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Located on Malta’s southeastern coast, the charming village of Marsaxlokk captures the true essence of Maltese culture and local life. Built around a harbour, it is known for its distinctive Maltese boats, the famous Sunday fish market and other unique traditions.
In this complete guide, I outline all the ins and outs you need to know when visiting Marsaxlokk. From the must-see places to the best places to eat and other travel resources, I’m here to help you out!
Marsaxlokk is a natural harbour in the southeastern part of Malta. Tiny but popular thanks to its weekly Sunday open-air market, the town welcomes many locals and tourists alike, all year round, especially in summer.
With the freshest fish and the finest restaurants on the island, secluded swimming spots and beautiful scenery, this town has some of the best things Malta offers. It’s the perfect destination for walks and hikes during the cooler months, as well as boat trips and beach days in the hot summer.
The nightlife is romantic, as you can walk along the seaside on a breezy evening and stop for a drink or an ice cream in one of the bars and gelaterias.
Whether you want to enjoy the freshest seafood at a local restaurant, enjoy a walk along the harbour or enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the nearby beach spots, there are plenty of things you can do when visiting this picturesque fishing village.
Guided tours are a great way to get more information about all the places of interest located in a town or village across the Maltese Islands.
Marsaxlokk is no different; when booking any of the tours listed below, you are not only accompanied by knowledgeable guides but are ultimately promised a fun day out!
This brilliant guided excursion will take you around some of Malta’s beloved attractions. The tour kicks off at Blue Grotto, a natural wonder featuring a myriad of caves and stunning azure waters (not to be confused with Comino’s Blue Lagoon!)
You will then be taken to Marsaxlokk, where you can visit the Sunday market filled with stalls selling fish, clothes and souvenirs. You’ll also enjoy the views of the traditional fishing boats as they float along the harbour.
N.B. The short boat ride to Blue Grotto comes at an extra cost but is recommended when the weather is warm and sunny.
This Round Malta Day Cruisetakes you around some of the main attractions on the island, including Valletta, the Grand Harbour Entrance, Marsascala and St. Thomas Bay, St. Peter’s Pool, Delimara Point and Marsaxlokk Bay. You’ll also get to see the stunning Blue Grotto, the dramatic Dingli Cliffs and the uninhabited islet of Filfa, home to spectacular flora and fauna.
And that’s not all! This boat tour will also take you to a few swimming zones such as Fomm ir-Riħ, Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon and other beaches on Malta’s northern coast, including Mellieħa Bay, St Paul’s Islands, Salina Bay and St Julian’s Bay.
N.B. While this tour leaves from Valletta, it’s quite easy to hop on a bus from Marsaxlokk that will take you directly to the Capital.
With two routes and over 20 stops, the iSee Malta Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers travellers the chance to discover many of the main island’s major attractions in the space of a couple of hours.
The North (Blue) and South (Red) lines take you to places like Mdina; the Silent City, the San Anton Gardens, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, the famous Mosta Dome, Buġibba, the seaside village of Marsaxlokk, the historic Three Cities, the Blue Grotto at Wied iż-Żurrieq and Malta’s Capital City; Valletta.
N.B. Although Marsaxlokk isn’t included in any of the two routes, you can take a public bus to the Blue Grotto and jump on the Hop-on Hop-off bus from there. There are lots of interesting places to discover along the South route, including the Ħaġar Qim Temples and the Three Cities.
If Marsaxlokk is famous for anything, it has to be the Sunday market. Here, local fishermen, bakers, and sellers gather in the village to sell their catch and delicacies.
Word of advice: You must get there as early as possible to find fresh seafood before it sells out! Some locals head there between 6:30 and 7:00 am to catch the first rays of the sunrise and the fishermen coming into Marsaxlokk Bay on their colourful boats.
If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss out on a swim at St Peter’s Pool! You may even catch the famous sea-diving dog, Tina, making a splash with her beloved owner, Carmelo!
If you love fish specialities, there’s no better place to have lunch or dinner than Marsaxlokk. You are simply spoiled for choice with the selection of restaurants lining the picturesque harbour.
Marsaxlokk has its fair share of places of interest near or outside the waterfront. Whether you’re a history buff or a beach-goer, there’s something for everyone here.
Built in 1897 following a promise made by Marquess Rosalia Apap Viani Testaferrata after she was saved from a violent storm at sea, the village’s parish church is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii.
Like many other churches on the island, this parish church houses various works of art. Some of these include remarkable paintings by the renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì and historical statues adorning the interior of the building.
Fort San Luċjan is a bastioned watchtower and fort located south of the village. Originally built by the Knights of Saint John in 1610 and 1611, it is the second of six Wignacourt Towers found all across the island. The fort currently houses the Malta Aquaculture Research Centre, and it is open to the public every Saturday morning.
This nature park stretches over 155,000 square metres in the area of Delimara and Marsaxlokk, offering scenic views of Malta’s southern coastline. It actively educates, demonstrates and researches sustainable environmental solutions, aiming to increase the use of renewable energy and safeguard biodiversity.
This polygonal fort was constructed between 1876 and 1878. Together with Fort Tas-Silġ, Fort San Luċjan, and Fort Bengħajsa, Fort Delimara served its purpose in protecting Marsaxlokk Harbour. Some of its features included a dry ditch, three counter-scarp galleries, the original six 38-ton RML guns, along with hidden passages inside the fortress.
Currently, the fort is not accessible to the public due to coastal erosion along the cliff face. However, you can still appreciate the fascinating history behind it from a distance.
The picturesque village isn’t generally associated with big hotels and resorts; however, there are smaller accommodation options you can book if you would like to extend your stay here.
I’d say it would be a good base for travellers seeking some tranquillity, away from the tourist crowds in busier places like Sliema and St Julian’s.
A newcomer in the area, the Osiris houses 16 chic rooms, most of which have balconies and large apertures. The location is fabulous, just a short distance away from the promenade and the plethora of restaurants in the area.
This family-run guesthouse is right in the heart of Marsaxlokk. Offering 13 rooms with comfy beds and fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea, you can enjoy a lovely stay here.
The Fisherman’s Cove Guesthouse is just steps away from the harbour. The rooms are quite spacious, offering either town or seaside views. You can also swim, sunbathe and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere near the rooftop. Good value for money!
Featuring 8 modern and spacious rooms alongside all the essentials you need, this family-run guesthouse is located quite close to the harbour. A typical continental breakfast alongside some beloved Maltese delicacies is served daily.
This family-friendly guesthouse makes for a great stay. The front room has the best view of the village, and there’s an array of amenities nearby. The attentive hosts do everything for your convenience and comfort.
Marsaxlokk is just a 10-minute drive away from Malta International Airport. You can get to the town efficiently by rental car or taxi. If you’re interested in a cheaper option, you can always use the bus.
Route 119 is the direct route to the village from the Airport. Depending on the traffic, the journey lasts around 40 minutes. If you’re staying in any other town or village on the main island, you can check out bus routes via the Malta Public Transport Journey Planner tool.
If comfort and efficiency are your priorities, you can always opt for a taxi. These are the trusted providers you can use:
All respective apps can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Rental car prices start from around €10 a day. The car rental agency desks are on the first floor of the nearby Park East car park at the Malta Airport. You can follow the signs leading you there from the Arrivals Hall.
Just be aware that parking can be a nightmare on Sundays since several people go to the fish market. I also advise you to drive slowly on the roads leading to the Xrobb l-Għaġin area since some parts are bumpy.
Whether you’re in for a relaxing lunch or a lavish dinner, La Nostra Padrona Restaurant does it all. Expect a warm welcome and panoramic views of the picturesque harbour as you sit down for fish specialities and other Mediterranean dishes.
Locals love Tartarun. The menu is terrific, promising a memorable culinary experience like no other. You’ll be spoiled for choice since anything you pick will be delicious! The food is balanced and innovative, and the service is excellent
La Capanna Restaurant is loved by many—and it’s not hard to see why. Their fantastic dishes have a local taste, and the selection of wines is fantastic. Don’t hesitate to ask the passionate staff for suggestions, as they are more than happy to share their love for food.
Roots restaurant is known for its fantastic service. The excellent seafood is full of flavour, and the dishes are Maltese with a modern twist. On top of that, Roots Restaurant has great value for money.
Enjoy some of the best Mediterranean dishes curated by Salvatore at T’Anna Mari. The staff is super professional and knows what to recommend, ensuring you will be pleased and satisfied throughout your stay. Try some of the delicious fish and enjoy fine-dining quality at a fair price.
This beautiful natural pool lies a 30-minute walk away from Marsaxlokk’s centre, at the tip of Delimara Point. Especially in the warmer months, you can’t miss out on this natural gem. With amazing azure-coloured waters and flat rocks to relax on, you can spend a great day enjoying the sea and sun at St. Peter’s Pool.
Kalanka Bay is a rocky bay in Kalimara, down the road from St. Peter’s Pool. The rocky bay is a natural swimming hole with easy access from the right-hand side. Take care if you want to jump in the water, as it is higher than St. Peter’s Pool.
Away from the crowds, you’ll find the stunning Il-Ħofriet. Featuring two coves that are interconnected by a natural arch, this is a hidden gem where you can swim and snorkel the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the sun as you sit back and relax.
With its deep blue waters, the harbour is home to the famous luzzu boats; the traditional, colourful, ‘eyed’ Maltese fishing boats. Did you know they’ve been around since the Phoenician times? The boats are painted in red, yellow, green and blue and adorned with the Eye of Osiris—an ancient Egyptian symbol meant to protect the fishermen at sea.
Undoubtedly, the market is one of the highlights that make this village so special. Alongside stalls selling the freshest catch, you can also find others selling clothes, local produce, jam, honey and vegetables, along with some lovely souvenirs to take home.
Nowadays, this picturesque village is associated with the Marsaxlokk fish market, the colourful luzzu boats, and harbourside dinners. However, its unique location made it an important town throughout Malta’s historical past.
In the 9th century, the Phoenicians anchored in this very port and gradually set up their businesses. Later, the Romans and Arabs used the harbour as an anchorage for their ships. More stories are linked to Marsaxlokk, particularly during the Great Siege of 1565, as it was the first place where the Ottoman Empire anchored the fleet.
Tas-Silġ is also an area of great interest, giving you a glimpse into Malta’s rich past. Located close to the village, this archaeological complex features excavations of multiple temples that were built in this very spot. Namely, there are remains of Late Neolithic megalithic temples, Juno’s Temple during Roman and Phoenician times, as well as a Christian Basilica during the Byzantine reign.
Despite the changes in the structures, a religious connection to the area could still be felt throughout all these eras. By the time the Arabs landed in Malta, the site was completely abandoned and turned into a quarry.
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