Clews House | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Qala

Qala sits at the easternmost edge of Gozo, a compact island measuring just 7km by 13km, where a luxury villa rental in this quiet village places you within walking distance of local tavernas, village squares, and some of the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Clews House is a three-bedroom, four-bathroom property built from local stone with traditional Maltese architectural details—curved walls, domed ceilings, and intricate tilework—that commands views across the Dahlet Qorrot valley toward Malta and the island of Comino beyond.

Inside Clews House

Clews House sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, arranged across a single ground floor that orbits a central courtyard. The layout is designed for both privacy and congregation: each bedroom opens onto the courtyard, yet common spaces remain distinct enough for quiet reading or work.

The master bedroom features a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom fitted with both bath and shower—the kind of bedroom where you wake to soft Mediterranean light and the distant sound of goat bells from the valley below. Bedroom two offers another king-size bed, while bedroom three provides two single beds, making it ideal for children or friends preferring separate sleeping arrangements. A shared family bathroom with shower, basin, and WC serves the second and third bedrooms.

The living area occupies the villa’s heart, a light-filled space beneath a domed ceiling with a sofa bed, wooden furniture in natural dark tones, and a television with satellite and streaming access. This room flows directly onto the pool terrace through tall double doors—perfect for keeping an eye on swimmers while relaxing indoors during the heat of midday.

The dining area accommodates six guests around a polished wooden table, positioned to catch both morning light and the sight-lines to your terrace beyond. A desk and chair sit nearby, practical for anyone balancing work emails with holiday time.

The kitchen runs white and light-wood, fully equipped for self-catering with modern appliances, or you can arrange a private chef (additional fee applies) to handle meal preparation entirely. A laundry room with washing machine and iron-and-board complete the practical spaces. A water dispenser provides chilled drinking water—a small luxury in the Gozo heat.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The private swimming pool measures 9 metres by 4 metres—long enough for proper swimming, generous enough for lounging without crowding. The pool terrace is sheltered by tall pine trees that provide dappled shade across six blue sun loungers, each paired with a parasol angled to catch views rather than block them. This outdoor room transforms at dusk: the light softens from bright white to amber to deep orange, and the Dahlet Qorrot valley below shifts through shades of purple and indigo.

Outdoor dining happens at a six-person wooden table positioned to face the sunset. A built-in barbecue allows you to grill fish or meat while standing at the terrace edge, watching the horizon darken. The stone-tiled terrace itself is extensive—large enough that six people feel spacious rather than cramped, yet intimate enough to feel gathered rather than scattered.

Location: Qala and the Surrounding Area

Qala village itself is small, rural, and deliberate in its pace. You reach it by ferry: flights arrive at Malta International Airport, roughly 47km south; from there, transfer north to Ċirkewwa Harbour (approximately 50 minutes by car), then take the frequent 24-hour ferry service (20-minute crossing) to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. From Mgarr, Clews House is a straightforward 4km drive eastward through quiet roads lined with stone walls and wild herbs.

The immediate surroundings reward exploration on foot. Within walking distance, local restaurants serve rabbit stew, fresh fish, and village-made pasta. The Belvedere viewpoint overlooking the Comino Channel and the Church of St Mary of the Rocks sit minutes away—both offer vantage points that explain why this corner of Gozo has inspired painters and photographers for centuries.

Beaches within 5-15km include Dahlet Qorrot itself (unspoilt pebbles and swimming from rocks), Iz-Zewwieqa Bay with its distinctive pale sand, and Hondoq ir-Rummien (2km away), where calmer waters suit families and water sports are well-established. The famous red-sand Rambla beach lies 5km south—worth a day trip for its distinctive geology and seaside restaurants.

Mgarr Harbour, the main port village, sits 4km west and retains the character of a working fishing port. The promenade bustles with traditional wooden boats, waterfront restaurants serving catch-of-the-day, and the impressive gothic Lourdes Chapel. The sculpture of the Three Graces marks the harbour entrance—a landmark visible from many vantage points across the island.

Victoria (Ir-Rabat), Gozo’s capital, lies 7km inland and deserves a half-day visit. The Bronze Age Citadel dominates the skyline—a fortified settlement continuously inhabited since Neolithic times. Below, Independence Square hosts a traditional market, independent cafés, and the grandeur of the 17th-century Baroque Basilica of St George. Villa Rundle Public Gardens, established by the British in 1910, provide shaded walking paths and botanical collections. The city also houses theatres, museums, and opera venues for cultural evenings.

Comino—the tiny island between Gozo and Malta—sits 2km offshore. A ferry from Mgarr Harbour (30 minutes) reaches this largely uninhabited nature reserve, famous for the Blue Lagoon’s crystalline waters, snorkeling sites, and the Knights’ fortification of Comino Tower. The island hosts no cars and minimal development, making it feel genuinely removed from the modern world.

Historical sites pepper the island: the Ggantija Temples, 6km from Clews House, rank among the world’s oldest free-standing stone structures (older than Stonehenge) and are UNESCO World Heritage listed. The Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs rise 100 metres and form part of a coastal nature reserve with walking trails and endemic flora.

Best months to visit Qala: April through June offers warm temperatures (22-28°C), wildflowers still blooming, and beaches not yet packed. September through November reverses this pattern—warm seas (still 24°C+ in November), clear skies, and fewer tourists. July and August bring intense heat, though night-time cooling on the terrace is remarkable. Winter (December-February) is mild (15-18°C) and occasionally wet, but rarely cold enough to prevent outdoor living.

Explore our luxury villas in Malta for properties on the main island, or browse our full collection in Qala for other village-based options.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Clews House is purpose-built for groups of 6—two couples sharing, three families with older children, or a multigenerational gathering (grandparents, adult children, grandchildren). The layout allows privacy in bedrooms but encourages shared meals and evening aperitifs on the terrace. The pool suits families with children aged 5 and up; younger toddlers can use the shallow end, though supervision is essential. The village location appeals to guests who prefer quiet authenticity over resort energy; if you want nightclubs and beach bars, this is not your villa. It suits photographers (the light in Dahlet Qorrot is exceptional), couples seeking peaceful togetherness, and multi-generational families wanting space to breathe without activity schedules. Remote workers find the Wi-Fi reliable and the domed-ceiling living room a genuinely pleasant workspace. Those with mobility limitations should note that the property is single-storey but does involve some steps onto the pool terrace.

Practical Information

Capacity: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. The living area’s sofa bed can accommodate a 7th guest if needed, though comfort diminishes beyond 6.

Nearest airport: Malta International Airport (MLA), 47km south. Allow approximately 1.5 hours for transfer to Ċirkewwa Harbour (including ferry wait), then 20 minutes by sea to Gozo, then 10 minutes by car to the villa. Total journey time: 2-2.5 hours.

Nearest supermarket: Qala village centre has small grocery shops within walking distance (500m). Larger supermarkets (Lidl, Carrefour) exist in Victoria (7km) and at Mgarr Harbour (4km). Grocery delivery can be arranged via the concierge.

What is included: Air conditioning throughout, Wi-Fi, satellite TV with international channels and streaming apps, bed linen and bath towels, pool access, parking on-site, basic kitchen equipment. Weekly housekeeping can be arranged (additional fee).

What is not included: Food, beverages, private chef (can be arranged separately), yoga classes (available locally via concierge).

Check-in: Typically 4pm; early arrival can sometimes be accommodated with notice.

Special services: Airport transfers are available (additional fee). A private chef can cook breakfast, dinner, or full meal plans (additional fee; discuss dietary requirements in advance).

Frequently Asked Questions about Clews House

How many guests does Clews House sleep?

Clews House accommodates 6 guests as standard: one king bed in the master bedroom, one king bed in bedroom two, and two single beds in bedroom three. The living area sofa bed provides a 7th sleeping space if required, though this reduces comfort for sitting areas. Cots (cribs) and high chairs can be provided for infants and toddlers, making it suitable for families with young children.

What is the nearest airport to Clews House in Gozo?

There is no airport on Gozo itself. All guests fly to Malta International Airport (MLA), approximately 47km south of Clews House. The transfer journey takes roughly 2-2.5 hours total: 50 minutes by car to Ċirkewwa Harbour, 20 minutes by ferry across to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, then 10 minutes by car to the villa. Airport transfers can be arranged through the concierge for a set fee.

What is the best time of year to rent Clews House?

April through June offers ideal conditions: temperatures between 22-28°C, wildflowers blooming throughout the Gozo countryside, and manageable tourist numbers. The sea reaches 20-22°C—comfortable for swimming. September through November provides warm seas (still 24°C+ in November), clear skies, and fewer crowds; this is also excellent for hiking and snorkeling. July and August bring intense heat (30-35°C) and peak tourism, though the terrace’s pine-tree shade and evening breezes remain pleasant. Winter (December-February) is mild (15-18°C) and occasionally rainy, but rarely prevents outdoor living. Avoid January and early February if you dislike unpredictable weather.

Is Clews House suitable for families with children?

Yes, with important caveats. The private 9m x 4m pool is safe and supervised from the terrace, suitable for children aged 5 and up. Cots and high chairs are available for infants and toddlers. The villa’s ground-floor layout means no stairs between bedrooms and living areas—practical for young families. Nearby Hondoq ir-Rummien beach (2km away) has shallow, calm water ideal for small children. However, the village of Qala itself is quiet and car-dependent; there are no kids’ clubs, theme parks, or organized children’s activities on the island. Families bringing children should plan their own entertainment: beach days, snorkeling, the Blue Lagoon, temple explorations, and local walks. The lack of organized childcare means parents share responsibility fully.

What is included in the rental price at Clews House?

The rental includes air conditioning throughout the villa, Wi-Fi broadband, satellite TV with international channels and streaming services (Netflix, etc.), bed linens and bath towels, pool access and maintenance, on-site parking, and full kitchen equipment for self-catering. Basic household supplies (toilet paper, dish soap) are provided on arrival. Pool heating is included during cooler months. Weekly housekeeping can be added for an extra fee. Utilities (electricity, water) are included. Food, beverages, and restaurant meals are separate costs. A private chef can be arranged for an additional daily rate.

What restaurants and shops are near Clews House?

Qala village itself contains small grocery shops and at least two traditional tavernas within walking distance (5-10 minutes on foot). These serve local specialties: rabbit stew (coniglio), fresh fish, handmade pasta, and Gozo wine. The nearby Belvedere viewpoint area has a café. Victoria (7km away, 10-minute drive) hosts multiple restaurants ranging from casual family-run trattorias to fine-dining establishments, plus an open-air market (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) selling produce, cheese, and local crafts. Mgarr Harbour (4km away) has waterfront fish restaurants and casual eateries. The Blue Lagoon on Comino (ferry-accessible) offers beach bars and restaurants. Supermarkets: small shops in Qala village; larger Lidl and Carrefour in Victoria and Mgarr. A grocery delivery service can be arranged through the concierge if you prefer to stay at the villa.