Kristel Jo Bishop, Author at Abraham's Farmhouses

Beaches on our doorstep

Gozo’s tiny size is a blessing in disguise as everywhere is within a few minutes reach! This might contribute to one of the many reasons Gozo is a unique destination that can be enjoyed ….

At Abraham’s farmhouses we are proud that from our location perched on the hilltop village of Xagħra, we have at least 4 incredible beaches literally on our doorstep. Naturally there are a great many other beaches along the coast of Gozo!

Starting from Marsalforn which is literally down the slope on the northern side of Xagħra, Marsalforn is one of the popular tourist zones of the island. Originally a fishing village, the beach offers a sandy shore and rocky areas from which to swim off and enjoy snorkelling. Marsalforn is also a great place to spend the evening amid the bars and restaurants along the promenade.

Next on the line is Ramla l-Ħamra bay. The unique red sandy bay is a favourite because of the wide expanse of red sand. The beach, which is also a Natura 2000 site, is also famous because legend has it that the cave on top of Ramla was the abode of the nymph Calypso. Between Ramla l-Ħamra and Marsalforn, there is also one hidden beach – Għajn Barrani, a site that is completely unspoilt. This beach is completely off the beaten track but well worth the visit.

Yet another picturesque beach is San Blas, a beautiful cove which one can reach through Nadur. The road to San Blas is a steep one and this makes San Blas a more peaceful spot.

All these beaches are just a couple of minutes away from our farmhouses. Enjoy a holiday you will never forget. We’re ready to welcome you to one of our farmhouses where you can enjoy the experience of authentic Gozitan living, a step away from the mesmerising turquoise waters of our beaches.

If you want to book your holiday or need help in planning out your next holiday on the island of Gozo, contact us today.

Gozo’s a little paradise.

Whilst we cannot claim that it is still a secret island, there is no doubt that although the island’s amenities are highly comparable to the mainland, Gozo has not lost its authentic rustic and rural vibes.

Exploring Gozo is not only about visiting the string of archaeological sites, museums and historical places but it is also about indulging the senses. For example, one cannot understand the essence of Gozitan life before he or she has stayed in a farmhouse or tasted the dishes that are typical of the island.

The farmhouses or these abodes from time ago used to be the farmsteads where the farmer lived with his family and his animals. Today these gems have been renovated and can be enjoyed as luxurious holiday retreats. If you think that farmhouses are only for those who are after a laid-back holiday, it’s time to shift that view! There’s nothing better than indulging in an active sports adventure like kayaking, climbing, hiking, cycling and diving and returning to the base of a comfortable and luxurious farmhouse.

Recently at Vini and Capricci, the flagship store for exquisite foods and wines, also owned by Abraham and his wife Michelle, hosted Alex Vizeo. Vizeo is a French blogger, who visited Gozo and had words of praise for the island’s gastronomic experience. Together with our resident chef George Borg, Alex Vizeo visited the local markets in search of the local produce and then embarked on preparing some typical Gozitan dishes.

We look forward to welcoming Alex Vizeo again and others like him!

A Winter Break

Gozo’s been blessed by a great winter.

The earlier rains have yielded green hills and valleys and our countryside is bursting with the fresh energy of a land that has been watered after a very dry spell!

It’s true that the weather can be a bit chilly and cold but the sunny days that we’re having, mean that there’s nothing to stop you from planning out a fabulous February getaway. You can enjoy a break from the routine of everyday life at our farmhouses located in Xaghra where the comfort and luxury of our cosy holiday homes will leave you recharged and energised.

Whilst you’re in Gozo you can enjoy roaming the countryside and the coast at a leisurely pace and if you’re up to some more hectic activity you can consider exploring the country lanes and routes from the seat of a mountain bike.

If you’re thinking of spending time with your loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day, make sure you make an early booking. You might also indulge in private meals that are prepared by our expert private chef as per your requirements.

And don’t forget to wrap it all up with the delightful gifts of chocolates and wines. At Abraham’s Vini & Capricci we’re offering a wide selection of wines and exquisite chocolates to indulge the senses.

As always, we look forward to welcoming you to our farmhouses and ensuring that your stay is a memorable one!

Christmas in Gozo

It’s that special time of the year when everything seems to have an extra dose of ‘cheerful’. Gozo has already been transformed into a Christmas island and there’s a lot of activities and celebrations going on.

Closer to home, in the village of Xagħra, where our farmhouses are located Christmas has been in the air for a while as the village’s starts preparing for the season before December’s here! This year, the Basilica in Xagħra will host the International Choir Festival on the 9th of December. The evening will feature performances by 6 different choirs. Then on the 28^th December, the same church will be the venue for another Christmas Concert.

The village of Xagħra is also home to at least 20 recognised cribs that will be open for public display. Some of these cribs are mechanical cribs that present the nativity scene with figurines in motion. It’s definitely worth investing a morning touring these cribs and dioramas that local artists and craftsmen have created and are showcasing around the village. From Monday 26^th to Wednesday 28^th December, one can drive through the interactive Live Crib that will be held in the Ramla Valley Road leading up to Xagħra.

At Abraham’s preparations for the Christmas season have long begun. The sourcing of a variety of local and foreign delicacies and wines to be included in our hampers is always a great exciting activity. This year ‘The Hamper Journal’ features a wide assortment of gifts, wines, liquors and naturally hampers all laden with genuine goodness that is synonymous with the quality of Abraham’s flagship store Vini e Capricci.

On 10^th and 11^th December, we will be having our own Christmas Village at the Gozitano Agricultural Village in Xewkija. Join us on these days and rest assured that you will enjoy the food stalls, the tastings, the mulled wine, Christmas pastries, the porchetta, the sausage stands and the coffee and hot chocolate. A variety of other stalls will also be present.

If you love wine and good food, do not forget that at Vini e Capricci, we will be having our traditional lunch and dinner on 10^th, 17^th and 18^th December. The Taverna Menu never ceases to delight and early booking is needed to avoid disappointment.

Luxury Breaks in Gozo

If your life is insanely hectic, then you may worry that your only chance for peace and quiet would be to move to a monastery in Nepal. Luckily, thanks to the atmosphere on the island of Gozo, you need not venture that far…

Ask anyone: if there’s one thing you’re guaranteed on Gozo, it’s complete and utter tranquillity. And what better way to enjoy that tranquillity than to indulge in all of life’s simple, and some not-so-simple, pleasures?

Firstly, just because you’ve gone off the beaten track doesn’t mean that your comfort has to suffer – Gozo offers some of the most beautiful properties on the Maltese islands. Known locally as farmhouses (although not actually a working farm) these treasured abodes are welcoming and spacious, often fully decked out with pools, jacuzzis and large communal spaces. These secluded gozo farmhouses are ideal if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where technology reigns supreme.

As you’re in the midst of giving yourself some well deserved rest and relaxation, Gozo boasts numerous gourmet restaurants and swanky wine bars where you can treat your senses to the best that the local cuisine has to offer. From scrumptious bread to freshly-caught seafood and fish, as well as unique and traditional local delicacies, you’re certainly spoilt for choice. On the flip side, if you’re not in the mood to leave your luxurious temporary home, you can easily bring in a private chef to put together a lovely meal for you in the comfort of your own farmhouse.

If you do eventually feel like you want to venture back outdoors, then the cultural scene in Gozo provides an endless list of events and venues worth visiting, from the local opera houses in the capital of Victoria, to the countless museums and historical sites dotted around, including the Ggantija temples in Xaghra. There’s always something brewing in the local village square or in the city centre too, be it music festivals, an annual arts festival or one of the many firework shows.

To round off your trip, and to really make sure you leave with a bang, we recommend chartering a luxury yacht for a day or two to explore the Med and bask in the serenity that only being out in the middle of the deep blue can offer.

Luxury comes in many forms, be it a ride on a deluxe vessel, a five-course gourmet meal, or lounging by the pool at the gorgeous farmhouse you’ve rented out for your trip… Either way, you’ll find it on Gozo.

Your guide to organising a successful event abroad

If you’re in the throes of preparing and organising some kind of event, let us give you a hint… The island of Gozo can be your perfect destination and you have a guarantee of money well spent and satisfaction!

Here we will look at three different types of experiences – weddings, team-building sports and adventure activities and business conferences and events.

Weddings

Getting married in Gozo is as close to a fairytale as you can get. It’s not only about getting away from it all and opting for a more tranquil and romantic affair….. There are so many options when it comes to wedding celebrations. From quaint settings in little wayside chapels, churches and informal, intimate events in traditional farmhouses, to elaborate feasts suitable for celebrities, Gozo is a dream come true. The dramatic backdrop of Dwejra and the Azure Window, the luscious red sand beach of Ramla and the imposing grandeur of the restored Citadel are amongst some of the favourite locations.

Many wedding suppliers operate on the island ensuring that your wedding day is planned to perfection and roping in the services/products that you might require like caterers, transport service providers, hair stylists and makeup artist, flowers, wedding cake bakers, musicians and even fireworks!

With great sunny weather, dedicated and friendly service providers, Gozo ticks all the points as the perfect wedding and honeymoon destination!

Sports and Adventure

Gozo is an ideal sports and adventure destination all year round. Although it is a very small island, Gozo can be the base for an active holiday for your team. You can plan out a whole program involving a variety of activities from kayaking to swimming and cycling. You can rope in other high-endurance sport like rock-climbing or opt for activities requiring less stamina and vigour like simple countryside walks. Apart from the variety of activities that one can engage in while holidaying here, there are services that can be organised specifically for athletes on training like catering for special dietary requirements.

Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events

If you need to organise a corporate meeting with a difference for a smaller type of group, then Gozo is a choice for which you will be complemented and one which your guests will remember for a long time! Apart from getting away from bustling high-stress city life to a rural setting in a luxury environment, Gozo is indeed a breath of fresh air. Corporate events can incorporate luxury farmhouse accommodation and relaxing activities in the countryside such as wine tasting in vineyards, exploring the Gozitan gourmet scene and possibly also experiencing some of the local events that are part of the Gozitan cultural calendar. Meetings can be organised to the highest of standards because although the island seems laid-back, it lacks nothing in terms of facilities, technology and professional services.

It’s the ultimate opportunity to retreat, revitalise and inspire your team …..

Team Building in Gozo

Gozo may be small – it’s just 67 km² to be exact! – but it provides a surprising number of options for brilliant team building activities that will be both fun and effective. From days out with a historic theme to afternoon adventures on board a boat, the possibilities are endless. So, which type of team building in Gozo activity would you choose?

Go Outdoors

Thanks to Gozo’s stunning natural beauty and endless days of sunshine, many of its best team building activities can be held outdoors – and why not? The clean, crisp air helps to get everyone in the mood for activity! In fact, Gozo’s countryside could be the perfect setting for everything from a jeep rally to a tug of war. Depending on what you have in mind for the day, you could even start the day at your farmhouse residence – the perfect place for your whole team to reside together – set clues, and then send them off on their way. What could be better than a treasure hunt across the Gozitan countryside? Just be sure to advise your team to wear comfy shoes – the terrain is hilly and rocky!

Be Adventurous

There’s nothing like a spot of adventure to bring a group together. Gozo’s tumultuous past and vibrant personality lends itself well to adventure – from abseiling down cliffs to kayaking around the island’s little nooks and bays. The good news is that Gozo is home to all the professionals you could need to make your adventure as safe as it is fun – and the sky really is the limit… paragliding anyone?

Embrace History

With 7,000 years of history to be proud of, Gozo is an open-air museum waiting to be discovered. And speaking of museums, why not use one of the island’s many museums (such as the Old Prisons or Natural History Museum) to motivate your team building activity? Other activities could be inspired by the megalithic temples, the walled Citadel or Calypso’s Cave?

Be Seafaring

What’s a tiny island got at every possible turn? Sea! Lots of it! The gorgeous beaches, bays and open waters surrounding Gozo also provide a fantastic platform for team building. You could head off in speedboats to the nearby island of Comino, go scuba diving through sunken wrecks, or relax at sunset on a luxury yacht while enjoying a fabulous on-board dinner.

Enjoy Gastronomy

Finally, just like the kitchen is the heart of every home, food really is the best way to get to people’s hearts (through their bellies). Gozo is a haven of fresh, seasonal produce, and this lends itself brilliantly to big lunches and dinners cooked by a private chef, and enjoyed with fantastic wine in the sunshine or under the stars. Now, all you have to decide on is the menu!

Picture Credit: Mark Surman

Top Three Ways to Disconnect and Relax in Gozo

With rolling hills, quaint piazzas, and remote bays, Gozo really does have it all when it comes to getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. In Gozo, you can look forward to switching off your phone, shutting down your laptop and, finally, having some time to yourself to enjoy a laidback holiday.

Here are three great and relaxing ways to make the best of what this Mediterranean island has to offer:

Put your sunnies on and get your legs out

The Gozitan coastline boasts an innumerable amount of isolated bays that are sure to provide a quiet escape, with a fantastic seascape to boot. With 300 days of sunshine, it should be fairly easy to pick a morning or afternoon to bask in the sunshine on the beach – though the sea may not be at its warmest between October and April! If you’ve got a penchant for adventure, the clear water surrounding Gozo is ideal for scuba diving and kayaking, for beginners and pros alike.

Get a taste of the Gozitan way of life

If you’re looking to really soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle, there’s no better way to do that than to roam Gozo’s village squares, with frequent stops to sample the delicious food, and take in the quirky sights. A visit to its capital, Victoria, should be a treat with the many offerings held in its museums, restaurants, and cafés. If that’s not enough for you, paying a visit to the Citadella, an ancient and fortified citadel with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, should quench even the biggest culture vulture’s thirst for history.

Enjoy Gozo’s picturesque views

With its highest peak sitting at 190 metres, you can easily get a front row seat to Gozo’s remarkable landscape views. As you trek your way up one of Gozo’s many hills or cliffs, you can take in the deep green hills and countless steeples that dot the Gozitan skyline. For those of you who are keen on photography, or just looking to keep your Instagram aesthetic up to par, you’re guaranteed a few terrific shots that are worthy of a #nofilter tag while you’re up there.

The best part about visiting Gozo? You can start and end your day at a traditional, luxury farmhouse, which will suit all your needs and doubtlessly go beyond your expectations.
Picture Credit: Viewing Malta

Gozo Summer Feasts

If you decided to visit the Island of Gozo for your summer holiday, beaches are not the only thing that beckon! Experiencing at least one village feast is a must if you are in Gozo during summer.

Each village holds its annual feast dedicated to a different Patron Saint on a different week and the feast reaches its peak during the weekend. This is a Catholic tradition and the celebrations take place both inside the village church and outside. Churches are adorned with rich damask and elaborate embroidered and ornate pieces. Outside, the village streets are decorated with lights, banners and festoons. Statues of saints are mounted on decorated pedestals outside the church and in the main streets. All in all, the atmosphere is a festive one!

Feasts are mostly celebrated in the evening although some villages have traditional band marches even in the late morning. Visitors can enjoy the band marches played by the brass bands in the streets and the merriment that is part of these events. You can also try out traditional food from the street stalls, such as pastizzi (a savoury type of snack made from flaky pastry and filled up with ricotta or mushy peas), qubbajt (Maltese nougat) and imqaret (a sweet type of fried snack made from pastry with a filling of dates). One cannot miss out the firework displays that light up the Gozitan skies during the feasts. In many villages there are also traditional horse races.

One can say that it’s hard to choose among all the Gozitan feasts, but one of the most popular is the Feast of the Assumption, that is held on the 15th August.

Take also note of the village feast held in Xaghra. The feast which is always celebrated on the 8th of September (another public holiday in Malta and Gozo), is dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady. As the feast takes place in Xaghra, you can enjoy beautiful views right from Abraham’s Farmhouses that are located in the same village. It will be almost like being a local and it’s an unforgettable experience of food, drink, music and fun.

If you would love to attend one of the numerous feasts in Gozo and enjoy your holiday in the sun, an apartment or a farmhouse rental is the ideal choice of accommodation. Choosing Abraham’s Farmhouses is a guarantee of a holiday in luxury and comfort.