55 pts4 min read🌊 any🟢 easy
Marsaxlokk is a fishing village with a Sunday fish market and colourful luzzu boats with painted Eyes of Osiris. The freshest fish in Malta. The tradition dates to the Phoenicians.
The fishing village
Marsaxlokk (pronounced "marsa-SHLOK") is Malta's most picturesque fishing village, set in a bay on the southeastern coast. The harbour is full of colourful luzzu boats, traditional Maltese fishing boats painted green, yellow, red, and blue, with the characteristic Eyes of Osiris painted on their bows.
Eyes on the bow
The tradition of painting eyes on boat bows dates to the Phoenicians (c. 1000 BC), who believed the eyes protected the boat from evil and aided navigation. An identical tradition exists in Greece, Turkey, and Egypt. In Malta, the eyes have survived over 3,000 years, though today they are more decorative than magical.
The Sunday market
Every Sunday morning, Marsaxlokk's waterfront transforms into a fish market (il-Monti), where fishermen sell their catch straight from the boats. Besides fish (swordfish, tuna, sea bream, octopus), there are stalls selling honey, olives, capers, lace, and souvenirs. This is the freshest fish in all of Malta, at lower prices than in restaurants.
Practical tip: Come on Sunday morning (8:00-12:00) for the market. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh fish but at tourist prices. Better to buy fish at the market and cook at your accommodation. Bus 81 from Valletta (30 minutes). On weekdays, Marsaxlokk is quiet and equally beautiful.
🧠 Test your knowledge
What are the colorful fishing boats in Malta called?
Click an answer! +10 bonus pts in-game after check-in.
Tip
Come Sunday morning (8-12). Eat freshly grilled octopus on the promenade. Bus 81 from Valletta.
Check in here
You haven't joined the game yet
Gallery
Trails through here
Nearby
🚤80 pts~1.6 km · ~20 min
Għar Dalam
Ghar Dalam ("Cave of Darkness") is Malta's oldest archaeological site with bones of dwarf hippopotamus and Sicilian elephant from 500,000 years ago. Proves Malta was once connected to Sicily.
🏖️35 pts~1.8 km · ~22 min
St. Peter's Pool
St. Peter's Pool is a natural rock pool in southern Malta near Marsaxlokk. Turquoise water, flat rocks for sunbathing, cliff jumping (up to 5m). One of Malta's most Instagrammed spots.
🏖️20 pts~2.2 km · ~28 min
Pretty Bay
Pretty Bay is a sandy beach in Birzebbuga, southern Malta. Popular with locals, less with tourists. View of the Freeport container port adds industrial charm.