Marsaxlokk
A traditional fishing village in southeastern Malta, where the harbour is crowded with colourful luzzu boats painted with the “Eye of Osiris”, and the Sunday fish market is bustling.
Marsaxlokk is Malta's largest fishing harbour, with dozens of brightly coloured traditional wooden boats called luzzus moored in the bay. Each boat has a pair of eyes painted on its bow; these are said to derive from Phoenician custom and are believed to protect those at sea, making them one of Malta's most iconic sights. Every morning there are stalls along the waterfront, and on Sunday mornings the largest fish market takes place, where you can see the day's catch of swordfish, tuna, sea bream and more, along with honey, cheese, handicrafts and clothing stalls. A row of seafood restaurants lines the harbour, serving fresh grilled fish, seafood pasta and local lampuki (dolphinfish, in season in autumn). Nearby St Peter's Pool, a natural rock swimming pool, can be reached on foot or by car. It is about 30 minutes by bus from Valletta. Sunday market crowds are heavy, so it's best to arrive early in the morning.
Opening hours
Open all day; Sunday fish market about 07:00–14:00
Nearby sights
- Għar Dalam
- St. Peter's Pool
- Tarxien Temples
- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
- Birgu (Vittoriosa) & the Three Cities
- Fort St. Angelo
- Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery
- Lascaris War Rooms