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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Għajnsielem is a picturesque village located on the island of Gozo, Malta. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the ferry terminal connecting Malta and Gozo. |
👥 Population | Approximately 3,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink directly; bottled water is preferred. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Melita, GO, and Vodafone. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise are widely accepted; local banks include Bank of Valletta. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and apartments for rent. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most establishments accept cards. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | St. Thomas Holiday Apartments offers budget-friendly stays. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Staying near the Għajnsielem waterfront offers great views and access to amenities. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Marina area is ideal for digital nomads due to its connectivity and amenities. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Gozo Business Hub is a popular coworking space nearby. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Jubilee offers a cozy atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetups are organized through local Facebook groups focused on expats and digital nomads. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local community events can be found on Facebook and through expat groups in Malta. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and eCabs are the recommended ride-hailing apps. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from various local shops for exploring the island. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ramla Bay is a stunning beach located about 20 minutes away. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malta is the primary airline for regional travel. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air Malta and Ryanair operate major international routes. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the main road connecting to Malta's capital, Valletta, is within 30 minutes. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ferry terminal to Malta is the main transport hub in Għajnsielem. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tallinja card allows discounted fares on local bus services. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate regularly between Gozo and Malta, and local buses connect to main attractions. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Gozo General Hospital is the main healthcare facility on the island. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers sessions in a scenic setting. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Għajnsielem also has local fitness centers like Time to Train. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available nearby. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food provides popular delivery options. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pastizzi, a savory pastry filled with ricotta or peas, is a must-try. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Grassy Hopper offers excellent vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zerafa Bakery is famous for traditional Maltese pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Għajnsielem and surrounding areas offer fresh produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores and international options available through Maltese platforms. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Big Food Malta offers online grocery shopping and delivery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nearby village of Victoria has vibrant nightlife options. |
🍻 Local Brewery | The Azure Window Brewing Co. offers local craft beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Tal-Massar Winery offers tastings in a scenic setting. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls operate during festivals, especially near the waterfront. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Elysium Restaurant features Mediterranean and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mgarr ix-Xini Bay and the Għajnsielem Parish Church are notable landmarks. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gozo Museum of Archeology provides insight into the island's history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the 17th-century Fort Chambray for historical significance. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful place to visit. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Għajnsielem Feast celebrates the village's patron saint each September. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The village center features quaint streets filled with local shops and cafes. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater productions are often hosted at the village community center. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets are held on Sundays for local produce and goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music events, especially during summer. |
🎨 Street Art | Some initiatives have begun to incorporate local artistry on village walls. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes for traditional Maltese cuisine are available at local venues. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work in several small galleries around the village. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Villages and old farms showcase traditional Maltese architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Għajnsielem is part of Gozo’s rich cultural heritage, evident in its festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The azure waters and cliffs of Dwejra are a short trip away. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ta' Għammar Nature Reserve is accessible for hikes and nature walks. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths offer scenic views and biking opportunities. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the Ħaġar Qim temples offers stunning panoramas. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching spots can be found near wetlands across Gozo. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several coastal areas allow for bonfires during designated times. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide reliable delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Victoria offer tech repair services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have table tennis available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language courses, particularly for English and Maltese, are available locally. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Għajnsielem has a small library for study and research. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Għajnsielem Community Center organizes local events and activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are some cafes around that cater to gamers and provide gaming setups. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Malta is located in the nearby town of St. Julian's. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 35% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for Malta residents. |
🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on income earned in Malta. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
🧾 VAT | 18% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Malta has strict CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on rental income. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% for property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Malta offers various incentives, including a 0% tax for remote workers who meet certain criteria. |