MARSAXLOKK, MALTA

The small and picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk (pronounced marsa-schlock – meaning Southern Port) is located in the South Eastern part of Malta.

The natural harbour has attracted seafaring cultures since ancient times. In the 9th century BC, Phoenicians used this port to land in Malta – they even had their own temple dedicated to Astarte. The Romans used Marsaxlokk bay for safe anchorage during their reign, as did the Arabs after them. Later on in Malta’s history, Marsaxlokk provided anchorage for the Ottoman fleet when they came to lay siege to Malta in 1565.

The public bus does not go to Marsaxlokk so we took a taxi from Senglea.  The cost was €20 so €5 each for our party of 4.  It took about 15 minutes to get there so it was well worth the money.  The buses in Malta are cheap (€1.50) but doesn't go to a lot of the tour sites so we opted to take a taxi to some of the places and then take a bus back to our apartment.  

If you plan to visit Malta, Marsaxlokk is a must-see.  Malta is an inexpensive place to visit so splurge and take taxi to those places you can't reach by bus.  You won't regret it !

Public transport

The following bus routes can get you to Marsaxlokk:

• From Valletta: Routes 81 or 85 (45 mins)
• From Sliema and St. Julian’s: Take routes 15 or 21 (Sliema) or 13 (St Julian’s, also Sliema) to Valletta, then hop on the 81 or 85 (around 1h 15 mins total travel time)
• From Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay: Easiest route is 48, taking you to Floriana (outskirts of Valletta – ask the bus driver) or 49 (to Valletta), then take the 81 or 85 to Marsaxlokk (1h 30m). However, if you’re staying in this area it might be more worthwhile visiting Marsaxlokk with a hop on, hop off bus tour. You’ll get to see much more on the way there, considering the relatively long distance.