Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk harbor during the Sunday fish market

Marsaxlokk is in the south-east part of Malta.

Get in

By bus it should take about 30 minutes from Valletta. The number 81 and 85 buses leave around every 20 minutes. On Sundays, an extra bus route (X86) runs to/from Valletta.

Get around

It is small enough to walk around, parking can be a hassle near the waterfront.

Understand

Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village on the south-east side of Malta; it has an ancient history, being the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno, but no ancient remains are visible. It is rare as a Maltese seaside village in that it has no modern buildings such as hotels spoiling it and none of the traditional housing has as of yet been destroyed to make way for prefab rental apartments. On Sundays there is a fish market where one can get the best fish available, a particular local favourite is the Lampuki. The sight of the traditional luzzu's (fishingboats built according to a design dating back to the Phoenicians) and the tranquil surroundings make this a very pleasant place to have lunch at one of the quayside restaurants. The only blemish on this near perfect picture is the power plant that for some unfathomable reason had to be built on the side of the bay rather than out of sight in the next bay where the ultra modern cargo port is located.

Buy

The Sunday fish market is said to be the best place in the country for fish, and is a lively traditional spectacle to see.

Eat

On the waterfront there are several reasonably decent restaurants where one can have lunch outside.

Drink

At the waterfront, one can drink in a suitably beautiful location, surrounded by quaint boats and fishermen. There aren't many more picturesque locations to enjoy the local 'Cisk' lager or a range of cheap vodkas.

Sleep

• 1 Port View Guest House, Triq il- Luzzu, ☏ +356 99076004, info@portview.com.