Marsaxlokk

A must-see location

In the southeast of Malta, on the shoreline, lies a traditional fishing village: Marsaxlokk. This small fishing town was one of the first settlements in Malta and its harbour is one of the main commercial centres on the island.

Without a doubt, the most typical image of this location is of the Marsaxlokk boats. Small colourful boats decorate the harbour and support the local community of this charming place. Passing by its pier, it's not uncommon to see local fishermen fixing their netting, mending their boats and cleaning fish. Pure Maltese vibes!

Beyond the picturesque harbour, there are many things to see in Marsaxlokk. The Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, which presides over the main square, is another icon of this fishing village. It's also known for its reddish-coloured domes and 19th-century façade.

This fishing village is also a lovely place to grab something to eat or drink on the main street, and do some shopping at the market, where you'll be sure to find local Maltese products such as lampuki.

Luzzus, the Marsaxlokk boats

One of the main attractions to see in Marsaxlokk are the famous colourful boats. These are small boats called luzzus anchored at the harbour and painted with vibrant colours that contrast with the blue sea.

These boats painted red, yellow and blue have one thing in common: the eye of Osiris. Local fishermen believe that this Egyptian element also called Horus protects them from bad luck and dangers while at sea. The eye of Osiris has become a symbol of Malta, but also a symbol of the entirety of Marsaxlokk.

Some advice

If you're not under any time pressure and are going to spend several days in Malta, we recommend visiting Marsaxlokk on a Sunday. This is the day during which the town is at its most atmospheric. As well as this, Sundays also play host to the local Marsaxlokk fish market, where you can see how the locals go about selling their fresh fish, and try some of the typical local dishes: lampuki (sea bream), swordfish and tuna.