MARSAXLOKK
Marsaxlokk, Malta
When the Maltese want to eat fresh fish, they head for Marsaxlokk, the island's largest traditional fishing harbour in the South Eastern region. We headed there after a swim in nearby St.Peters Pool, with our stomach empty, looking forward to the catch of the day. Colourful Luzzu* boats were sitting tightly on a calm surface of the harbour, catching the last warm rays of the sun.
*Luzzu boats are traditional fishing boats, which were developed in the early 20th century. Brightly painted in shades of yellow, red, green and blue, and the bow is normally pointed with a pair of eyes. These eyes are probably modern survival of an ancient Phoenician custom to protect the fishermen at the sea. They are referred to as the Eye of Horus or of Osiris.
Population: 3.660 people
Name: composition of “Marsa” meaning harbor and “Xlokk” meaning southeast in Maltese.
How to get there: from Valletta catch the number 85 or 81, which will get you directly there. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes.
What to do?
Visit the Parish church, dedicated to the Madonna of Pompeii and built in 1897. You'll find it on the main square. Take a peak inside to see some magnificent paintings by Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali.
Take a stroll along the Harbour, just to watch the colourful ‘luzzu’.
Go shop from the local open market which takes place every day. On Sunday the market gets bigger and fishermen come to show off their catch.
Take your swimming suit and head to St.Peter Pool, which is about 40 minute walk.
Where to eat?
Marsaxlokk is a local champion of seafood, so lets just focus on the fish.
Rising Sun Bar ($) is a small family run bar & restaurant offering traditional Maltese food. Watch out for their daily specials and make sure to order their octopus if it’s on the list.
Filippo ($$-$$$) is an Italian restaurant using local fresh produce.
Capo Mulini ($$-$$$) offers a great view, right by the sea an exquisite fish.
Tartarun ($$$$) is possibly the best restaurant to have your catch of the day. Come here for warming traditional Aljota (Maltese fish soup) and perfectly cooked fresh fish – simply grilled, with capers and white wine, or on a tangy green salsa. The only downside is no outside seating. The restaurant itself would be classified as a fine dining, so it wouldn’t be the best match if you`re looking for something more causal
Terrone ($$-$$$) offers dishes which are a combination of southern Italian and local Maltese cuisine, based on fresh & seasonal produce.
Taidekappeli is located on the island of Hirvensalo, far outside the city. Surrounded by spruces and pines, where the wooded hills rise from the flat fields.