7 Best Things to Do in Marsaxlokk, Malta
Are you looking for the best things to do in Marsaxlokk? Malta’s colorful fishing village can be explored in just a few hours and is about a 25-minute drive from popular cities like Valletta and Sliema, so don’t miss it.
Wondering what to do in Marsaxlokk? Explore the harbor and take photos of the traditional Maltese boats, take a boat trip, visit St. Peter’s Pool, sample fresh seafood, and shop at the famous fish market.
This ultimate guide includes the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Marsaxlokk, Malta.
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Things to do in Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk is famous for its bustling Sunday market, beautiful photo opportunities, and traditional Maltese Luzzu boats. You can easily book boat trips from the harbor and combine your visit with stunning places such as St. Peter’s Pool, Kalanka Bay, and Hofriet Window.
1. Take photos of the colorful Maltese fishing boats
After walking from the parking lot to the harbor, we were excited to see what great photo opportunities the waterfront promenade and colorful boats would offer.
A Luzzu is a traditional fishing boat characterized by vibrant colors and distinctive “eyes” painted on the bow. The eyes painted on Maltese fishing boats are a symbol believed to provide protection against evil spirits and ensure safe travel.
If you spend more time in the village, we recommend watching the sunset at the harbor and enjoying the magical lights.
2. Visit St. Peter’s Pool
The crystal clear blue-green water of the natural swimming pool is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and cliff jumping. We think this place is mostly visited by young people or tourists who make a short stop during a boat trip.
Read our detailed post about what we liked and didn’t like about our visit to St. Peter’s Pool.
We went there by car. But drive carefully, as the road is very narrow, and two cars cannot pass each other. If someone is driving towards you, you will probably have to reverse a lot.
Recommended post → How to Get to St. Peter’s Pool
3. Marsaxlokk Market
Although the market is open every day, for the best experience, visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday and experience the market’s bustling atmosphere. Vendors offer locally caught fresh fish and seafood, a variety of souvenirs, local produce, and handmade crafts.
The best time to visit the Sunday market is around 8 AM, as later, when the fresh fish runs out, many vendors close.
Unfortunately, we visited the village on a weekday, so we can’t imagine how good the Sunday market would be. But regardless, it was fantastic to walk around the market, meet the locals, buy souvenirs, and taste traditional Maltese cannoli.
4. Take a Boat Trip
Take a scenic and fun trip on a traditional, colorful fishing boat (Luzzu). During the tour, you can admire the historic forts, see the Delimara Lighthouse and picturesque Salt Pans, Kalanka Bay, Hofriet Window, and much more. If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic way to explore the Maltese coastline, then this is one of the best things to do in Marsaxlokk.
Or go to St. Peter’s Pool by water taxi if you don’t want to take a boat trip.
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5. Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei
This beautiful temple is located right next to the bus stop. We think this is one of the best attractions in the heart of the picturesque village.
The church was built between 1890 and 1892, and its interior is decorated with wonderful frescoes and artwork. We wanted to see the inside, but it was closed when we were there. But you can also take very nice photos of the church from the outside.
There is also an old red phone booth nearby where you can take creative pictures of yourself or use the typical Maltese balconies as a backdrop.
6. Eat fresh Fish or Seafood
There are several local restaurants on the seafront promenade serving fresh fish and delicious seafood. So, have lunch at one of the restaurants and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the picturesque view of the colorful boats.
We had lunch at Mr. Fitz Restaurant and then visited the stunning St. Peter’s Pool. If you’re looking for more great restaurants, we recommend Liska Restaurant and La Nostra Padrona.
7. Blue Grotto Malta
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. It’s only a 20-minute drive away and is well worth a visit after exploring the fishing village. Before taking a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, don’t forget to stop at the viewpoint, where you can take some beautiful pictures.
It is more difficult to get there by bus, as there is no direct service and you have to change in Valletta first. Instead, you should opt for the Hop-on, Hop-off bus, which is much easier.
Read the full post → How to Visit Blue Grotto Malta
Where to Stay in Malta
You can find affordable accommodations in Marsaxlokk, and hotels like La Reggia or Quayside Apartments have beautiful views of the harbor. However, Malta has many small towns to stay in, and most people typically stay in Sliema, Valletta, or Mellieha during their 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
How to Get to Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village in the southeast of Malta, about a 20-minute drive from Valletta. 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 and parked for free near the harbor. However, in high season, the parking spaces fill up quickly.
Uber and Bolt are affordable on the island and can save you time if you don’t want to take the bus.
By Bus
Take the bus No. 119 from the airport, or bus No. 81 or 85 from Valletta. Once you arrive, you can easily explore the fishing village on foot.
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 village harbor.
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!
How many days do you need in Marsaxlokk?
Most people only take a day trip and spend a few hours in this photogenic fishing village. We think a short visit is enough. But if you are charmed by the charming atmosphere of the village, stay here for 1-2 days and explore the nearby beaches and surrounding attractions.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Marsaxlokk will help you plan your next trip to Malta. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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