Marsaxlokk

The basics

Most visitors to Marsaxlokk are there for the buzzing market and traditional Maltese luzzus. These cheery Phoenician-style fishing boats have become symbolic of the island—most are red, yellow, and sky blue, with eyes painted on their prows to ward off evil. Many guided day trips stop by the town, and Sunday tours of the market are available.

Things to know before you go

• Marsaxlokk is pronounced marsa-schlock.
• Be prepared to barter at the market, but expect handcrafted lace to be expensive. (Machine-made runs much cheaper.)
• The market and pier are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to get there

Marsaxlokk is about 30 minutes south of Valletta by car, or around 40 minutes by bus. Bus #81 will get you there directly; alternatively, take bus #80 or #82 to Marnizi and walk the remaining 30 minutes into town. The hop-on hop-off bus also stops in Marsaxlokk.

When to get there

Marsaxlokk’s market is liveliest on Sundays, but if you’d rather avoid crowds and you’re more interested in photographing boats or eating seafood, go first thing in the morning on a weekday. Malta never gets too cold, but it can be rainy in the late-fall and winter months.

Shopping at Marsaxlokk

Sprawling along the quayside under brightly striped awnings, Marsaxlokk’s daily market boasts seasonal fruit, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish. On Sundays, visitors pour in from all over the island to snap up everything from exquisite locally handmade lace, linen tablecloths, and delicate filigree jewelry to gourmet relishes and Maltese honey—but you’ll have to pick through piles of tatty souvenirs and cheap household goods.