Guide to Gharb

"If Gozo is away from it all, Gharb is almost out of sight - and this quaint little time-warp village is the perfect place to enjoy some serious quiet time."

West by name…Gharb's handle couldn't be more apt, given this sleepy little village's position on the island's west coast. Dominated by a beautiful Baroque church, it's a real slice of traditional Gozo, surrounded by acres of gorgeous rugged landscapes, including Dbiegi, the highest hill on the island. Wander through the village centre and you'll see clues to the fact that this is the second oldest village parish on Gozo. For example the hand-sculpted stone balconies of some of the houses. Wherever you walk, you'll almost inevitably end up in the exquisite little Piazza Taz-Zjara Tal-Madonna, absolutely typical of Gozo and the location of the fascinating folklore museum, housed in an 18th century farmhouse. Other sightseeing highlights within the village include the Shrine of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, a place of pilgrimage for visitors from all round the world. Getting the picture? Choose Gharb and you won't find yourself in some tourist trap, packed with tacky souvenir shops. The locals are friendly and welcoming, but go about their business, which still includes time-honoured cottage industries such as cotton weaving and making the renowned 'Gharb blade'. If you want to check out some of these traditional crafts, it's worth a visit to the centre at Dbiegi, where you'll find hand made products, including mouth-blown glass, filigree and lace. So, if you're looking for cosmopolitan culture and lots of on-tap entertainment, Gharb is not for you. But if you want to immerse yourself in traditional rural Gozo and savour the slow pace of life, it's simply perfect.

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