Fish restaurants & traditions: A spotlight on Malta’s favourite fishing village, Marsaxlokk
If you’ve searched the hashtag ‘Malta’ on Instagram, a common shot shows off the shores at Marsaxlokk with colourful local boats bobbing up and down in the distance, and it’s not very hard to see why so many people love to snap away at this scene.
The small seaside town is as picturesque as they come. The fishing village of Marsaxlokk (meaning Southern Port), is located in the south eastern part of Malta close to Zejtun, Marsaskala and Birzebbuga.
Among locals, Marsaxlokk is known for its fishing industry, so much so that many Maltese visit the fish market every Sunday to buy from the morning’s catch. The traditional luzzu (those brightly coloured boats) are taken out in the early hours of the morning to catch the day’s fish which is then sold to merchants, restaurant owners in the vicinity and anyone who wishes to buy freshly caught fish.
The village is known for the open-air market that is set up by the water’s edge where one can find anything and everything. Marsaxlokk is also a popular destination for those who love seafood, and rightly so! It’s known as the locale of the finest fish restos on the island.
But, before heading to one of the shoreside restaurants to stuff your bellies, you can admire the gorgeous scenery while taking a peaceful walk around the coast and harbour.
The Marsaxlokk area is also well known for its secluded and untainted swimming spots. One particular location is the stunning St Peter’s Pool. Packed in the summer months, this swimming area attracts people from all over the world and is totally Gram worthy!
Getting to Marsaxlokk
1. From the airport: route 119 is the only direct route that operates hourly from 6am to 7pm.
2. From Valletta: routes 81 or 85 operate every 45 minutes.
3. From Sliema or St Julian’s: any route to Valletta (routes 13, 14, 16, 21) and then take routes 81 or 85.
4. From Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay: the 40s routes will take you to Valletta and then catch the 81 or 85.
5. If you’re staying far off from Marsaxlokk, it might also be worth opting for a hop on, hop off bus tour. You’ll see much more on the way, too!
Will you be visiting Marsaxlokk any time soon?