Gharb vs Zebbug
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Living in Gharb
Gharb is one of Gozo's oldest villages, perched on a hilltop in the far west of the island with views stretching to the sea on two sides. The name means 'west' in Arabic — an accurate description of its position at Gozo's western extreme. The village is tiny, conservative, and deeply traditional, with a picturesque square that's one of the most photographed in Gozo. The square is anchored by a charming church and a collection of historic buildings that include what's said to be the oldest freestanding house in Gozo. The Gharb Folklore Museum occupies a 300-year-old building and displays traditional Gozitan crafts, tools, and household items. The Ta' Dbiegi craft village nearby is where local artisans produce handmade glass, lace, and pottery. Property in Gharb includes some of Gozo's most charming traditional farmhouses, many with thick limestone walls, internal courtyards, and roof terraces with sunset views. Prices are low, and restoration projects are common. The village is very quiet — too quiet for some — but for buyers seeking the authentic Gozitan experience, Gharb is the genuine article.
Highlights
- One of Gozo's oldest and most photographed village squares
- Traditional farmhouses with courtyards and sunset views
- Gharb Folklore Museum in a 300-year-old building
- Ta' Dbiegi craft village with local artisans
- One of Gozo's most affordable locations
Living in Zebbug
Zebbug is a small hilltop village in northern Gozo — not to be confused with the larger Haz-Zebbug on Malta. The name means 'olives' in Maltese, a reference to the olive groves that once covered the surrounding hillsides. It's one of Gozo's highest points, and the views from the church square take in the entire northern coastline. The village is small even by Gozitan standards, with a single square, a parish church, and a few streets of traditional houses. The surrounding countryside is some of Gozo's finest — open farmland, dry stone walls, and walking trails that lead to the coast at Marsalforn and Qbajjar. The Zebbug plateau has several prehistoric sites, including cart ruts and megalithic remains that are yet to be fully excavated. Property in Zebbug is among the most affordable in Gozo. Traditional houses with views come at prices that are remarkably low for the quality of life on offer. The village has minimal amenities — a church, a band club, and a few houses — which is either a drawback or the whole point, depending on your perspective.
Highlights
- One of Gozo's highest villages with panoramic northern views
- Named after historic olive groves
- Walk to Marsalforn and the salt pans
- Prehistoric cart ruts and unexcavated megalithic sites
- Among the most affordable property in Gozo