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Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 01:25 pm
Although not a hidden gem anymore, Marsaxlokk remains one of Malta’s most photogenic spots and this guide on what to do in Marsaxlokk is all you need to spend an amazing day taking in its charms.
With its astonishing natural beauty and rich local culture, the picturesque town of Marsaxlokk is the ideal place to spend a few days. However, if time isn’t on your side, in this article, you’ll find out what to do in Marsaxlokk in a day.
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Travel Resources To Help You Plan a Trip To Marsaxlokk
Where Is Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a little fishing village in the southeastern part of Malta’s main island, Malta. In the past, it played an important role in Malta’s history as the Ottomans moored there before invading Malta during the Great Siege.
Its hard-to-pronounce name is the Maltese word for Port in The Southeast. Marsaxlokk should be pronounced as marsa-schlok. But even if you can’t pronounce it, you should visit this charming village as it’s one of the best places to visit in Malta.
How To Get To Marsaxlokk
By Public Transport
If you’re staying in the Maltese capital, planning a day trip to Marsaxlokk is one of the best things to do in Valletta. It’s pretty easy to get there from Valletta by public transport. Buses 81 and 85 run daily from Valletta to Marsaxlokk. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
There is also the TD10 direct bus on Sunday mornings, ideal if you want to visit the Marsaxlokk fish market. If you’re staying in other parts of Malta, such as Mdina, Malta’s Silent City, you’ll probably need to change buses. Have a look at the bus lines and timetables to plan your trip.
By Car
If you’re exploring Malta on a road trip, this is the best way to enjoy a day trip to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, leaving you plenty of time to explore the town and its surroundings. Driving to Marsaxlokk takes about 20 to 30 minutes from Valletta, depending on traffic, and 15 minutes from Malta airport. Once in Marsaxlokk, there is a big car park near the harbour.
On a Guided Tour
The most hassle-free way to explore Marsaxlokk is on a guided tour from Valletta. This tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off combines Marsaxlokk with the nearby Blue Grotto, allowing you to see more in less time.
How Long To Stay in Marsaxlokk
Ideally, you should spend a couple of days in Marsaxlokk to enjoy the quaint fishing village and the beautiful beaches nearby. However, if you are on a tight schedule, a day trip gives you enough time to see the main attractions, unlike Gozo which is definitely not a day trip destination, as we explain in our article about the best things to do in Gozo.
If you don’t have an entire day to spare though, a couple of hours are enough for a stroll through the market and a short tour of the natural harbour of Marsaxlokk.
What To Do in Marsaxlokk in One Day
1. Take in The Views of The Iconic Traditional Boats
One of the reasons Marsaxlokk is popular is its beautiful scenery, dotted by the quintessentially Maltese colourful fishing boats. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Marsaxlokk, strolling around the picturesque harbour as you wave hello to the local fishermen and enjoy fantastic views of the little boats that adorn Marsaxlokk Bay tops the list of the best things to do in Marsaxlokk.
These traditional boats date back to the early 20th century when they were used mainly for transfers. Nowadays, the distinctive Maltese boats are used for fishing while some of them are reserved for tourist boat trips.
Painted in bright colours, like blue, green, red and yellow, these traditional wooden boats are called Luzzi (Luzzu in singular). What’s more exciting about the colourful Luzzu boats are the eyes painted on their bows. Originating in the Phoenician times, those eyes are relevant to the Eye of Osiris, an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection.
2. Wander Around Marsaxlokk Market
If you’re wondering what to do in Marsaxlokk on a Sunday, a stop at Marsaxlokk Market is mandatory. The open market is popular because of the Sunday fish market where you can find fresh fish and seafood. By the way, seafood restaurants are also very popular in Marsaxlokk, as they serve fresh seafood and fish from the market.
However, if you are a vegetarian with no interest in the fresh catch of the day, like us, there’s no reason to visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday morning. On all other days of the week from early morning to afternoon, the market is open, with its stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothes to local products. Walking lazily through the colourful market stalls is one of the top things to do in Marsaxlokk in its own right.
3. Admire Marsaxlokk’s Parish Church
A stone’s throw from Marsaxlokk Market is the town’s main square, dominated by the Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei. Constructed when the fishermen built their community in Marsaxlokk, the 19th-century Roman Catholic Church is worth visiting for its lavish interior.
4. Join a Boat Tour To St. Peter’s Pool
One of the best things to do in Marsaxlokk is to join a boat tour along Malta’s southeast coast. Boat tours start from Marsaxlokk harbour, reach St Peter’s Pool and then return to the small port.
St. Peter’s Pool is one of Malta’s most striking natural wonders. Once there, you can stop for a swim in its crystal clear waters if the weather permits and set up a pick-up time for your boat trip back to Marsaxlokk Harbour.
In our opinion, this is the best way to go to this beautiful natural pool if you don’t have a car. But even if you have a car, a boat tour can save you time and trouble as Saint Peter’s Pool is a popular spot and parking space can be limited.
The boat ride to St. Peter’s Pool takes half an hour. Along the way, you can admire gorgeous views of historic constructions, such as Fort Delimara, the 17th-century Fort St. Lucian or Saint Lucian Tower, the iconic lighthouse and several salt pans.
5. Learn The Secrets of Fort Delimara
Overlooking Marsaxlokk Bay, Fort Delimara is one of the fortifications that used to protect the south of Malta and the perfect destination for history enthusiasts. Built by the British on Delimara Point between 1876 and 1888, the fort was in use until 1956 when the British Empire started to decline.
Nowadays, the fort is closed to the public due to restoration works. However, you may be able to visit it by appointment. All you have to do is contact Heritage Malta, which is responsible for Fort Delimara, to try and book a guided tour.
Inside the fortress, you will walk through hidden passages and see military barracks. Yet, the ultimate highlights are the fort’s four of the initial fourteen original Victorian guns. If you’re not a military history enthusiast, another way to enjoy panoramic views of Fort Delimara and its hidden batteries on the cliff face is from the sea by joining a boat tour.
6. Visit a Sustainable Farm
One of the best ways to travel responsibly is to buy local products. The island of Malta has no shortage of local delicacies. A short distance from Marsaxlokk by car, you can find the ideal place to shop for top-quality locally made products. From sea salt to pickled vegetables to soap, Tulliera offers products made on-site on the farm.
The team behind Tulliera have acquired part of the degraded fields of the Delimara Peninsula and transformed them into a farm with a vision for sustainability. Among other projects that promote sustainability in Malta, Tulliera is on a mission to revive native breeds that are in danger of extinction, such as the Maltese black chicken and the Maltese goat.
The farm is not open for walk-in visits but you can contact them to arrange a tour. But even if you don’t manage to book a tour, you can always visit the on-site shop to buy delicious goodies. If you plan to visit Malta in spring, the farm’s flowers are in full bloom. You can get there only by car. Before visiting Tulliera, check the opening hours.
We hope this guide on what to do in Marsaxlokk inspires you to add this true gem of a seaside town to your Malta itineraries. If there are more things to do in Marsaxlokk that we haven’t included in our list, let us know in the comments.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria