Chances are you're surfing the Black Tomato website because you don't fancy a standard European beach holiday this year. Well you've come to right place. We certainly don't do standard, but we do know Europe and we've found the perfect place for those who prefer to stay closer to home. Meet Gozo: no crowded beaches or high-rise hotels; just peace, quiet and rustic charm.
Set in an isolated valley, one kilometre from the beach, on the beautiful Maltese island of Gozo, Tina?s Farmhouse exudes rustic charm. Although only fifteen minutes walk down a cart track to the sea, you will find it hard to tear yourself away from the unusual palm-fringed pool, the cosy, cool, stone and wood interiors, or the master bedroom?s antique four-poster bed. With its own courtyard, we recommend firing up the barbeque to enjoy some tasty local produce with a bottle of wine.
If you can manage to roll off the sun lounger, Gozo has lots to offer the inquisitive visitor by way of culture and atmosphere. We'd recommend jumping in your hire car for a breezy drive around the island: the pretty village of Ghasri is just five minutes away and Victoria, Gozo's gorgeous capital, only fifteen (oh the glories of being on a tiny island). Make sure you spend some time exploring the various local markets for delicious delicacies and get your fill of sand and sea at the beach. The lighthouse is another Maltese must-see, if only for the 360-degree view of the island you'll be rewarded with at the top.
So if sun-drenched days and balmy evenings on an unspoilt Mediterranean hideaway sound like your cup of tea, then you couldn't do better than Veduta. We love it for the spot-on mix of countryside and beachside fun. Oh, and the fact that there isn't a high-rise hotel in sight.
