An Affordable European Retirement. Gozo is a peaceful, inexpensive Mediterranean island haven. If you dream of escaping to a sunny island surrounded by the blue sea but you think you can't afford it, Gozo will surprise you. A couple can retire very comfortably in Gozo on an income of $45,000 USD per year or less, including travel back to North America once or twice a year. If you are not ready to retire, Gozo is also an ideal home for telecommuters providing services to North American companies.

A Warm Island and Warm People. Gozo, a small island that is part of the Mediterreanean archipelago state of Malta (one of the EU's newest member countries), is located due south of Sicily and has a population of 30,000 in its capital and surrounding villages. It enjoys hot, sunny summers and mild winter temperatures that rarely drop below 50F at night. The people of Gozo, almost all of whom speak English, are amazingly warm and generous to the "foreigners" who share their island with them and contribute to its economic wellbeing. This island gem is so far nearly undiscovered by North American retirees but hosts a number of British expatriates who have happily settled here.

A Better Lifestyle for Less Money. Money simply goes further in Gozo than in North America's cities and retirement destinations. For example, a very nice furnished apartment with a sea view and shared pool can be leased for less than USD $500 a month and a luxurious, furnished house with three bedrooms, two baths, and and a private courtyard with pool rents for USD $1,200. All services, from haircuts to medical care, are a fraction of their North American cost. Insurance of all sorts, a major expense in litigious America, costs less here. Last but most certainly not least, foreigners here enjoy low tax rates and reciprocal tax treaties with the United States, Canada, and many other countries. Malta is a stable country and property values have been rising steadily in Gozo for a number of years, making home ownership attractive. Non-Maltese people with their own income (from retirement pensions, investments, non-Maltese businesses, and so on) may reside in Malta for as long as they like as temporary residents; there is also an attractive option for permanent residence.

Strong Values and Sophisticated Culture. The society here on Gozo is pastoral and still strongly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church. Much of the traditional Mediterranean food eaten in Malta is grown on Gozo. There are a number of top-notch restaurants and many lovely cafes and wine bars. Music is also very important to Gozitans and the small island is home to not one but two opera houses. The overall pace of life in Gozo is relaxed; nevertheless, when you are craving excitement it is nearby as the main island of Malta with its nonstop nightlife, extensive shopping, and three casinos is only 25 minutes away by ferry.

Scenic Beaches and Historic Points of Interest. Gozo is home to a number of fine beaches and some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the Mediterranean. History is everywhere, reflected in its limestone structures such as prehistoric temples that are the older than Stonehenge and the fortifications built hundreds of years ago to protect this now peaceful island's peasants from marauding invaders. The old crafts of Gozitan villagers are practiced to this day in the form of lacemaking, basketry, spinning and handknitting locally produced wool, and the production of Gozo's own special sheep's cheese.

A Safe and Friendly Home. In Gozo your neighbors say hello and watch out for you. The crime rate throughout Malta is very low and this is particularly true in Gozo where crime as we know it in North America is extraordinarily rare. The government is stable and free from corruption and Gozo's friendly police officers can be seen helping the island's schoolchildren across the busy streets to school in the mornings.

World-Class, Affordable Health Care. Malta's health care system is ranked 5th in the world by the World Health Organization (the United States is at #37) based on the quality and accessibility of its health care services. Gozo has a public general hospital and a private day hospital. Since it costs less to provide health care here there are a number of affordable options for health insurance and permanent residents are entitled to free state health care for life.

A Stepping Stone to Europe. Gozo's position in southern Europe makes it a great base for travel. The international airport is served by a number of carriers and offers direct flights to and from just about any European center you can think of, as well as many destinations throughout Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.