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Marsaxlokk Malta fishing village

An Attractive Tiny Village, Everyone On Holiday Wants To Visit

Marsaxlokk Malta is a small fishing village with a population of around 4,000 located on the south-eastern coast of Malta located at the shoreline of the second largest port in Malta.

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You will find this fishing village on all Malta guide books. Surrounded by green vegetation, this port is very sheltered and has deep waters. For this reason it has served many purposes over the centuries.

What You Need to Know About Marsaxlokk fishing village

Facts About Marsaxlokk
A Maltese Traditional Fishing Boats
Marsaxlokk Malta Fish Market and Stalls
Where is Marsaxlokk Malta?
How To Get To Marsaxlokk
Amenities around Marsaxlokk Malta
Accommodation Around The Area
Where to Eat While Here
What To Do In Marsaxlokk

The nearby village of Birzebbugia also forms part of this port however it offers a very different character. At present this important fishing village has the largest population of active fishermen with many traditional fishing boats of all sizes anchored in the port.

General view of the fishing boats anchored at Marsaxlokk Malta.

The Malta fishing village is a very quiet location compared to others, with few cars passing through. But at the same time it has become a very touristic location with many fish restaurants and cafes lined along the promenade.

Facts About Marsaxlokk Malta

A population of close to 4,000 residents.
Marsaxlokk is the largest and only fishing village on the Maltese islands.
Many locals visit this village, especially for Sunday lunch.
It is popular for the Sunday morning market where you find fresh fish and all sorts of other commodities.
The patron saint feast is Our Lady of Pompeii and is held on the last Sunday of July or 1st Sunday of August.
Located on the southern eastern region of Malta.
A World War II Fact: Around the village of Marsaxlokk there were military outposts that were constructed by the British to defend the village's harbour. Some still stand around today.
Marsaxlokk has it's own football club called Marsaxlokk F.C

Luzzu boats floating in the sea at Marsaxlokk Malta.

Marsaxlokk Malta Fish Market and Stalls

Street hawkers set up their daily stalls here selling souvenirs, clothing and all kinds of things. You will also notice there are stalls selling fresh fish. Marsaxlokk Malta is busiest on Sunday when many people flock to the Sunday market.

Many locals come on this day to buy their weekly supply of fish and vegetables.

You will still see the usual souvenir stalls and the Maltese lace table-cloths with crochet finishing many of them depicting the cross of the Knights of Malta. For those with a sweet tooth, one will find many locally baked sweets to savour and purchase.

The most popular fish in Malta are the Swordfish and blue fin tuna. During spring and autumn dolphin fish or Dorado, known locally as ‘lampuki’ is caught in abandance and is very popular with the locals.

If you are lucky enough you might see the fishermen tending to their nets before they go out to sea for their next catch. It is indeed a village where you can relax and gently stroll around.

When is the Market open during the week?

It is open everyday from 08:30 to 16:00

What happens on Sunday in Marsaxlokk?

During this day there is the main market, especially the Fish market which is open from early morning until around 13:30. If you arrive at Marsaxlokk early in the morning you might catch the fisherman grabbing the catch of the day. It is something that is worth seeing.

A woman street hawker cutting fresh Maltese fish.

What To Do In Marsaxlokk Malta

Despite its importance in the history of Malta over the years and its reputation as the most picturesque seaside locality in Malta, Marsaxlokk fishing village remains a peaceful and touristic location.

Despite having become very commercialized, the beauty is in its old houses laden with character. Various historic buildings can be still seen in the harbour, while the fishing nets are still spread on the quay to dry in the sun.

We suggest that here is a good choice for meals, not only for the fresh fish on offer but also for its’ quiet and picturesque location. For those who come to our islands in search of a relaxing holiday, this is the place where this can be achieved.

The typical Maltese church with the large square at the front, and the laid back village atmosphere that enable it to retain its character.

Eat Fish At One Of Marsaxlokk's Restaurants

Fish is one of the most popular dishes on the menu as it is fresh and locally caught. Most fish restaurants are open for lunch and dinner and are sought after by all types of persons, not least by foreigners who live or work in Malta. Click here to see all restaurants in Marsaxlokk.

Buy Fresh Fish From The Market

The most popular things to do in Marsaxlokk is to visit the daily stalls or the Sunday market. At the stalls you find souvenirs, clothing and all kinds of things while also seeing stalls selling fresh Maltese fish.

Visit The Parish Church

The Parish Church which is located in front of the promenade, was built in 1897 and is dedicated to our Lady of Pompei.

Have A Look At Tas-Silg Archaeological Complex

The Tas-Silg historical site is a living memory of generations of culture that have settled on this island over centuries. It is worth viewing a feature describing its’ importance. While visiting the tas-Silg complex, you can also visit the church of Our lady of tas-silg which is a one minute walk away.

Walk Round The St. Lucian Tower

It has been used for many centuries by inhabitants and invaders alike. In fact the Knights of St. John had constructed a large fortification which is called St. Lucian. It is located at the centre of the port on a peninsula. It’s main purpose had been to protect this harbour from invaders to which often fell prey.

Visit Fort Delimara

It was built by the British Forces during their presence in Malta in the 1880's. Its principal scope was to protect Marsaxlokk Bay.
Located at the mouth of the bay, it was built almost underground so as to camouflage it from unwanted invaders.

Marsaxlokk bay is the location mentioned on all Malta guide books.

Walk or Swim at Marsaxlokk

Since Marsaxlokk fishing village is right by the sea, there are ample of places to swim or walk.

Inside the harbour of the village is Marsaxlokk bay beach. There are no beach facilities in the area. It is therefore advisable that one takes along the essentials.
Il-Ħofra Iż-Żghira and Il-Ħofra L-Kbira are two popular places where to swim which are just outside the village.
Kalanka bay is at the very bottom of the island, the lowest tip of Malta. It is even further down than St. Peter's Pool. While here you can walk to the lighthouse of Kalanka and admire the beautiful view.

Admire The Maltese Traditional Fishing Boats

A local characteristic of these wooden boats is that they create a particular scenic effect, painted in bright red, green, yellow and blue.
This fishing boat is called 'luzzu' in Maltese and in themselves are an attraction to many tourists who visit this location all year round.
At the front of the luzzu there are a couple of eyes which are called eye of osiris.
The colours reflect beautifully in the blue sea of the bay. The fishing boat design is said to date back to 800 BC when the Phoenicians came to Malta.

The beautiful 'luzzu' boats moored at Marsaxlokk fishing village.

How To Get To Marsaxlokk

Where is Marsaxlokk Malta? | Map of Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is located on the south-eastern coast of Malta.

by car

If driving your own rented car, take the road leading to Zejtun. Follow the signs on the main road until you find the signs which will take you to the centre of the village which is adjacent to the sea shore. When you arrive you can then park your car along the promenade and on the left side of the bay there is a large parking area. If you will be visiting on a Sunday, it might be difficult to find parking since there will be the market by the seafront.

Villages close by are Birzebbugia, Zejtun and Marsascala.

Malta Public Transport Bus

Going from Sliema to Marsaxlokk: First go to Valletta Bus Terminus using one of the following routes 13, 13A, 14, 15, 16, 21 and N13 then take the Marsaxlokk bus.
Going from Valletta Bus Terminus to Marsaxlokk: 81 every 30 minutes and 85 every 60 minutes
From Birzebbugia: 210 every 60 minutes
Malta Airport to Marsaxlokk: 119 (the only direct route) every 60 minutes

hop-on hop-off bus

The CitySightseeing Malta hop-on hop-off service, passes from Marsaxlokk too. First departure from Valletta Waterfront at 09:15 to 16:10 every 30 minutes. You have to get on the South Malta red line. Marsaxlokk is stop number 4. For further details click here.

marsaxlokk taxi or airport transfer

You can catch a taxi or transfer for around €20 (one way) for a standard car. If you are planning on travelling back to the airport with a taxi, we would suggest booking a round trip as it will come cheaper.

Amenities around Marsaxlokk Malta

Public Toilets:There is a public rest room in the centre of the bay adjacent to the sea shore in front of the main church square.
Police Station: It is located on the promenade beside Pisces restaurant.

Banks: There are two ATM's around Marsaxlokk.

HSBC ATM, located in Xatt is-Sajjieda. There is no branch, but the closest branch is in of Zejtun around 2 kilometers away.
BOV ATM and branch. It is located in Zejtun Road, beside the parish church.

Local Council of Marsaxlokk

It is located at the corner between Vittorjo Cassar Street with Tonnin Attard Street.
Address: 2, Vittorjo Cassar Street, Marsaxlokk MXK 1051
Contact: +356 2165 2525, 2165 0937, 2165 2392

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii Church

The parish church is located at the square.
The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii.
A mass is held everyday at 07:45 and 18:00 in Maltese. On Sunday the masses are held at 07:30, 09:30, 11:00 and 18:00 in Maltese.
Contact: +356 2165 0662

St. Peter's Pool, Harbour Tour

If you would like to visit St. Peter's Pool from Marsaxlokk you can do so by taking a boat ride directly to the bay.

Where To Stay In Marsaxlokk

In Marsaxlokk you will not find any hotels, but you will find Guesthouses or apartments for rent.

guesthouse in marsaxlokk malta

holiday apartments in marsaxlokk

If you are looking for a 2 & 3 star hotels but want to stay in the vicinity of Marsaxlokk, you will find hotels at Birzebbugia or Marsascala. The following are the hotels found at those two locations.

Birzebbugia Hotels

Water's Edge Hotel

Marsascala Hotels

Restaurants in Marsaxlokk Malta

Where to Eat While Here

All restaurants offer a particular experience in fresh locally caught fish and sea food. Most fish restaurants are open for lunch and dinner and are sought after by all types of persons, not least by foreigners who live or work in Malta.

Tartarun Marsaxlokk Malta: A family run business, Tartarun is the name of a special Maltese fishing net. It offers quality cuisine serving fish based dishes in a relaxing atmosphere.
Ta' Victor: Located in the church square in front of the sea with a traditional authentically Maltese food at its best. The restaurant owner offers his advice about the variety of foods he offers and explains the specialities of the day.
T'Anna Mari: Mediterranean Restaurants with an original Maltese ambience. Run by Chef de Cuisine Salvatore Piccione from Siracusa with 16 years of experience knowing well the local food traditions.
Hunters Tower: A restaurant that is kid friendly, accepts large groups with both indoor, outdoor facilities, beautiful garden and sea view. Family run with 40 years experience synonymous with hearty, delicious and satisfying meals.

A couple eating at one of the restaurants in Marsaxlokk.

La Reggia: Taste that perfect lunch or dinner at this latest restaurant addition. A great change from the standard boring fish and chips, deliciously prepared with perfectly cooked fish, a great creative menu with great executed and very tasty food and service.
Ir-Rizzu: It is one of the oldest restaurants, a family run business specialising in fresh fish and sea food plates where you can see it being cooked in the open kitchen, located close to the village square. A la carte and set menu including a children’s menu.
iPlace: The most technologically modern restaurant in this location offers a complete variety of food from pizzas, meats, sea food, children’s menus, something for all tastes. Always completely full with patrons both for lunch and dinner
Carrubia Restaurant: Located close to the water's edge, enjoys picturesque views, you can have a light quick lunch, an evening romantic dinner. Specializing in sea food, including Pasta, Pizza and meats, caters for all taste buds and preferences.

Other restaurants in Marsaxlokk: