Marsaxlokk (pronounced “Marsachlok”!) is an authentic small coastal town in the southwest ofMalta. One of the only seaside resorts to be preserved from modern buildings, its picturesque waterfront and its lovely fishing port are a must during your stay in the Maltese archipelago.
Marsaxlokk, a historical town in Malta
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C., its port has preserved the original and characteristic shape of the ports of that historical period. On the heights of Marsaxlokk, you can discover the remains of the Temple of Tas Silg, successively occupied by the Romans and then the Christians.
Geographically exposed, the Marsaxlokk roadstead, the second most important of Malta, had to face the Turkish invaders during the Great Siege of 1565 (450th anniversary commemorations in 2015) and then during the World War 39-45, it was used as a landing place for Allied seaplanes.
In December 1989, Marsaxlokk became a world-famous city, because it was here in Malta that Presidents Bush and Gorbachev met, an exchange that heralded the end of the Cold War. Read our article on thehistory of Malta to learn more.
Marsaxlokk, a lively and colorful city
The market of Marsaxlokk
Its 3800 inhabitants take pride in having the largest number of active fishing boats and the largest weekly market in the entire Maltese archipelago!
The city is in turmoil every Sunday morning from dawn, and it is in Marsaxlokk that many Maltese, equipped with coolers and isothermal bags, come to do their food market (fish, fruits, vegetables) at unbeatable prices. Negotiations are going well in a relaxed atmosphere all along the docks!
The luzzus
But the “treasure” of this pleasant fishing port lies in its innumerable Luzzu: boats decorated with the eye of Isis, built according to the Phoenician tradition and which all answer a precise “color code”. The magic is particularly present, during the week, at sunrise with the return of the boats. … Malta the authentic belongs to the early risers!
Marsaxlokk, the city of seafood restaurants in Malta
From Monday to Saturday, Marsaxlokk lives at a more leisurely pace all year round with a small daily market(Terroir and Crafts). Charming harbor, narrow streets, and a guaranteed tranquility.
With their many terraces lining the Xatt-is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk’s seafood restaurants are renowned throughout Malta for the quality and freshness of their products. The vineyards of the surrounding countryside also offer an excellent Chardonnay!
How to get to Marsaxlokk → Map and directions
Visit Marsaxlokk
Visiting Marsaxlokk is not very long, the best is to walk and stroll along the waterfront and then taste the specialties in a fish restaurant.
To discover the Sunday morning market, be aware that it will also be a crowd and public transport will be rather crowded during the summer…
While you are there, nearby, you could also go swimming at St Peter pool and then discover Blue Grotto.
There are beautiful hikes nearby, discover them here.
If you prefer to be taken, guided and explained, discover this tour that will take you to all the interesting places in the south of Malta. This promises you a day full of beautiful discoveries of the Marsaxlokk Market including a visit to the Blue Grotto with a guide. Before booking, please note that the boat to Blue Grotto (8€) is not included, so the trip is done by bus. This one may be late from the scheduled time and the road may seem a bit long.
