A guide to the traditional charms of Marsaxlokk in Malta

Set on the southeastern coast of Malta, Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village in Malta steeped in tradition. With its colourful luzzu boats bobbing gently in the bay and bustling market, it offers visitors a delightful glimpse into authentic Maltese life.

Serving as a harbour for local fishermen, Marsaxlokk plays a pivotal role in supplying Malta with its fresh seafood. In fact, it’s said that approximately 70% of the Maltese fishing fleet calls this port home, ensuring a steady flow of the day’s catch to local markets and restaurants, including the many eateries that can be found lining Marsaxlokk’s waterfront promenade.

Before embarking on your journey to this picturesque fishing village, allow us to introduce you to the essence of Marsaxlokk through our top things to do and see in the area.

Open daily from 8am till 4pm, Marsaxlokk Market is one of the best places on the island to shop for all sorts of local delights. Every day, local fishermen unload their catch onto the stalls set alongside the waterfront promenade, showcasing a colourful array of sea treasures, from slender sea bream to juicy prawns, swordfish, tuna, and even the elusive lampuki when its season. Beyond the fishy wares, there’s plenty more to explore, including souvenirs like intricate local lace-making known as “bizzilla” and scrumptious Maltese treats such as fresh ricotta-filled cannoli, almond cookies, and much more.

Being a thriving fishing town, it’s perhaps no surprise that Marsaxlokk is also the best place in Malta for fresh seafood. The village promenade, overlooking Marsaxlokk harbour, is lined with many popular restaurants. Take your pick from the freshest catch of the day, expertly prepared and served with Maltese flair. During Lampuki season, be sure to treat your taste buds with the delicate flavour of this prized dorado fish, grilled to perfection and served alongside thick slices of local bread—it’s a much-loved Maltese delicacy. Those who aren’t keen are still spoilt for choice, with plenty of Mediterranean and traditional Maltese fare, from pastas and pizzas to grills, salads, and more, all of which you can enjoy while soaking in the mesmerising views of the bay.

Sometimes it’s simply nice to soak up the atmosphere while you’re on holiday, and Marsaxlokk has plenty to admire. The charming little piazza is home to the Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei, which is said to be built by the Marquess Rosalia Apap Viani Testaferrata in 1890 after she was saved from a violent storm at sea.

Outside the church, relax at one of the cafes with tables spilling out onto the square, offering the perfect vantage point to admire Malta’s iconic luzzu boats bobbing in the bay in their colours of blue, yellow, and red. Each boat is painted with a pair of eyes of Horus on the bow, which are believed to protect their owners from storms while out at sea. All along the promenade, you can perch yourself on a bench as you watch the fisherman go about fixing their trawl nets and bringing in their catch.

During Malta’s balmy summer season, you can also head to the nearby St Peter’s Pool, for a refreshing plunge in the Mediterranean Sea. Tucked away along the rugged coastline, this natural pool offers a secluded spot for sun-seekers and thrill-seekers alike, who love to feed their adrenaline as they leap from the cliffs into the cool crystal-clear waters below. It’s a lovely spot encircled in natural beauty, and often hailed as one of the best swimming destinations on the island.

Sitting right at the edge of Delimara point, Fort Delimara is a historic fortification constructed by the Knights of Malta to safeguard Marsaxlokk harbour. While the fort is currently inaccessible to the public due to coastal erosion along the cliff face, visitors can still appreciate its grandeur by taking a leisurely stroll along the cliffs surrounding Delimara Point, which offers a picturesque view of this historic landmark.

At AX Hotels, we’re dedicated to making your stay in Malta truly unforgettable. Our team is here to offer expert guidance and tailored recommendations, ensuring you experience the very best our islands have to offer. Whether it’s arranging private transport, organising curated experiences through our trusted partners, or providing insider tips, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your time in Marsaxlokk. Reach out to our team to plan your trip to this charming fishing village and create cherished memories during your stay.