Gharb Holidays
Gharb holidays – Mediterranean village life at its best
Gharb is one of Gozo’s prettiest villages and staying here is a slice of real Gozitan life. In the attractive central square the seventeenth century parish church is surrounded by traditional houses of warm yellow limestone with carved stone balconies. These are colourfully and unexpectedly set off by remnants of colonial days: a British red letter box and old-fashioned blue police station lantern!
Gharb has its own folklore museum, an Aladdin’s cave of objects relating to traditional crafts, and just beyond the village you will find lovely walks and several sights: the Ta’ Dbiegi craft centre with the best range of souvenirs on the island; Ta’ Pinu church, a major centre of pilgrimage; and Dwejra, where you can see spectacular rock formations as well as a tower built by the ‘Knights of Malta’.
If you are looking for peace, quiet and Gozitan character, you couldn’t do better than Gharb.
When to go to Gharb
Gharb is lovely at any time. Not being a beach resort and having very limited accommodation, it is peaceful even in the peak summer months. This is the best time for sun and sea, unless you would rather risk a little variability in the weather and have quieter beaches and lower prices. Spring and autumn are the best times for walking, and spring is particularly beautiful as the wild flowers are out. Even winter can be lovely for rambling and sightseeing and prices are dramatically lower than in the summer.
The weather in Gharb
Summers are hot and dry. Daytime temperatures regularly peak in the low thirties in July and August, with average daytime highs into the twenties from May until early November. Rainfall is negligible in July and August and generally low throughout the spring too. Even winter can be sunny and warm with January offering some five hours of day of sunshine and average highs of 15ºC.
Getting the best deal to Gharb
Gharb does not have a lot of accommodation so book early to avoid disappointment. If you are looking for a bargain, travel outside the peak summer months. Maltese schools do not go back until mid-september so in Gozo the summer season often includes September. October-November are cheaper, as are March-June. Winter (except over Christmas and New Year) is cheapest by far. For bargain holidays to Gharb see our best deals below or check out our late deals here.
Airport and transport need to know
For a holiday in Gharb, flights are into Malta International Airport (MLA) www.maltairport.com just three hours from the UK. Flights depart regularly from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds-Bradford, Edinburgh and East Midlands Airport.
From Malta airport it is under an hour’s drive to the Gozo Ferry at Cirkewwa. Taxi fares from the airport are regulated http://www.maltairport.com/page.asp?p=17163 and this trip should cost €32 (about £25). Agree this with your driver before getting in. Alternatively, take the express bus for a mere €2.20 (under £2) taking a bit over an hour.
The Gozo Ferry www.gozochannel.com runs every forty-five minutes and takes 25 minutes to make the pleasant crossing to Gozo. The return fare is just €4.65 (under £4) and you arrive at the East end of the island at Mgarr port.
Gharb is at the west end of Gozo about half an hour’s drive away. You can get there by bus http://www.arriva.com.mt (changing in the island capital Victoria) for €2.20 (under £2). This takes about 1hr 15mins – longer if you have to wait for the buses which are less frequent in winter. Alternatively, order a taxi to meet you, or hire a car which will give you flexibility throughout your holiday on Gozo.
The best beaches in Gharb
Gozo has some gorgeous red sandy beaches as well as numerous rocky bays and little-known inlets perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Apart from the two small seaside resorts of Marsalforn and Xlendi, the swimming spots are little developed, though nonetheless popular.
Gozo’s favourite beach is the lovely Ramla Bay, a broad sweep of red sand, backed by protected dunes. It is perfect for families as well as adults of all ages and, although it gets crowded in summer, there is usually room to set out your sunbed or even play a beach game or two. Hidden amongst the trees are two large open-air cafes and overlooking the bay is Calypso’s Cave – supposed to be where Homer’s Odysseus was held spellbound for seven years. You can see why he mightn’t have wanted to leave this place.
If you prefer your seaside with bars, restaurants, shops and watersports facilities, head for Marsalforn. The beach itself is narrow with sand but there is plenty of space for sunbathing along the rocks with steps in and out of the crystal clear water. Several of Gozo’s longest established scuba diving companies are based here too.
To get away from the crowds, head for San Blas, a “mini-Ramla”. Just one bay along from the more popular Ramla Beach, this secluded red-sandy bay is kept quiet by the very steep approach path. Not for the faint hearted, but the reward is a perfect beach that is never too busy. There is a small waterside snack bar open in summer.
