Gozo is the second largest island in Malta, but it feels very different from the busy streets of Valletta or St Julian’s. Life is slower here. The roads are quiet, the cafés are peaceful, and the towns feel friendly and relaxed. This creates a perfect environment for students who want to learn English without too many distractions. You can focus on your lessons, talk to locals in everyday situations, and enjoy a beautiful natural setting at the same time.
English is used everywhere in Gozo. Schools, shops, bus stops, and local businesses all use English daily because it is an official language of Malta. Students attending an English school in Gozo benefit from this natural exposure, since it helps them practise the language outside the classroom in simple, everyday situations.
To understand Gozo, it helps to know that Malta is not one single island. It is a small group of islands in the Mediterranean. The three main ones are Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is the largest island and the capital city Valletta is located there.
Gozo is the second largest island, so when we say “second largest”, we mean the island itself, not a city or district. It has its own small towns and villages, such as Victoria, which is also known as Rabat.
Life on Gozo feels very different from Malta’s main island. The pace is much slower and the environment is more peaceful. Streets are quiet, people take their time, and the island has a calm, local character. This creates a very comfortable atmosphere for learning English.
close to the silence of a library. It’s the kind of quiet that helps your mind focus on learning without distractions.
Compared to places like St Julian’s, where students and nightlife fill the streets, Gozo is more relaxed. Tourism exists, but it is not crowded. This means you hear English in everyday situations, not only around language schools. Conversations in cafés, small shops, and markets feel more authentic and personal.
Nature is also a big part of the experience. Gozo is known for its cliffs, fishing villages, and beautiful countryside. You can practice English while exploring the island, walking through Victoria’s old streets, or visiting quiet coastal areas. It feels less like a “busy study zone” and more like an open air classroom.
For learners who want focus, calm surroundings, and real interaction with locals, Gozo offers a unique and very supportive environment.
Gozo isn’t just the second largest island in Malta. It’s also one of the places where English is used most naturally in everyday life. From ordering coffee to taking the bus, real-life practice happens almost everywhere on the island.
English Language Schools in Gozo
Gozo may be a small island, but it offers a few well known English language schools that attract students who prefer a peaceful study environment. The most popular option is BELS Gozo, and there are also some small boutique schools that focus on very small groups or one to one lessons. The slower pace of the island makes all of these options feel calm and student friendly.
BELS Gozo
BELS is the best known English school on the island. It is located in the village of Kerċem, close to Victoria. The school is modern, small, and designed for focused learning. Class sizes are usually between eight and twelve students, which is ideal for active participation. Many students choose BELS because teachers provide personal attention and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
The school also organises outdoor activities such as walks, cultural tours, and small group excursions. These activities help students practise English in real situations and make friends from different countries. Since Gozo is quieter than Malta’s main island, lessons outside the classroom feel more natural and relaxed.
Small and Boutique Options
Gozo also has a few small learning centres and home tuition programs. One example is Ta Óneira, which offers mini group lessons with a maximum of four students. This type of course is perfect for students who want intensive practice, personalised feedback, and a quiet environment. These boutique schools focus on conversation, everyday English, and confidence building.
Cost of Living and Lifestyle in Gozo
Gozo has a quieter lifestyle than Malta’s main island and this is also reflected in the cost of living. Prices are generally lower than in cities like St Julian’s, Sliema, or Valletta. Students who come for an English school in Gozo often say that the island feels peaceful, safe, and less commercial. It is a good option for learners who want calm days, nature, and a slower rhythm.
Accommodation
Accommodation prices in Gozo are usually more affordable. Shared apartments, host family rooms, and student residences cost less compared to Malta’s busy areas.
- Shared apartment: around 450 to 700 euro per month
- Host family: around 200 to 300 euro per week, including meals
- Private apartment: lower than Malta’s main island, depending on the area
Because Gozo is small, many students choose to stay close to Victoria, the main town. It has shops, cafés, banks, and easier transport.
Food and Daily Expenses
Groceries and eating out are cheaper than in Malta. Small restaurants and local bakeries offer good prices, and many students cook at home to save even more.
- Lunch at a café: 10 to 15 euro
- Coffee: 2 to 3 euro
- Weekly groceries: around 40 to 60 euro
- Bus ticket: 2 to 3 euro
Local markets and small shops make everyday life comfortable. The island is relaxed, and people take their time, so the general atmosphere supports slow living and stress free routines.
Transportation
The Tallinja Card is accepted in Gozo because the island uses the same bus network as Malta. Students can travel between towns like Victoria, Xlendi, Marsalforn, and the ferry terminal with their regular card, just like on the main island.
The only difference is that Gozo buses run less often, but the distances are short, so getting around is still easy. Many students walk, use bicycles, or stay close to their school.
Gozo Bucket List: Things You Should Not Miss
Gozo is small, but it is full of beautiful places and unique experiences. Many students who attend an English school in Gozo also explore the island during their free time. Here is a simple bucket list for learners and travellers who want to enjoy the island to the fullest.
Explore the Citadel in Victoria
The Citadel is the heart of Gozo. Walk through its old stone streets, visit the museums, and enjoy a wide view of the entire island from the top. It feels peaceful and historic at the same time.
Swim or Relax at Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is the island’s most famous beach. The sand is a warm red color and the water is clear. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or spending a slow afternoon by the sea.
Visit Xlendi for Sunset
Xlendi Bay is small, calm, and very romantic. The cliffs around the bay make the sunset look magical. Many students go there after class to relax, walk, or enjoy a simple dinner.
Walk to the Inland Sea and Dwejra
This area shows Gozo’s wild and natural beauty. The Inland Sea, Dwejra cliffs, and the famous Blue Hole are popular for diving and photography. Even if you do not dive, the views are amazing.
Visit Marsalforn Promenade
Marsalforn is a lively seaside town with cafés, restaurants, and a friendly atmosphere. It is a nice place for evening walks, ice cream, or a simple dinner by the water.
See the Salt Pans in Xwejni
The Xwejni Salt Pans are hundreds of small salt pools shaped into the rock. They look different from everything else on the island and make great photos.
Take a Ferry to Comino
Comino is very close to Gozo. Many students visit the Blue Lagoon for a day to enjoy the bright blue water. The island is quiet and perfect for swimming and short walks.
Taste Local Food
Try ftira, Gozo cheeselets, pastizzi, local honey, and seafood. Gozo’s food is simple, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
Join a Boat Tour
Boat tours around Gozo and Comino show caves, cliffs, and hidden bays. It is a relaxing way to see the island from the water and practise English with other travellers.
Visit Ta’ Pinu Basilica
This beautiful church stands alone in the countryside. The area around it feels peaceful and calm, and the architecture is impressive.
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