Marsaxlokk and its postcard setting
There’s only one place where old fishermen are still catching fish in their nets, in glorious sunshine all year round, and where luzzi (boats) float on the turquoise water, enlivening the scenery with their bright colors: Marsaxlokk is Malta’s largest fishing port, and its Sunday fish market is the best time to visit this adorable village.
Pixabay – JanneG
Situated in the south-east of the island of Malta, this old village, whose name means « Sirocco Bay » for the winds coming from North Africa, is the place to go if you like to recapture the atmosphere of the past, when everything was simpler. The Phoenicians arrived via the port of Marsaxlokk when they settled in Malta in the 8th century BC. It was also here that the Ottoman army landed to conduct the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Marsaxlokk hasn’t changed much since then, and that’s for the best.
Flickr – Tony Hisgett
Fishing is Marsaxlokk’s oldest commercial activity. The colorful boats known as luzzi (luzzu in the singular) are traditional Maltese craft. They have small painted eyes (Phoenician eyes) on their bow, supposed to protect them and bring good luck to the fishermen.
The Phoenician eye, here screwed onto the bow – Pixabay – Efraimstochter
As you’d expect, it’s a great place to go for a fish or seafood dish in one of the restaurants on one of the waterfront squares. The dishes cooked here are delicious – without a doubt, the best in Malta.
Pixabay – karl_andrich
Most tourists come for the Sunday market, where you can buy fresh fish as well as honey, jam, wine and clothes. During the week, busloads of visitors flock to Marsaxlokk mainly to enjoy a long lunch on the shore. The setting is truly enchanting, giving the impression of being on a postcard.
Feel free to stay a little later in the evening, and the little village will be all yours! This village reminds us of the old days, and that feeling won’t fade anytime soon.
How do I get to Marsaxlokk?
If you want to stay in Marsaxlokk or on the island of Malta, try renting a vacation home on the spot. This way, you can take the time to visit Malta on your own, without having to follow a group of tourists. On the HouseTrip website, for example, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation to choose from.