How to Visit the Blue Grotto in Malta: Viewpoint & Boat Tour
The Blue Grotto in Malta is a natural wonder that boasts a massive 30-meter natural arch, phenomenally clear blue waters, and a network of six caves.
The Blue Grotto itself can only be reached by boat, but you can also enjoy the stunning views from the viewpoint. Boat trips depart from the small port of Wied iz-Zurrieq and take you through several unique sea caves.
This ultimate guide to the Blue Grotto Malta includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect during the boat trip, and FAQs.
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Where is the Blue Grotto in Malta?
The Blue Grotto, also known as Taht il-Hnejja in Maltese, is located on the southern coast of the island of Malta, about a 30-minute drive from Sliema and Valletta.
How to Get to Blue Grotto Malta
The most convenient way to get there is to rent a car and explore the nearby attractions at your own pace. We arrived by car from Sliema and parked for free.
Alternatively, book an organized tour that will take you to the Blue Grotto, Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, and Valletta.
By Bus
Another great way to get there is by public transport. Below, you will find the most popular bus routes to the Blue Grotto.
- Airport/Rabat Mdina: Route 201
- Valletta: Route 74
- Bugibba: Route 186, then transfer to bus 201 in Rabat
- Cirkewwa (Gozo Ferry Terminal) or Mellieha: Route X1, then change to bus 201 in the airport or Route 41, 42, 49, or 250, then transfer to bus 74 in Valletta.
The bus ticket costs 2.50 EUR in summer, 2 EUR in winter, and the night fare is 3 EUR. You can purchase your ticket from the bus driver. Tickets are valid for two hours, including transfers.
Save money and buy a Tallinja Card. The Explore Card costs 25 EUR for adults and 7 EUR for children (4-10 years old). It is valid for 7 days from the first validation and gives you unlimited travel.
TIP
You can buy your Tallinja Card at the airport’s ticket machines.
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus also stops at the Blue Grotto.
Blue Grotto Malta Viewpoint & Parking
You can park for free at the viewpoint, but spaces are limited. But most people only make a quick stop here, so you will probably only have to wait a few minutes if the parking lot is full. The viewpoint is free to visit.
Important note
Don’t park at the bus stop, because you may get a fine.
From the parking lot, it takes less than 1 minute to reach the viewpoint, which offers a fantastic view of the Blue Grotto. After you’ve taken enough photos, take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto.
Since we arrived by car, we quickly reached the tiny harbor of Wied iz-Zurrieq. If you arrive by bus, you can also walk there in about 10 minutes.
Boat Trip to the Blue Grotto Malta
The boat trip costs 10 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for children. Private tours are also available, starting from 80 EUR, and can accommodate up to 7 passengers. The boat tour offers breathtaking views of the rock formations and lasts about 20 minutes.
During the tour, you will see several caves, such as the Window Cave, the Circle Cave, the Honeymoon Cave, and the Reflection Cave, and the boat captain will provide information about each cave. After the tour, you can sunbathe or enjoy drinks and food at nearby restaurants or bars.
We recommend combining your visit with the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, just a 3-minute drive away. Then, watch the sunset at the Dingli Cliffs.
FAQs about Blue Grotto Malta
Are boat trips always available?
Boat trips in Malta are frequently canceled due to rough sea conditions such as strong winds or high waves. Most of the time, they decide that morning whether it is safe to start the boat trip.
We visited the Blue Grotto in Malta in mid-May, and unfortunately, there were no boat trips that day.
Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
You don’t need to book a boat ticket in advance, as you can easily buy your ticket on-site. You can get a ticket even in high season, you just have to wait for your turn.
Card payments are not accepted, so bring enough cash.
When do boats leave for the Blue Grotto in Malta?
- Summer Time: From April to October, between 9 AM and 5 PM.
- Winter Time: From November to March, between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
What is the best time of day to visit the Blue Grotto?
For the best light, visit between 11 AM and 1 PM. On clear, sunny days, the water will be a bright blue. If you plan to take a boat tour in the late afternoon, most of the cave will be dark and probably not worth it.
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Where to Stay in Malta
Malta has many small towns to stay in, but most people stay in Sliema, Valletta, or Mellieha as a first visit.
- The Sliema area is one of the best choices if you are looking for affordable accommodation in Malta.
- Valletta is one of the most atmospheric places to stay. From here, you can easily reach Sliema by ferry or visit the Three Cities by Maltese gondola.
- Mellieha Bay is one of the largest sandy beaches and a favorite spot for families, couples, and water sports lovers.
But if you want to dive into where to stay in Malta, read our post.
Best hotels in Sliema
- Luxury: AX The Palace
- Mid-Range: Verdi Gzira or Mr Todd Hotel
- Budget: Follow the Sun Hostel
Best Time to Visit Malta
Malta is an all-year-round destination with beautiful beaches, historic sites, charming towns, and stunning natural attractions. But the best time to visit is from May to September. We explored Malta’s attractions in mid-May and had fantastic weather on the island.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
TIP
In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
We hope you found our guide to the Blue Grotto in Malta useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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