"Il-Forn" Gozo Accommodation Rental with Sea Views

Our restored bakery is found in the rural village of Zebbug on the unique island of Gozo. It is only five minutes drive away from the sea and the city Rabat/Victoria where all the shops are. Important notes: FOR LONG RENTALS BETWEEN OCTOBER AND MAY PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS AND CONDITIONS. FOR WEEKLY RENTALS PLEASE CHECK WHAT IS INCLUDED AND WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (in other things to note/ house rules). The space "IL-FORN" is a uniquely-converted historic bakery in Zebbug GOZO, with lots of charm and character just 5 min drive away from the sea and cultural places. A warm and cosy place ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy their stay. Stunning views of the sea and countryside from the roof. Part of this historical building dates back to 300 years and was recently restored by the owners with great attention to detail. One can easily feel the warm and cosy atmosphere of this comfortable accommodation as soon as he enters. The house is accessed through a private alley making it very quiet and peaceful. Right at the entrance one can see the original stone oven of the bakery which was still in operation up to the 1980's. Beautiful old vaults house a pleasantly decorated seating area where a sofa can be used as an additional bed. One can admire the "lenbi" where women used to make the dough for a whole week's bread. The entrance, which can easily be heated in winter by the small wood stove, is tastefully decorated with local tiles on the walls together with antique furniture. Another original feature is an ash-pit found during restoration. This can easily be used as a wine cellar. The flagstone flooring throughout the bakery adds further character. During the hot summer days, the small but landscaped courtyard invites anyone to relax in the spa in the shade of the huge banana trees . Also on the ground floor there is a twin single bed-room (with AC) with a shower en-suite. On the first floor of the former bakery is another double room (with AC) with a tiny balcony and en-suite shower room. Here is a staircase leading to an open-plan loft overlooking the living room and where one can find another double bed . This loft leads to a small terrace overlooking the alley, and from which one can admire the fireworks of the village festa which comes in August. The living room with the satellite TV and electric fireplace and the lovingly crafted kitchen lead to a small balcony overlooking the internal yard and which gives access to the roof. From the roof of the house lies the unspoilt view of the north of Gozo to the sea. You can spend memorable time on the sun-loungers or enjoy some grilled meat on the BBQ or a hearty pizza cooked in the wood oven (we will be very pleased to help you in case the need arises). More charm is added to this place when you hear the fish vendor, followed by the baker and the fruit and vegetable vendor who come to our small village every morning. However taking a stroll in the picturesque capital city Victoria (or Rabat as we call it) and do shopping there is so easy and just 5 minutes away by car. Marsalforn which is a fishing village is just 2km from Zebbug and offers a vast variety of restaurants, bars and cafes for every taste. Car is not required when staying at "il-Forn" because one can make use of the public transport which is both very cheap and convenient on the island of Gozo. Bus stop is just 50 metres from accomodation. Discovering Gozo, a tiny island measuring about 14km by 7km with about 31000 inhabitants, is the key to discovering one of the most untouched and unique islands in the Mediterranean. Gozo, which is more scenic and tranquil from the sister island Malta, is the perfect island holiday destination, a serene land where time has stood still and where the locals are very helpful and friendly and are always ready to go out of their way to help. Its outstanding climate with temperatures hardly reaching 10 degrees Celcius in winter, is an all-year round destination. “Zebbug” means 'Olives' and this village was once famous for its abundance of olive trees. The olives were grown and harvested here and taken for pressing into oil at the adjacent village down the hill ,on the way to Victoria which is called Ghasri (meaning the ''pressing place'' ). Zebbug is an old hilltop village with exotic views. The village's highest spot is marked by its parish church and the customary stone cross in front of it. Except for the coastal portions of Qbajjar and Marsalforn, the villagers of Zebbug actually live on two hills connected by a narrow strip of land. The land drops abruptly all around. This can be experienced along the road to Qbajjar and Marsalforn. Here you will see that Zebbug commands spectacular views over the coast , land and sea. Another steep hill at Zebbug is the flat topped Ta’ Kuljat, which contains some bronze age silo pits. The area between this hill and Qbajjar to the north contains many Punic and Pre-Historic tombs. The villagers are known for the high quality of their (Bizzilla) lace, weaving and woolen blankets. Their religious values are untarnished, as judged for example from the high priority given to the maintenance of street niches. Included with Zebbug is a good portion of Gozo's north shore, which is characterized by some scenic inlets, natural bluffs and man-made salt pans. At Wied il-Ghasri, one of the islands beauty spots, quaint boat shelters align the narrow canyon, which also offers a secluded small sandy beach. Our unique location blessed with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea offers a quiet place to get away from it all. At the same time, all amenities are close by. Seafront restaurants, supermarkets, beaches, diving, boat trips to Comino & Blue Lagoon, historical and cultural places are just 5 minutes drive away. For those who want to feel the remote life of a typical rural village, one can buy the fresh bread from the 8am van. Also the fish vendor and fruit and vegetable van come everyday infront of the house. For those who do not want to cook after a whole day exploring the island, one can visit Francesco’s Pizzeria in the village centre just 100m away from the house, and help himself at the hearty pizza at a very good price. Gozo’s traditional dishes include the sheep cheese filled ravioli, the “bragioli”, the local ftira, the mouthwatering fresh fish especially the “lampuki” pie and the “pastizzi”. On their day of arrival, our special guests are served with local delicacies including crunchy traditional pastizzi, sheep peppered cheese served with galletti…a heaven for those who love typical cuisine. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE... •WALKING AND CYCLING Holidays during Spring and Autumn (Guided walking guide booklets are available for free from our accommodation) •Snorkelling and diving in Gozo which is attributed to have the best diving spots in the Mediterranean. Further information available from our accommodation. •Carnival is celebrated on the five days preceding Ash Wednesday. It usually falls in February. Initiated during the Aragonese rule (before 1530), the celebration has continued to grow and expand. Colorful artistic floats, grotesque masks and dance companies of all ages and sexes parade the streets of the town and the main villages throughout the whole week. Becoming more popular is the spontaneous carnival organised after sunset in the village of Nadur. Hundreds of people walk up and down the main street dressed in comically distorted figures and the most imaginative and creative costumes and masks to conceal their identity. •The week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, known in the Christian calendar as Holy Week, is full of religious and folkloristic shows. The central event is the Good Friday procession during which several life-size statues representing various moments from the passion and death of Christ are paraded through the village streets of Zebbug. Several men make vows to walk in the procession carrying a heavy cross or dragging heavy iron chains tied to their ankles. They wear hoods to conceal their identity. Scores of boys and young men are dressed in period costumes to add to the pageantry of the manifestation. Most impressive is the Roman legion, a gleam of breastplates, spears and shields and who announce themselves with trumpets and drum rolls. The procession is accompanied by the village band. •On Easter afternoon there is a procession with the statue of the Risen Christ in our village. When the statue reaches the village square, the bearers stop for a moment and then return the Risen Christ inside the church with a run. •Strawberries festival in April - Festa Frawli Mgarr Malta (Transfers to and from accomodation available on request) •Malta International Fireworks Festival Spectacular pyrotechnic event between APRIL - MAY. (Transfers to and from accomodation on request) •The Medieval Mdina Festival takes place in May. The festival focuses on re-enactments, pageantry and floral displays. Activities also include a medieval street market, jousting, a display of birds of prey, as well as medieval games for everyone. Entrance fees for all museums and attractions in Mdina have been reduced. Details of dates to be given later. (Transfers to and from accommodation are available on request). •The Malta Jazz Festival takes place in July of every year. •Local folklore reaches its climax during the Village festas – During June to September there are celebrations every weekend in a different village. A festa worthy of the name is made up of illuminations, brass bands, fireworks and a procession. End of August is Festa of Santa Maria at Zebbug our village with a whole week of celebrations and spectacular fireworks during the weekend. Detailed program available from our accommodation. •Nadur Wine Festival - Delicata Wine Festival at Nadur during last week of August (every day from 6pm till midnight). Public transport from and to the festival. •Festival Mediterranea October-November of every year. An annual event on the Island of Gozo, Festival Mediterranea offers all that Gozo boasts of in the cultural and artistic arena. This mid-autumn festival has an island-wide aspect, with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor events. Music concerts dominate the celebrations, but there are also international conferences, walks and talks in ancient and historic places, field trips, food and drink events and art exhibitions. Festival Mediterranea offers visitors a great opportunity to learn about Gozo's temples and archaeological sites through a series of lectures and visits. •Betlehem at Ghajnsielem Christmas village in Gozo Visit the island of Gozo in December and experience Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem - the largest animated Christmas village in Europe. Guest access Guests will have access to all the house. In case of a couple, only one bedroom will be prepared so one of the bedrooms will be closed unless requested by the guests. Kindly note that the third bedroom is accessed by stairs from the blue bedroom. It is an open loft but curtains can be used for privacy. Other things to note Price for 2 persons use main blue bedroom with ensuite and washing machine. Price for up to 4 persons is when using blue bedroom and loft Please note that the loft is an open plan bedroom and is accessible from the blue bedroom. Curtains are available for privacy. If 4 people are staying and the bedroom on ground floor is needed instead of the loft then a fee of €40 applies. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE FREE WIFI unlimited Bed linen, towels and beach towels in summer Breakfast items for the morning after (with stays of at least a week) Some toiletries Reading materials and maps NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Use of spa. Airconditioning however we give some electricity units for this purpose. Damage deposit starting from €350 is to be paid on arrival. This is refunded up to 48 hours after departure. A tax of about 4-5% collected on arrival. The City tax is €0.50/night up to a maximum of €5/stay. Prices are per person from 18 years of age. Late check-in fee from 10pm till 6am of €25 Fire wood Extra bed linen and towels above than those included in the price. Hiring of beach umbrellas, bikes and car hire Final Cleaning unless specified (kitchen things not included and need to be left clean and towel dried). Kindly note that: No more people above those stated in the booking can stay in the house. Parties are not allowed. Place has some low doors and a low shower area. Place is not ideal for people with mobility problems due to a number of steps in the house.