversations easier. Second, the people are very friendly, and you will find that most of them are down to earth. They are also friendly to ex-pats and foreigners, which is a huge departure from some places in Europe. The people in Gozo also value their traditions very much and you should be prepared to embrace these cultures if you are to live there for the long term. They also tend to appreciate the simple life, which can be a bit jarring, especially if you are coming from a big city.
Cost of Living
If you are moving from a big city to Gozo, you will find the cost of living on the island very affordable. For example, a full day of bus rides can cost as little as €3, with pets riding for free. Healthcare is also very affordable as is eating at the many amazing restaurants on the island. For the restaurants, you have a choice between those that serve traditional delicacies to those that cater to people with a different palate. As discussed above, the cost of renting is also very low, as is buying, which comes with some perks such as consideration for a Maltese residency or citizenship.
Travel
One thing you should know about Gozo is that even though travel within the island is simple if you own or hire a car, international travel is not. You will need to travel to Malta to jet out of the international airport or go to Italy via ferry and catch a flight there. Do remember that tourists flock to the island during the summer, so the ferry is usually late, or you have to queue for a long time. However, you can plan your trips well to avoid the horde of tourists you meet at the ferries in the summer.
Services
Being smaller than Malta, it is understandable that Gozo does not have as many services. However, remote workers will find that the island has everything they need for a comfortable life and fun downtimes. There is a cinema, decent grocery stalls, restaurants, bars, and a bowling hall. That said, there are some very specific things you will have to go to Malta for.
Nature
The one area where Gozo beats all Mediterranean islands is in its nature. Even though this is changing, the fact that Gozo is less developed than Malta means there is a lot more natural landscapes to see. You can enjoy the beaches and ocean or go for a walk in one of the many open walkways that lead to amazing views of green fields and few buildings.
Gozo is somewhat of a deceptive island. Many people think it’s only a tourist destination, but it is much more than that. Remote workers looking for a quiet, tranquil space to thrive will love Gozo, its people and their cultures and everything else the island has to offer.