Marsaxlokk, Amazing Technicolor Fishing Boats

The traditional Maltese fishing village of Marsaxlokk is the place to be on Sundays.  A popular weekly market offers fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, prepared food, and traditional crafts.  Locals and tourists pack the promenade and the many restaurants that line the main road.  There is a smaller daily market, but the small fishing village is generally free from crowds on weekdays.

Marsaxlokk was first set up as a trading post by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC.  The colorful fishing boats, called luzzus, are said to date back to that time.  The boats have been passed down through generations of fisherman.  Although they are stripped and repaired every few years, superstition dictates that they are always repainted in the same colors.  A pair of eyes painted on the bow are also a Phoenician custom to provide additional protection for the fisherman at sea.

The Roman Catholic church Our Lady of Pompei anchors the town square.

There are numerous restaurant options on the main drag, but it’s hard to go wrong when you have such a great view.

Our driver took us to a restaurant owned by his old football buddy.  La Nostra Padrona has tables right along the harbor, and we got a prime spot.  It’s a family operation, we met both the owner and his nephew.

The octopus sautéed in wine, and calamari were perfectly cooked and tender.  The pasta alle vongole was a little on the salty side, but the spaghetti frutti di mare and pasta of the day were very good.  Add amazing company and great Maltese wine, and you have the perfect afternoon.

After a long meal, the harbor is at the perfect place to walk off lunch.

Access:

Marsaxlokk is about 40 minutes by Bus , or 20 minutes by car from Valletta.  The village is only 6km from the airport, and is definitely worth a stop on the way in or out of Malta.