Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are Safety Regulations the same as in the UK?
A. The answer is no – Please take into account the following points when travelling to Gozo with children or elderly relatives.
- Some staircases may not have handrails with enclosed balustrades.
- Balconies with railings should be checked to ensure that young children cannot squeeze through the gaps.
- Most roof terraces only have low walls
- Marble and tiled floors are very dangerous when wet. This is a serious point and applies to all apartments, villas and farmhouses on Gozo.
- Many villas and farmhouses have direct access to swimming pool areas. If you require a property with gated access to the pool, please advise us when booking your holiday.
- Properties that have achieved MTA accreditation have a number of safety benefits as standard, including emergency lighting, wall safe, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, gas detector, smoke alarms etc.
- Old farmhouse buildings can be dangerous where young children are concerned. Parents must make sure that their youngsters are supervised at all times.
Q. Can I book my flights through Gozo Villas?
A. The answer is no – we suggest you go to Useful Links on this website where you will find the main airlines that serve Malta.
Q. Do the Maltese speak English?
A. Most Maltese and Gozitans speak
good English, as this is taught as their second language in school. Some peasant
farmers and fishermen in the villages are not so easy to understand!
Q. Do we need a Passport or Visa?
A. Yes and No! – The Maltese Islands are now part of the EU. However
you do need a Passport, but do not need a Visa unless you are coming from a non
EU country.
Q. Do we need plug adapters?
A. No – The electricity is the same as
in the UK, 240 volts and they
use standard 3 pin plugs as fitted in the UK.
Q. Do we need to take an Iron or hairdryer?
A. Most properties do have both an
iron and ironing board, plus at least one hairdryer. If your chosen property is
MTA accredited then these items will be included.
Q. Do we need Travel Insurance?
A. Although you are not booking
a "package" holiday, we suggest that all clients take out holiday insurance to
cover all eventualities. Please remember that you are personally liable for any
damage howsoever caused by you to the property you are renting during your
holiday.
Q. How can I pay for my holiday and when is the balance due?
A. 25% deposit is payable on reservation, with the remainder being due 8 weeks before departure. Payment can be made by personal cheque in GBP sterling or by direct bank transfer (details on request) Please also read our Terms & Booking Conditions.
Q. How quiet are the Villages?
A. The island of Gozo is predominantly a farming community and during the summer months, when the weather is hot, farm workers leave for the fields just after dawn, to avoid the heat of the day.
This also means that you may well be woken by farmyard animals, such as chickens, sheep, cows and dogs as the village comes to life.
This varies from village to village, and also depends on the time of year, but you have to be tolerant to a point, as this is the Mediterranean way of life, and you are a guest in their country.
Q. Is Linen and Towels provided?
A. The answer is Yes. All bed linen,
hand and bath towels are provided, with the exception of beach towels. All linen
is changed weekly.
Q. Is there a Telephone and/or Internet Connection?
A. Most properties do have telephones. From the local village store you can purchase a telephone credit card, that range between £3.50 - £10.00. Having entered the code number into the telephone you will be able to use up the units you have purchased.
Some properties have access to the Internet, this is shown on the View Details page under Facilities.
Q. Is there much building work going on?
A. Gozo is a conservation island, so
there are no high rise apartment blocks or hotels being built, however there are
a number of old derelict buildings dotted around the island that over the years
are being refurbished into private dwellings. Often starting without warning,
building may be intermittent in nature. Usually we are unaware of such works
until they actually commence. However our local office will make every effort to
get the work delayed for the duration of your holiday, and being a small island
they are usually successful!
Q. What Currency do we need?
A. The local currency is the Euro. You can obtain this currency in the UK from your bank. You can also take Travellers Cheques if you wish.
There are a number of "hole in the wall" cash machines in both Malta and Gozo, so getting cash is not a problem. Most shops, restaurants etc. will take "plastic" as well. Some petrol stations do not accept "plastic" so keep some cash on you.
Q. What time can we arrive at the farmhouse and what time do we have to vacate on the day of departure?
A.
Check-in can be any time after 4.0
pm on the day of arrival and check-out must be by 10.0 am on the day of
departure. This is to allow time for the property to be cleaned before new
guests arrive.
(It may be possible to deviate from
these times depending on the bookings schedule. You would need to discuss this
with our local office in Gozo when you arrive.)
Q. Where can I get advice about travelling abroad?
A. The best source of information is the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. You can call them from the UK on 0845 850 2829 or visit their website under Useful Links
Q. Will there be any food at the farmhouse when we arrive?
A. Yes - Each owner supplies a Welcome Pack which contains the basic essentials to last you until the next day.
Please bear in mind that in the Maltese Islands it is not usual for owners to supply toilet rolls, washing up liquid, dishwasher or washing machine powder etc. These you can purchase on your first shopping trip. This applies to all self catering holidays
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