Marsaxlokk: Exploring Malta’s Colorful Fishing Village

One of the places I really wanted to see during our time in Malta was Marsaxlokk, a small and picturesque fishing village on the southeastern coast of the island.

Marsaxlokk is known for its beautiful harbor, traditional Maltese fishing boats called luzzus, and waterfront lined with restaurants and cafés. The brightly painted boats bobbing in the blue water are one of those scenes that make you stop and take a picture — and, of course, I did!

The name Marsaxlokk comes from the Arabic word marsa, meaning harbor or port, and xlokk, referring to the southeast wind. The village sits around a large natural harbor that has been important to sailors for thousands of years.

This area of Malta has a remarkably long history. Archaeological evidence at nearby Tas-Silġ shows that the area was used for thousands of years, including by the Phoenicians, who established a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Astarte. The Romans later continued to use the site, and the harbor itself has remained an important part of Malta's maritime history.

Getting to Marsaxlokk

When we visited Malta, we were staying in Senglea, and getting around the island was part of the adventure.

At the time, we decided to take a taxi from Senglea to Marsaxlokk. There were four of us, and the taxi cost €20 total — only €5 each. The ride took about 15 minutes, so for us, it was money well spent.

Transportation has changed since our visit, so I would not use the old bus information in this post. Today, Marsaxlokk is served by Malta Public Transport, including Routes 81 and 85 from Valletta, with TD10 also operating on Sundays. There is also Route 119 connecting Marsaxlokk with Malta International Airport.

If you are visiting now, I would check the current schedules before heading out because bus routes and timetables can change.

Walking Around Marsaxlokk

Once we arrived, we simply wandered around and enjoyed the village.

That is one of my favorite ways to experience a place. I do not always need a long list of attractions to check off. Sometimes I just want to walk along the water, look at the boats, take pictures, and soak up the atmosphere.

And Marsaxlokk was perfect for that.

The harbor was filled with luzzus, the traditional Maltese fishing boats painted in bright colors. Their distinctive shapes and colors made the waterfront especially photogenic.

There is also a popular Sunday fish market, when the village becomes much busier and locals and visitors come to shop for fresh seafood and other goods. Malta Public Transport specifically highlights the Sunday market as one of Marsaxlokk's attractions.

Was Marsaxlokk Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

If you are planning a trip to Malta, I would put Marsaxlokk on your list. It is different from the grand churches and historic fortifications you see around Valletta and the Three Cities. Here, the attraction is much simpler: the harbor, the fishing boats, the village, and the chance to slow down for a while.

We had a wonderful time just walking around and taking it all in.

And if you are staying somewhere that makes getting there by bus inconvenient, do not automatically rule it out. A taxi may be worth the extra expense, especially if you are traveling with several people and can divide the fare.

Marsaxlokk was one of those little places that made me glad we took the time to go.