The Blue Grotto is located on the southern coast of Malta, west of Wied iz-Zurrieq facing the little deserted islet of Filfla. The site got its name from a British soldier who thought that since the area looks like the Grotta Azzurra in Capri, it deserves the same name, and in fact Blue Grotto is the equivalent for Grotta Azzurra in English.

The site is extremely popular, attracting some 100,000 tourists per year, also for diving purposes. The site also features in the film Troy (2004) starring Brad Pitt. The location of this fascinating natural grotto combines with sunlight and the surrounding chain of caves to reflect the phosphorescent colours of the submerged flora and the deep dark shade of blue of the sea.

There is a massive arch (over 30m) and a system of sixcaves that were created by centuries of persistent action of the waves and the elements. The sky reflects the white sandy seabed, giving off a bright cobalt colour while the caves mirror the orange, purple and green off the minerals in the rocks. This particular spectacle of colours can be seen daily from sunrise until around one in the afternoon, and together with the white froth of the waves hitting the cliffs, the Blue Grotto presents exceptional photographic backgrounds.

A boat service available to vist the caves, operating daily from 09:00 - 17:00 during the summer months and 09:00 - 15:30 during the winter months. Adult fee is that of 8euros and children 4 euros

Photo credits: Mario Galea on Viewingmalta.com