Gozo: Malta’S Secret Gem

The Facts
Price	From £1200 pp
Location	Malta
Flight Time	from UK: 3hrs; from US: 12hrs 10mins
When To Go	All Year Round
Ideal Length	8 Days

Look forward to...
Escaping to this wonderfully authentic and traditional little island, just a short hop from the mainland of Malta. Holing up in a traditional old farmhouse, now converted into a luxurious villa for 4 with a gorgeous pool. Taking the 15 minute stroll down to a rustic track to the sea, or hopping in your car to visit ancient temples and lofty lighthouses. Cycling from the village to the sea, where a secluded inlet and secret cave provides the ideal place for swimming or snorkelling.

Look forward to...

Escaping to this wonderfully authentic and traditional little island, just a short hop from the mainland of Malta.

Holing up in a traditional old farmhouse, now converted into a luxurious villa for 4 with a gorgeous pool.

Taking the 15 minute stroll down to a rustic track to the sea, or hopping in your car to visit ancient temples and lofty lighthouses.

Cycling from the village to the sea, where a secluded inlet and secret cave provides the ideal place for swimming or snorkelling.

Chances are you're surfing the Black Tomato website because you don't fancy a standard European beach holiday this year. Well you've come to right place. We certainly don't do standard, but we do know Europe and we've hit on the perfect place for those who prefer to stay closer to home. Meet Gozo: a delightful little island a million miles away from the impression some people have of Malta… no crowded beaches or high-rise hotels; just peace and quiet, stunning coasts and rustic charm.

The perfect rustic farmhouse

Malta has become flavour of the day recently, but thankfully, Gozo is still a wonderfully authentic and unspoiled Mediterranean gem. Set in an isolated valley, one kilometre from the beach, Tina’s Farmhouse exudes rustic charm.

Although only 15 minutes walk down a cart track to the sea, you will find it hard to tear yourself away from the palm-fringed pool, the cool stone and wood interiors, and the master bedroom’s antique 4-poster bed. With its own courtyard, we recommend firing up the barbecue to enjoy some tasty local produce with a bottle of wine.

Mediterranean island culture

Fully relaxed yet? Get an intimate look at the traditional side of Maltese culture and there are plenty of fascinating sights to check out. Firstly, this island is home to the Ggantija temples, one of the world's most ancient temple complexes, predating Stonehenge by more than 1000 years. Jump in your hire car for a breezy drive around the island: the pretty village of Ghasri is just 5 minutes away and Victoria, Gozo's gorgeous capital, only 15 (oh the glories of being on a tiny island).

Survey your kingdom from the top of the Lighthouse (a must see for its fabulous 360-degree views); make time to explore the various local markets for delicious delicacies; and head for the beach to get your fill of sand and sea. Oh, and did we mention the fact that this island is a Mecca for divers?

So if sun-drenched days and balmy evenings on an unspoilt Mediterranean hideaway sound like your cup of tea, then you couldn't do better than this. The sweet little island of Gozo was highly praised by Homer in the Odyssey, and here at Black Tomato, we wholeheartedly agree.