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Marsaxlokk – What To See and Do

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village located in the southeastern part of the island of Malta.

The sea is just a stone’s throw away from the South Wind Guesthouse. The Malta International Airport is just a ten-minute car ride away, whereas Malta’s capital, Valletta, is 20 minutes away. Bus stations that are a short walking distance from the guesthouse connect the village to the rest of the island within minutes.

The village itself not only attracts tourists at present, but it has a remarkable history of visitors over the years, be it the Phoenicians, Carthaginians or the Romans. Here, we have a look at what makes its so attractive.

1) Enjoy the Harbour

This harbour village is simply picture-perfect. With glistening water surrounding its entire promenade, sitting on a public bench and watching the traditional fishing boats is a pleasure in itself. A traditional Maltese boat is called a luzzu and it dates back to the early 20th century. A typical luzzu is brightly painted in shades of yellow, red, green and blue, and the bow is normally pointed with a pair of eyes, that are said to protect the fishermen while at sea. The harbour may be enjoyed practically all year round. The fact that Malta has one of the warmest temperature averages in Europe means that it’s almost always a goodtime to enjoy an outdoor drink or an ice-cream!

1) Enjoy the Harbour

This harbour village is simply picture-perfect. With glistening water surrounding its entire promenade, sitting on a public bench and watching the traditional fishing boats is a pleasure in itself. A traditional Maltese boat is called a luzzu and it dates back to the early 20th century. A typical luzzu is brightly painted in shades of yellow, red, green and blue, and the bow is normally pointed with a pair of eyes, that are said to protect the fishermen while at sea. The harbour may be enjoyed practically all year round. The fact that Malta has one of the warmest temperature averages in Europe means that it’s almost always a goodtime to enjoy an outdoor drink or an ice-cream!

2) Visit the Fish Market

The Marsaxlokk fish market is popular with both tourists and locals, who flock there every Sunday to buy freshly caught fish at prices that are cheaper than what you will find in the shops. Nowadays, this market has evolved to also sell locally produced food items such as olive oil, honey, fruit jams, wine and vegetables. You will also find souvenirs such as traditional Maltese lace and little boat figurines, as well as clothing items. A good shopping spree at the market is normally followed by a hearty lunch.

3) Eat!

If you enjoy having the catch of the day served on your plate, this is definitely the place to be. Some of the dishes you will definitely find at one of the restaurants by the promenade include ‘aljotta’: a soup made with any type of fresh fish together with garlic, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, local white wine, lemon and onions. You will also most definitely find ‘lampuki’, the Maltese name for doradoor mahi-mahi. Normally served with lemon and fresh salad and chips, a lampuki meal is one you will never forget. If you’re not into fish, you are most likely to enjoy a typical Maltese platter, consisting of local olives and capers, local olive oil, sundried tomatoes, Maltese sausage and Maltese ‘ġbejniet’ – small cheese lets that are made with sheep’s milk and salt. Another dish to die for is the traditional Maltese stewed rabbit, that has been enjoyed in Malta since the times of the Knights of St John. A rabbit stew is made with local vegetables and herbs, creating a warm dish that you will likely never forget.

3) Eat!

If you enjoy having the catch of the day served on your plate, this is definitely the place to be. Some of the dishes you will definitely find at one of the restaurants by the promenade include ‘aljotta’: a soup made with any type of fresh fish together with garlic, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, local white wine, lemon and onions. You will also most definitely find ‘lampuki’, the Maltese name for doradoor mahi-mahi. Normally served with lemon and fresh salad and chips, a lampuki meal is one you will never forget. If you’re not into fish, you are most likely to enjoy a typical Maltese platter, consisting of local olives and capers, local olive oil, sundried tomatoes, Maltese sausage and Maltese ‘ġbejniet’ – small cheese lets that are made with sheep’s milk and salt. Another dish to die for is the traditional Maltese stewed rabbit, that has been enjoyed in Malta since the times of the Knights of St John. A rabbit stew is made with local vegetables and herbs, creating a warm dish that you will likely never forget.

4) Visit The Church

Roman Catholic faith has a crucial part to play in Maltese culture. It is no surprise, then, that the Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei is the most stunning building in Marsaxlokk. This church was established at the end of the 19th century, when fishermen started to build houses near the sea coast, in order to save time on travelling. The Church was bulit to honour a promise made by a noble lady, in exchange for her being saved from rough seas during a storm. The Church attracts art enthusiats, having a number of paintings by the artist Giuseppe Calì, born in Valletta to Neapolitan parents in 1846, known as "the Devil with the brush".

5) Swim in St. Peter’s Pool

This is a stunning, pool shaped area naturally carved within rock. Crystal clear blue water offers amazing snorkelling opportunities and the flat rocks provide ideal sunbathing areas. The deep water allows for the more adventurous visitors to dive from a few meters up. There are no facilities in the area so make sure to bring everything you need with you. From the guesthouse St Peters pool is a 30 minute walk or a 5 minute drive by car.

6) Visit Delimara Point

This is where Fort Delimara is located. Built by the British between 1876 and1888, it was part of a chain of fortifications intended to protect Marsaxlokk Harbour. It is mostly an underground fort, with passageways spread out across the cliff that lead to the facade of Delimara Point. Its unique features make it truly worth a visit.

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