Colorful fishing village on Malta's southeast coast. Known for its Sunday market, traditional luzzu boats, and fresh seafood restaurants along the harbor.
Marsaxlokk, a small fishing village on Malta's southeastern coast, is home to about 3,200 residents. The village is known for its Sunday fish market, where you can buy fresh seafood directly from local fishermen. You'll see colorful traditional fishing boats called luzzus dotting the harbor. Nearby, you can swim at St. Peter's Pool, a natural swimming hole carved into the rocky coastline. The village's name combines "marsa" (harbor) and "xlokk" (southeast) in Maltese.
The Sunday Fish Market
Every Sunday morning, Marsaxlokk's waterfront transforms into an open-air market. Local fishermen sell their fresh catch directly on the quay, while other vendors offer produce, honey, jams, and souvenirs. The market starts early, around 4-5am, when fishermen return with their hauls. By 10am, most of the best seafood is sold, so arrive early for the freshest selection. Even if you're not buying fish, you can observe the lively atmosphere and take photos of the colorful scene.
Traditional Luzzu Fishing Boats
Marsaxlokk's harbor is filled with brightly painted wooden fishing boats called luzzus. These traditional Maltese vessels have a pointed bow and usually have eyes painted on the front - a custom believed to protect fishermen at sea. The boats are painted in vibrant shades of blue, yellow, red and green, contrasting with the blue Mediterranean waters. You can walk along the harbor to see the luzzus up close and watch fishermen mending their nets or preparing for the next day's catch.
Fresh Seafood Restaurants
Marsaxlokk has many seafood restaurants lining its waterfront. Many establishments display the day's fresh catch, allowing you to select your fish before it's cooked. Local dishes include lampuki pie (made with mahi-mahi), grilled octopus, and pasta with sea urchin. Some well-known options include:
- Tartarun: A family-run restaurant serving innovative seafood dishes
- La Nostra Padrona: Serves traditional Maltese cuisine with harbor views
- Terrone: Has a daily-changing menu based on the fresh catch
Make reservations in advance, especially for Sunday lunch when the village gets busy with visitors.
Swimming at St. Peter's Pool
About a 20-minute walk from Marsaxlokk's center lies St. Peter's Pool, a natural swimming hole carved into the rocky coastline. The clear blue waters and flat limestone ledges make it a good spot for sunbathing and swimming. Some visitors jump from the cliffs into the deep waters below. There are no facilities here, so bring water and snacks. The walk from town takes you past limestone cliffs and Mediterranean scrubland, but you can also drive if you have a car.
How to Get to Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is about 12 km (7.5 miles) southeast of Valletta. You have several options to reach the village:
- By bus: Take route 81 or 85 from Valletta bus terminal. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
- By car: It's a 25-30 minute drive from Valletta. There's free parking along the waterfront, but it fills up quickly on Sundays.
- By taxi: A taxi from Valletta costs around €20-25.
If you're coming directly from the airport, bus 119 connects to Marsaxlokk in about 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
While you can visit Marsaxlokk year-round, consider these factors:
- Sundays: The fish market creates a lively atmosphere
- Early mornings: You can see fishermen returning with their catch
- Spring (April-June) or Fall (September-November): The weather is mild and there are fewer visitors
Summer months (July-August) can be very hot and crowded. If you visit in winter, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain.
