How to Visit Marsaxlokk: Guide for First-Time Visitors 2026

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village on Malta’s southeast coast, best known for its colourful luzzu boats, relaxed harbour vibe, and seafood restaurants lining the waterfront.

It’s a place where everyday local life and tourism naturally mix, which makes it feel authentic — and that’s exactly why it often comes up when people look for memorable things to do in Malta beyond the usual highlights.

We visited Marsaxlokk in December, and honestly, it was still surprisingly lively and full of atmosphere. Locals were busy around the harbour, fishermen were heading out to sea, and tourists were slowly strolling along the waterfront — it felt active without being overwhelming.

We loved simply walking around the village and taking it all in, but having fresh fish for lunch on a terrace right by the harbour, with sea views, was my personal favourite moment from our visit.

In this guide, we share what to expect from visiting Marsaxlokk, the best things to do, where to eat, and a few practical tips to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your Malta itinerary.

Is it worth a visit?

Yes — we think Marsaxlokk is worth a visit, especially if you enjoy places that feel lived-in. It’s not a big “wow” attraction in the sense of dramatic cliffs or famous viewpoints, but the atmosphere is what makes it stand out.

The harbour feels genuinely active, with fishermen heading out to sea and locals chatting along the waterfront. That gives the village an authentic energy you don’t get at many nearby spots.

What really sets it apart is the combination of colourful luzzu boats and the open harbour.

You should expect crowds around lunchtime and especially on Sundays, when the fish market draws both locals and tourists, but outside of peak hours it’s easy to enjoy at a calm pace.

If you’re short on time and only chasing dramatic scenery, this might feel skippable. But if you want a place where you can walk, eat well, and soak up everyday Maltese life, Marsaxlokk adds a different layer to a Malta itinerary.

Where is Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is located on Malta’s southeast coast, right by a sheltered natural harbour. It sits well away from the island’s main resort areas, which is part of why it still feels more local and relaxed.

In terms of distance, Marsaxlokk is about 30 minutes from Valletta, around 20 minutes from the airport, and roughly 25 minutes from Sliema or St Julian’s by car.

It’s also close to southern highlights like St Peter’s Pool and the Blue Grotto area, making it an easy stop if you’re exploring this part of Malta.

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How to get there

By rental car

This is the easiest and most flexible option. Marsaxlokk is around 30 minutes from Valletta and about 20 minutes from the airport, with straightforward roads all the way to the village.

We parked at what seemed to be the main parking area used by visitors, right by the harbour, with public toilets and a water refill point nearby. Parking was free, but the area isn’t very large, so during busy periods it can take a bit of patience to find an empty spot.

We rented our car through DiscoverCars, which we generally recommend for Malta. It made it easy to compare prices and rental conditions in one place, and having a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and continue on to other southern highlights without relying on bus schedules.

By public bus

Buses to Marsaxlokk run most frequently from Valletta Bus Terminal, with routes 81 and 85 being the main direct options. Travel time is usually 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

There are also connections from other parts of the island. Because routes and timings can vary, we recommend checking the Malta Public Transport journey planner before you go — it’s the most reliable way to see current routes, connections, and travel times.

Malta’s bus system is easy to use. You can buy tickets directly from the driver (cash or contactless), or use a Tallinja card or Travel pass if you’re travelling around the island for a few days.

With a tour

If you’d rather not deal with buses or driving, this day tour from Valletta is a solid, time-efficient option. It combines Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, and the traditional village of Qrendi in one itinerary, with hotel pickup and an air-conditioned bus.

We like this option because it covers several southern highlights in a single day, adds helpful historical context through the guide’s storytelling, and still gives you free time to walk around.

What to expect at Marsaxlokk

We couldn’t wait to see the colourful fishing boats with the town in the background for the first time, and that view didn’t disappoint. Watching the boats gently floating in the harbour with the church tower rising behind them was an instant highlight and set the tone for the visit.

As we walked closer toward the main promenade, the atmosphere gradually became more lively — locals heading in and out of the sea, fishermen working on their boats, and small tour operators offering boat trips from the harbour.

We passed a small square in front of the church and wandered through the local market, where you’ll find a mix of souvenirs alongside fresh fruit and vegetables. Continuing along the promenade, it became clear how much of village life happens right by the water.

The waterfront is lined with cafés and seafood restaurants, so there’s no shortage of places to stop — though some terraces definitely have better views than others. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, keep walking, and let the harbour pull you along.

Where to eat and drink

• Liska Restaurant – Classic seafood right by the water.
• Mr. Fitz – Where we ate; great views and fresh fish by the harbour.
• Trattoria Shichiria – Italian-style plates in the village.
• Roots Restaurant – Seafood restaurant near the harbour with tasty octopus carpaccio.
• AZURE Bistro – Relaxed spot with sea views and very well reviewed. Octopus and swordfish are the highlight.

Best time to visit

Late morning to early afternoon works especially well if you want to sit down for fresh fish by the water, which was a highlight for us. Keep in mind that Sundays are the busiest, thanks to the fish market, bringing a great buzz but also larger crowds.

For a quieter experience, a weekday visit or an earlier arrival is the better choice.

Other places to visit nearby

• St Peter’s Pool – Our favorite natural swimming spot with clear water and flat rock platforms.
• Il-Kalanka – A quieter, more rugged swimming cove nearby, great if you want something less busy.
• Blue Grotto – Dramatic sea caves and cliffs, best visited in calm conditions.
• Qrendi – A peaceful traditional village with a laid-back, local vibe.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Marsaxlokk is about atmosphere. For us, the combination of a working harbour, colourful boats, and sitting down for fresh fish by the water made it a genuinely enjoyable stop rather than just a photo opportunity.

It works best as a slow, relaxed visit, especially if you’re already exploring southern Malta. If you give it a bit of time and come with the right expectations, Marsaxlokk is a nice spot to visit.