Marsaxlokk & Southern Coastal Marvels

The Living Fishing Harbor of Marsaxlokk

Located in the southeast corner of Malta, Marsaxlokk (derived from marsa meaning port, and xlokk, the southeastern Mediterranean wind known elsewhere as the Scirocco) is the country's primary traditional fishing port. The bay accommodates hundreds of colorful, wooden fishing craft known as luzzu.

Painted in bold primary stripes of cobalt yellow, cherry red, green, and ultramarine blue, each luzzu carries a pair of carved or painted eyes on its prow. Known as the Eye of Osiris or Eye of Horus, this ancient Phoenician tradition is believed to protect fishermen from stormy open seas and malevolent maritime spirits. Even today, the fleet supplies the majority of fish consumed across the restaurants and fish markets of Malta.

The Sunday Fish Market & Waterfront Dining

While Marsaxlokk hosts a popular open-air market along the quayside on Sunday mornings—where vendors sell catches alongside local honey, nougat, lace, and capers—visiting on weekdays offers a more intimate encounter with local life. You can watch fishermen mending intricate nylon gillnets on the limestone quays or unloading crates of seasonal catch:

• Lampuki (Mahi-Mahi / Dolphin Fish): The national fish of Malta, caught between late August and December using traditional kannizzati palm-frond rafts. Often baked into savory pies with olives, spinach, and mint.
• Aċċjola (Amberjack) & Spnotta (Sea Bass): Grilled whole over charcoal with garlic, fresh Mediterranean oregano, and olive oil.

Natural Sea Pools: St. Peter's Pool

Positioned on the Delimara Peninsula just two kilometers east of Marsaxlokk harbor, St. Peter’s Pool is a natural limestone amphitheater forming an emerald-green swimming basin. The sea has carved a smooth, flat limestone ledge around the bay, creating natural sunbathing platforms and high diving ledges popular for cliff jumping into deep, crystalline water.

Because the bay lacks commercial kiosks and rental umbrellas, swimmers should bring ample drinking water and sun protection. For quieter swimming, walking further east along the peninsula leads to Kalanka Bay, featuring similar turquoise waters and smaller crowds.

Megalithic Sanctuaries: Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra

Heading west along the southern coastline brings you to the dramatic cliffside setting of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, located near the village of Qrendi. These UNESCO World Heritage temples were constructed during the Ġgantija and Tarxien phases (circa 3600–3000 BC) on an isolated limestone slope plunging toward the Mediterranean Sea:

• Astronomical Alignments: The lowest temple of Mnajdra is engineered with remarkable astronomical precision. At the equinoxes (March 21 and September 21), morning sunlight passes straight through the stone portal, illuminating the central altar axis. At the summer and winter solstices, sunlight strikes the edges of the doorway megaliths.
• Protective Shelters: Both temple complexes are protected by aerodynamic tent canopies installed to shield the fragile Globigerina limestone blocks from rain dissolution and salt crystallization.

The Blue Grotto (Wied iż-Żurrieq)

Just two kilometers east of Ħaġar Qim lies the deep inlet of Wied iż-Żurrieq, the departure point for small wooden boat tours into the famous Blue Grotto. Here, a colossal natural limestone arch spans 30 meters high over crystal-clear sea caverns. In the morning light, sunlight refracts through underwater openings to illuminate the white limestone floor, producing brilliant shades of cobalt, cyan, and phosphorus green against coral-encrusted submerged walls.

Coastal Hiking: Southern Cliff Trails

Hikers can walk the dramatic southern coastal trail connecting Wied iż-Żurrieq past the Hamrija Tower toward Ghar Lapsi—a rocky fishermen’s cove with protected swimming caves and small rustic seafood diners. The route offers uninterrupted views of the uninhabited nature reserve island of Filfla, where yellow-legged gulls and storm petrels breed on high stone ledges.