The tiny fishing village of Marsaxlokk is one of the best day trips from Valletta. Sheltered from the full fury of the wild Mediterranean by its prime position at the end of a large bay, Marsaxlokk is steeped in history and is frequently cited in guidebooks as a must-see spot in Malta.
Despite being located on the island’s remote southeastern corner, Marsaxlokk is easily accessible from Malta’s larger towns and cities. It is worth taking a day trip to this charming village to admire the colourful harbour, check out the fish market and stroll the village’s alluring streets.
Whether visiting for a couple of hours or a full day out, here are our top 8 brilliant things to see and do on your trip to Marsaxlokk.
How to get to Marsaxlokk from Valletta
Marsaxlokk is just 7km from Valletta, Malta’s storied capital city.
There are two easy ways to get from Valletta to Marsaxlokk:
- By car: There is a large public car park near the harbour in Marsaxlokk. The 13.5-kilometre route from Valletta will take just over 20 minutes. At the time of writing, the car park is free.
- By public transport: In our opinion, the best way to get from Valletta to Marxalokk is by bus. The 81 or 85 buses offer the most direct route. You can buy tickets on board from the driver.
1. Admire the colourful boats of Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk harbour is home to hundreds of charming, brightly-coloured fishing boats known as Luzzu (single) or Luzzijet (plural). Painted in vibrant blues, yellows and reds, the luzzijet are a symbol of this tiny Maltese village.
The history of Marsaxlokk’s iconic fishing boats dates back to the Phoenecian times when they were used by the island’s fishermen. The Phoenician extra ended in 300 BCE, and nearly two millennia later, these sturdy wooden boats still sit on Marsaxlokk’s Mediterranean shores.
One of the most iconic features of the luzzijet is the eye of Osiris. These intriguing, piercing eyes adorn the bow of each boat – a tradition dating back to ancient times.
Today, the boats delight the thousands of tourists who stream into the village from Valletta and the surrounding cities. Bobbing gently in the water, the boats adorn postcards and paintings alike. On one of Malta’s famous blue-sky days, the combination of sky, sea and luzzijet makes for a vibrant scene.
2. Visit the Marsaxlokk fish market
Historically, the famous Marsaxlokk fish market has been a jewel in the crown of this tiny village. With dozens of stalls offering everything from freshly-caught fish to colourful vegetables, it’s little wonder this tiny community comes to life on market days. When the spectacle is in full swing, the market is a highlight of any day trip to Marsaxlokk.
These days, it’s not just the Marsaxlokk locals who descend on the market. As word has spread, the market has become a firm fixture on the Malta tourist trail. If you want to experience the Marsaxlokk fish market for yourself, make sure to check the opening times. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
When: The Marsaxlokk fish market takes place on Sundays, with stalls typically open from 8am – although some of the fish stalls can open earlier.
A word of warning: Whilst the fish market is frequently cited as a major attraction, it has been losing its authenticity in recent years. If you want to admire fresh fish, arrive as early as possible. Once all the fish is sold, many stalls simply sell goods aimed squarely at the thousands of tourists who descend on the market at peak times.
Read next: How to explore Malta’s Three Cities by ferry from Valletta.
3. Wander the streets and stroll the promenade of Marsaxlokk harbour
One of our favourite things to do in Marxaxlokk is simply to walk. On a pleasant day, with blue skies overhead and a cooling sea breeze, the harbour and side streets make for a lovely place to stroll.
Enjoy the sound of the water lapping at the seafront. Catch a glimpse of waves cracking against distant rocks, with the ugly Delimara Power Station providing a bizarre contrast to the picture-perfect village scene. As you stroll along the promenade, daily life in Marsaxlokk will catch your eye.
From fishermen mending their nets to restauranteurs setting up for their day’s business, the waterfront is a hive of activity. Benches stand every few metres, providing the perfect opportunity to sit, relax and take it all in.
4. Grab lunch at Roots Restaurant
Given Marsaxlokk’s heritage as a sleepy fishing village, it would be a shame to leave without sampling the seafood.
One of the best places to eat in Marsaxlokk is Roots Restaurant, whose tempting selection of local dishes showcases the best of Mediterranean cuisine. From crispy calamari to a decadent seafood platter, this family-run restaurant serves up a treat.
What’s more, Roots occupies a prime location overlooking the harbour. A small selection of tables offers al-fresco dining – the perfect accompaniment for your day trip to Marsaxlokk.
Top tip: Make sure you book a table – this is a popular spot, particularly during peak season.
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5. Explore the Church of Our Lady of Pompei
Standing in a prime position just a stone’s throw from the water, the Church of Our Lady of Pompei dates back to the 19th century. Built to support Marsaxlokk’s ever-growing population of fishermen and their families, today, the Roman Catholic church still welcomes worshippers and tourists alike.
If you visit when the church is closed, make sure to spend a few minutes admiring the ornate exterior. In particular, cast your gaze towards the rooftop above the entrance. Here, a Madonna and Child statue stands, appropriately, at the bow of a boat – a perfect symbol of Marsaxlokk.
5. Take a boat trip onto the water during your day in Marsaxlokk
Whilst Marsaxlokk’s luzzijet boats bring eye-catching charm and show-stopping colour in abundance, we recommend experiencing them for yourself on a boat trip.
A handful of individuals and small companies offer boat trips that take in the sights around Marsaxlokk’s Harbour. They include Marsaxlokk local Charlie, who has been exploring the waters around the village since he was a child and offers trips around Marsaxlokk and beyond in his traditional Luzzu.
Whether you decide to take a short tour around the harbour or venture further around Malta’s rocky coast, a trip on a Luzzu is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Marsaxlokk.
How to do it: Charlie’s Boat Trips can be contacted through Facebook.
Read next: The best local foods to try in Malta
7. Make the journey to the Tarxien Temples
For such a small island, Malta boasts a wealth of sites rich in ancient history. The prehistoric Tarxien Temples are among the finest of these sites, and it is well worth stopping to admire them when making the journey to Marsaxlokk.
Dating back to 3150 BC, the temples are a remarkably well-preserved example of megalithic architecture. Recognised by UNESCO, the Tarxien Temples visitor complex does a fine job of bringing the history of this fascinating place to life.
How to do it: The Tarxien Temples are a short stroll from the 81 bus route between Valletta and Marsaxlokk.
8. Take a short trip to St Peter’s Pool from Marsaxlokk
A short journey southeast from Marsaxlokk towards the tip of Delimara Point, St Peter’s Pool is one of the jewels in the crown of Malta’s coast. With exceptional views over the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, this stunning bay is a popular swimming and snorkelling spot.
On a sunny day, visitors and locals travel from Marsaxlokk and beyond in their hundreds for a day of relaxation in sublime surroundings. Most people choose to lay their towels down amidst the amphitheatre of blindly-white limestone, which provides a popular cliff-jumping spot. From here, the highest jump is around five meters above the sea – caution should be taken if you decide to leap.
How to do it: St Peter’s Pool is a seven-minute drive from Marsaxlokk. Alternatively, you can walk from the 3-kilometre route from the centre of the village in under 40 minutes. Make sure to take plenty of water.