Located 12 kilometres south-east of Valletta, Marsaxlokk is a typical fishing village with an authentic Maltese flavour. Its harbour is so photogenic that many tourists visit this picturesque town to immortalise the typical ‘luzzu’ or fishing boats in the foreground. It is a place where you can experience authentic Maltese seafaring life. There is also an appealing weekly fish market that attracts locals and visitors alike and is well worth a visit for its uniqueness.
The promenade at Marsaxlokk is surrounded by fishermen’s houses. The harbour is home to approximately 70% of Malta’s fishing fleet. Marsaxlokk is also well known for the gastronomic offer of its many fish and seafood restaurants. On the other hand, there are not many nightlife venues there.
Marsaxlokk’s history
It is said that the first Phoenicians that arrived in Malta landed at Marsaxlokk Bay. Today it has become Malta’s second largest commercial port. It was there that the Turkish fleet arrived during the Great Siege of 1565 and also where Napoleon’s troops moored during the French invasion of 1798. Later, during World War II, it was the base for the British Navy and, in 1989, the famous summit between USSR and US leaders Mikhail Gorbachev and George Bush took place on a warship anchored in its bay.
Things to see in Marsaxlokk
There are many tourist attractions in Marsaxlokk that are well worth a visit. The main ones are as follows:
St. Peters Pool
This is a beautiful natural pool that is sheltered by enormous rocks and has large platforms for sunbathing. There is a small car park nearby.
Ghar Dalam Cave
Also known as the Cave of Darkness, it is the oldest prehistoric site in Malta. It is located 4 kilometres from Marsaxlokk, on the outskirts of Birzebbuga, and has a museum describing the different geological layers of the cave and the skeletal remains of animals that became extinct in the Ice Age. There you will see Palaeolithic cave art as you walk through the cave galleries but you can only visit 50 metres of the almost 150-metre-long cave.
Fish market
Every Sunday in the bustling Marsaxlokk fish exchange, a peculiar fish market is held. We recommend visiting it since you will see many of the marine species that inhabit this part of the Mediterranean. Remember to go early in the morning because, as the hours go by, the fish disappear and the car park is usually full. There is a daily souvenir market where you can buy typical Maltese products such as liqueur, honey and lace, and is often visited by tourists.
Fort Saint Lucian
Also known as Fort Rohan, Fort Saint Lucian was originally built in the 17th century but was renovated in the 18th century and rebuilt by the British in an octagonal shape in the 19th century. Saint Lucian Tower is Malta’s second-largest watchtower.
Church of Our Lady of Pompeii
This is the main church in Marsaxlokk and is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii, which welcomes hundreds of pilgrims every year. The temple was built in 1897.
Marsaxlokk harbour
Together with Valletta, it is Malta’s main port. Much of the island’s fishing activity takes place there. It is also a very photogenic area since there are numerous ‘luzzu’ or fishing boats that give beauty, colour and uniqueness to the harbour.
Marsaxlokk’s boats
The fishing boats in Marsaxlokk (Malta) are probably the most photographed objects in this charming village in the south-east of the island. Their beautiful and varied colours are captured by the cameras of the tourists who go there. The small boats are scattered around the harbour and add a lot of charm to the area. They are green, red or blue, and most are multicoloured but they are all painted with the eye of Osiris because the fishermen believe that this protects them from the ravages of the sea. It is relatively easy to see the fishermen mending their nets, cleaning the fish or painting their boats.
Where to eat in Marsaxlokk
Since the town attracts many tourists, there are numerous restaurants and bars where you can enjoy typical Maltese cuisine. Some of the most famous establishments are Pisces, which has a terrace that is ideal for enjoying fish dishes by the sea, and Hunter’s Tower, located at the end of the harbour, with its delicious local food. The octopus is a must there. Other recommended restaurants include La Nostra Padrona, Roots, La Capanna, T’Annamari, Tartarun and Harbour by Johann.
Where to stay in Malta
If you want to travel to Marsaxlokk on your trip to Malta and stay in a hotel where you are guaranteed rest and comfort, we recommend the Barceló Fortina Malta hotel due to its excellent quality-price ratio. It is a very cosy and comfortable five-star accommodation located on Sliema’s seafront, with fantastic views of the Mediterranean and Valletta. It has 183 very comfortable, modern and equipped rooms with a terrace. It has an international restaurant where you can also enjoy typical Maltese cuisine and a well-equipped spa where you can relax with a treatment, sauna or hammam. In short, it is a true oasis so that you can feel at home (or even better).
