Why the village of Għarb is the most underrated gem in Gozo
Our chic accommodation at Ogygia Suites is located in Għarb, an extremely quaint village in western Gozo with plenty of beautiful panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
As soon as you step out of our front door, you will find gorgeous countryside settings with fields upon fields leading up to the cliff edge.
But there is also plenty of rich history and culture to discover in this precious locality of less than 2,000 residents.
A brief introduction about Għarb
Boasting mostly rural land alongside stunning seaviews, the name ‘Għarb’ actually derives from the Arabic word for ‘west’.
The charming essence of Għarb can be experienced in the main square, right in front of the gorgeous parish church dedicated to the Visitation of Our Lady.
Dating back to 1729, its baroque style is reminiscent of what you might find in Rome, and it comes to life even more when fully lit up at dusk during the annual village feast, typically celebrated around the first week of July.
The most iconic must-visit landmarks
Apart from the main square church, we highly recommend that you add the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary to your itinerary while in Għarb.
Known alternatively as the Church of Miracles, pilgrims from all over the globe make their way to this sacred location to admire the beautiful architecture and immerse themselves in unforgettable moments of reflection.
Completely surrounded by greenery, the San Dimitri chapel is also worth a visit, and it’s only a few minutes away from Ogygia Suites by foot.
Unusual museums and unique cultural activities
If you’re interested in exploring things off the beaten path, there are two extremely unique museums in Għarb worth mentioning.
Both of them relate to two different saintly figures from Gozo’s history, who are still revered to this day.
The first is the Għarb Folklore Museum dedicated to Frenċ ta’ l-Għarb, a beloved Gozitan faith healer who perplexed doctors pre-World War II with his ability to cure many illnesses using medicinal herbs.
This museum has 28 rooms filled with all kinds of antique tools and artifacts; the perfect place to learn more about Gozitan history and traditions.
The other museum focuses on the story of Karmni Grima, a local peasant from the mid to late 1800s whose alleged mystical religious experience led to the construction of the afore-mentioned Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary.
Finally, we have to mention the Crafts Village in Għarb known as Ta' Dbiegi.
It's a vibrant hub of local artisans where you can not only purchase something unique and handmade as a keepsake of your trip to Gozo, but also meet and speak to the makers themselves.
If this mini-guide has convinced you to not only visit Gozo but potentially also check into Ogygia Suites in Għarb as well, be sure to check out our rates here.
