Gozo: getting there.

Tags

baroque chruches, Cirkewwa, Comino, farmhouses, Gozo, hidden gems, medieval villages, megalithic temples, myth, tourist attraction, Victoria

Gozo: getting there from the UK.

The national airline flies daily from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Malta International Airport and four times a week from Manchester besides flying also from Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Newcastle and Norwich! Low cost carriers also operate an extensive range of daily and weekly flight departures from a number of airports, including London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bournemouth, Bristol, Leeds, Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast (and Dublin, Ireland).  All flights are direct and approximately three hours long from the UK, making it a great destination for both weekend breaks and longer stays!

A 25 minute ferry crossing transports you from Cirkewwa in the north of Malta, past tiny Comino, to an island where myth, megalithic temples and medieval villages sit in a dramatically rugged landscape dotted with baroque churches and ancient stone farmhouses, where the humdrum of the daily grind slows down to the lazy sound of crickets. Ferries depart daily every 45 minutes and keep operating all night long (though less frequently) all year round.

The TEN Minute Island:

All roads lead to Victoria, the capital in the center of the Island.  At just 14km in length and 7km wide, Gozo is easily accessible and no village or tourist attraction is more than a 10 minute drive away.  The island is perfect for a day trip, taking in most of the main attractions as a taster! However a longer stay offers you the opportunity to discover more of Gozo’s many hidden gems.

Credits:  

Gozo: Discover Gozo in 100 Moments of Happiness (Malta Tourism Authority)

Photo Citadel: Marvik Borg

 

Għar Ilma restored

Tags

aqueduct, Ghar Ilma, HSBC Catch a Drop Campaign, Ministry for Gozo, Santa Lucija

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A system of water canals at Għar Ilma, limits of Kerċem, built in the 1880s by the British to supply water to the aqueduct from Santa Luċija to Victoria, have been restored by the Santa Luċija administrative council. The work was financed by the Gozo Ministry and HSBC’s Catch the Drop campaign.

The campaign supports initiatives that raise awareness about water conservation and encourage a positive change in Malta and Gozo by using water wisely and in a sustainable way. HSBC Malta CEO Andrew Beane said: “Għar Ilma enjoys historic significance on a national level, and creating easier public access to it ensures that this important aspect of the country’s history can be appreciated by visitors to Gozo. Preserving Għar Ilma is about preserving the rich and unique culture of Gozo for future generations.”

The project was inaugurated by Mr Beane and Gozo Minister Anton Refalo.

Source: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160424/gozo/G-ar-Ilma-restored.609852

Happiness is an island called Gozo

Tags

bike, church, climb, dive, explore, fort, Gozo, hidden gems, Malta, recharge, relax, rest, rural, sail, secluded bay, serene, small island, sunbathe, swim, temple, tradition, tranquility, treasure, valley, walk

Gozo, meaning “joy” in Castilian, is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago, with approxiamtely 30,000 inhabitants.  At 67 square km, Gozo is small enough for a day-trip but a longer stay will give you time to uncover a myriad of hidden gems.

This small island is a treasure trove of wonders.  Round every corner is another jaw-dropping site, another church to visit, a temple to photograph, another fort to gape at, down that valley is another secluded bay to discover and so much more to explore.

A mere 5km stretch of sea separates Malta from its sister island but the two could not be more different.  More rural and serene, Gozo’s culture and way of life are rooted in tradition, yet open to the present.

Gozo is a haven of tranquility where you can truly rest, relax and recharge.

Walk, climb, dive, swim, sail, explore, bike, sunbathe, eat, drink, or simply be, but above all experience the joy of Gozo.

In the coming weeks we shall bring to you a 100 moments of Happiness on the island of Gozo!

Credits:

MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY – Gozo: discover Gozo in 100 Moments of Happiness.

Photo:  Mr. Marvik Borg

 

 

Give the gift of pure relaxation with a self-catering gift voucher!

Tags

Gift Certificate, Gozo, loved ones, pool, relaxation, relaxing day, romantic weekend, surprise

Give the gift of pure relaxation with a self-catering gift voucher!

 Surprise your family or friends with a Gozobreak Gift Certificate*. There are plenty of occasions to present someone with the gift of regeneration.

No matter whether you decide on a relaxing day by the pool or an unforgettable romantic weekend – with a gift voucher you cannot go wrong.  Away from the hectic rush of the everyday life, in the quaintness of the island of Gozo you’ll find relaxation – everything is ready and waiting to pamper our guests.

To please your loved ones, you can order a customized gift certificate through our reservation desk (info@gozobreak.com).  Once your purchase is completed, the gift certificate will be sent on your behalf directly to the recipient by post.  You can add a personalised note to your loved one.  You can choose the dates yourself or otherwise leave it up to the recipient to choose the dates himself/herself.

Offer a gift certificate to your loved ones!  Select the number of days and/or the value (in monetary terms) you want to offer.

Let us take care of you!

*Gift Certificates are not redeemable for cash and non-refundable.Gozobreak Gift Certificates are valid in all Gozobreak Ltd’s properties and subject to availability.  Pre-booking is necessary. All T&C apply.

Senior Citizens 2 night stay offer!

Tags

dinner, Gozo, Gozobreak, island of Gozo, lunch, macaroons, offer, parents, perfect present, relax, restaurants, retiring colleague, Senior Citizens, spring, tranquil, transfers

Spring is so near!  During this special time of the year, when Gozo is tranquil and treasures its’ peace, we are thinking of the Senior Citizens!

Travel to Gozo for free (we pay your ferry tickets!) and relax at one of our lovely properties for two nights!  A breakfast pack will be provided.  On arrival you will be greeted by coffe/tea and local macaroons!  A newspaper of your choice will be provided.  Indulge yourself with a lunch and a three course dinner at one of the island’s best restaurants, where eating is good and varied!  Transfers to the restaurant and back are all provided!

Whether you’re struggling to find the perfect present for your parents, or thinking of a gift for a retiring colleague, contact us now on info@gozobreak.com and we will tell you more!

Visit our website www.gozobreak.com

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gozobreakcom/

…let us take care of you!

Love is in the air!

Tags

breakfast hamper, champagne, Destination Wedding Planning, Event Management, farmhouses, Gozo, Gozobreak, island of Gozo, romance, romantic getaway, rose petals, Valentine's Day

It’s February and love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just right around the corner. Celebrate @ Gozobreak Farmhouses with a Special Valentines Offer and more!

In collaboration with MALTA EVENT DESIGN, we are offering this Special Offer!

(from)           http://maltaeventdesign.com/the-perfect-gift-idea-for-your-…

The perfect gift idea for your loved one on Valentine’s Day: Snuggly week – Feel the romance on the island of GOZO – Destination Wedding Planning and Event Management – MALTA EVENT DESIGN

The perfect gift idea for your loved one on Valentine’s Day: Snuggly week – Feel the romance on the island of GOZO

January 27th, 2015

Offer valid from 27.01.2015 -11.04.2015

2015 is the year to whisk your loved one away to the magical Maltese Islands on a romantic getaway, especially for Valentines. Our fabulous offer allows couples to book a 7 night getaway with Gozobreak and pay for just 5!

The preferred rate of this package includes:

• 5 Nights stay including airport transfers and car hire for 5 Days
• Room decorated with rose petals, hearts and candles
• As a greeting in your villa: champagne, delicious pastries, pralines and flowers
• Per request, you can also receive Breakfast Hamper
• A farewell gift from the heart
If booked during the 13th and 17th of February, you will be able to enjoy the energetic displays, colourful costumes and of the historic culture of the Maltese Carnival! The enchanting festival will be held in most towns but especially Valletta, Floriana and Nadur in Gozo – only a short journey from where you will be staying on the island.

Terms and Conditions:
Valid for couples, small kids (up to 3 years)
We are happy to accommodate families with older kids. Contact us to provide you best prices.
Stays are valid till the 11th April 2014.
Contact us on info@maltaeventdesign.com for more information.

Black Friday Deal!

Start off your holidays with a bang!

People who love Gozo, in honour of our American friends, we’re throwing a

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL BLOWOUT, with up to 15% OFF SELECTED DAYS!

1) Choose your farmhouse.

2) Select Days from below.

3) Send us an e-mail and Quote BF002014

4) Get your discount.

5)  Enjoy your stay!

Tan-Nanna Farmhouse

28th November to 4th December;

8th to 10th December;

12th to 20th December

Tal-Kitarrra Villa

1st to 15th December;

Ta’ Nikola Farmhouse 

2nd to 12th December

16th to 21st December

Send us an e-mail on info@gozobreak.com

These deals are all offered for a limited time, so don’t wait.

Minimum stay: 2 nights

Check back often as we’ll update the blog with additional discounts as they come in.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

…the island of Honey!

Honey is nature’s gold and the Maltese islands were always blessed with this special healthy-giving gold. In reality the name of Malta derives from the Greek term for honey or land of honey – melitos – and Malta was, in fact, originally known as Melita. The Roman name for honey was quite similar – meiltai.

Honey-making bees are breeded in diverse location on the islands with hives being located in idyllic sites that provide plenty of sweet-smelling fodder for these tiny creatures. Some of the most renowned sites are in the North West of Malta and in Gozo, mainly sites like Mellieha, Fawwara, Dingli, most of the island of Gozo and Comino. Unfortunately there are not many bee-keepers today, but the remaining ones are dedicated and passionate about their work and produce honey which keep the local honey-making traditions on the international map!

There are varied types of honey produced in Malta, all deriving from different plants and trees. Some of the more significant are those made of clover, eucalyptus, orange blossom, carob trees and wild thyme. Each season has its own and Spring time will allow the bees to produce clover honey, early summer will produce thyme honey, early autumn will produce carob honey. Each variety is distinctly different from the other, recognisable from the honey’s fragrance and colour.

It is interesting to purchase honey straight from the bee-keeper who will explain from which plant each honey variety is produced and more importantly, what are its individual and unique health benefits! Bee-keepers have recommendations for each of their products, from the ideal soothing honey against coughs, to honey that will relieve nasal congestion. Ask for propolis which is the best natural product to protect young and old from nasty colds and flu symptoms!

Gozo Attractions: Karmni Grima Museum in Gharb

Tags

Bishop of Gozo, Karmni Grima, Our Lady, religious tourism, Ta' Pinu Shrine

The residence of Karmni Grima, the lady from Gharb who, in 1883 heard Our Lady calling her from the tiny chapel in Ta’ Pinu, was re-opened, following an extensive programme of restoration works, in December 2013.

These works were completed under the project entitled ‘Discovering cultural and religious tourism in Gozo,’ with the support of an EU financial grant of 85% on a project cost of €400,000, under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for Malta 2007 -2013

It was on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the birth of Grima which prompted the Ta ‘ Pinu National Shrine administration to undertake the restoration of the house, a typical Gozitan farmhouse of the nineteenth century. The house had already opened to the public in May 1965, but was extensively renovated as a museum which is more in line with the expectations of the visiting foreign and domestic tourist.

The financial aid also included the restoration works on 12 works of art by Maltese artist, Joseph Briffa, which are reproduced in mosaic. This artistic heritage shows twelve episodes in the life of the Madonna and were worked between 1948 and 1952. The retoration work was entrusted to Fr Charles Vella and Joanna Hili Micallef.

The project of restoration and conservation of Karmni Grima House Museum included structural work, the installation of new lighting systems with an audio-visual presentation of the life of Karmni Grima and the message she received from the Blessed Virgin, the installation of a lift so that the museum is accessible to everyone, as well as installing a solar powered electricity system.

On the 22nd of June 1883 while Karmni Grima was passing in front of the small chapel as usual every day, she heard a mysterious voice calling her: “Come … come today. For a whole year, you will not be able to return.” This event is considered as “The most notable occurrence in the history of the Gozo Diocese.”

Although terrified, Karmni obeyed and went inside the chapel, where from a painting of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary located in the chapel, Karmni heard a voice saying: “Recite three Hail Marys in honour of the three days that I stayed within the tomb.”

Karmni Grima became ill, and was only able to attend the chapel a year later. She shared this experience with her confessor of sins and with her friend and neighbour Francesco Portelli, who informed her that he also had heard similar voices.

Francesco’s mother was miraculously healed by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary shortly after the incidents took place.

Bishop Pietru Pace was advised of the incidents and after speaking to Karmni and Francesco he concluded that the voice was of heavenly origin.

To mark the occasion or the re-opening of this house, Ta’ Pinu Publications is to publish a revised edition of the book by the late Bishop Nikol Cauchi about the life of Karni Grima, a biography that was broadcast on the occasion of the first opening of the museum.

To jump or not to jump?? ….jump right in!

Tags

Blue Hole, clean sea, Dwejra, Mediterranean, paddle, San Blas, scuba, swim, Xwejni Bay

Malta boasts the second cleanest sea water in the EU, second only to our neighbouring Mediterranean island of Cyprus! In fact, of the 87 sites tested, an incredible 85 or them were deemed ‘excellent’ by the monitoring agency.  Now that’s a reason to celebrate beyond the surface.

So what are you waiting for?  Grab your goggles and enjoy the sea while you are in Malta and Gozo!

So where should you paddle, swim or scuba?  These are our recommendations for  the island of Gozo, enjoy your time and play it safe: always remember not to swim in these areas if the sea is choppy!

1. Dwejra, Blue Hole:

2. Xwejni Bay

3. San Blas Bay