Malta – Marsaxlokk, The Colourful Fishing Village

It was lunchtime on the island of Malta, the sun was out high above, and it was time to head for Marsaxlokk, A beautifully colourful fishing village in the south east of the island.

Whenever I travel to Malta I always try to make it a mission to head here for lunch. Sitting in the sunshine, by the blue of the water, the 100s of colourful traditional boats, dining on a delicious catch of the day.

Immediately upon arrival you are struck by the uniqueness of the place, the colours of the water, the varied colours of the many Luzzu (local fishing boats). Plus the great limestone buildings that line the street behind the bay.

The Fishing Boats

The first thing that really strikes you when you visit Marsaxlokk is all the small and wonderfully coloured boats on the water.

These boats are known as Luzzu and they are literally scattered all over the water. All painted immaculately in their greens, blues, yellows and reds.

On the front of the boats there are often a pair of eyes. Something that perhaps comes from centuries ago, The Eyes of Horus, to help protect fishermen at sea.

Fish Market

As you walk along the seafront you have the turquoise water, boats gently bobbing up and down on your one side, directly on the other you have the fish market.

The market is popular not only for fresh fish but also the souvenirs of all kinds that can be bought.

All the souvenirs and the colours are seemingly adorned with all the colours and icons associated with the fishing boats on the water.

In amongst the fruit, veg, jam, honey, souvenir and leather stalls are the main attraction, the fresh fish stalls

Lampuki is the local main feast here that Marsaxlokk is popular for, but swordfish, tuna, octopus and more is all there, fresh and delicious.

There are plenty of options to sit down in the sun and eat some of the fresh food on offer, right by the waterfront. One of my favourite lunch spots in Malta.

The dining views are of course terrific with the colours and the water.

After a good feast it is of course the perfect place to wander along the front some more or maybe to sit and watch the world go by,

Buildings Of Marsaxlokk

Wander more, see more! It is always great to wander away from the sea front and to take a look at the village and its buildings. There are some beautiful buildings that add more magic to the colour here. One or two building standing out amongst the crowd of course, including the beautiful parish church.

The church is quite simply the centre of Marsaxlokk and towers above all buildings. It is a roman Catholic church built by Marquess Rosalia Apap Viani Testaferrata in the 19th Century.

She vowed to build it after a local fisherman saved her life out on the seas. It is a stunning piece of architecture in a stunning location.

There are unique buildings wherever you look here, it is much more than sun, sea and fish. Definitely worth exploring on foot if you have the time. A good excuse to work of the feast of fish.

Conclusion

As I say, every time I visit Malta I make effort to head south on the island and to enjoy lunch and some time in Marsaxlokk.

You would not regret it. The colours are lovely, the food is lovely, the setting is lovely.

Another tip for lunch on Malta comes in the form of cake at Fontanella in Mdina.