Marsaxlokk Malta Blog

The Malta fishing village is a very quiet location compared to others, with few cars passing through. But at the same time, it has become a very touristic location with many fish restaurants and cafes lined along the promenade.

Although the Sunday market was originally a fish market, it has developed and now it also sells locally produced honey, fruit jams, wine as well as vegetables, souvenirs, and clothes.

Interesting facts about Marsaxlokk

Dominating the village skyline is the Marsaxlokk Parish Church

Dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii, the 19th century Roman Catholic church is typically Maltese and is worth visiting for its beautiful gold, white, and red interiors. Take special note of the historical statues that decorate the building and the paintings by Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì.

Dominating the village skyline is the Marsaxlokk Parish Church

Dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii, the 19th century Roman Catholic church is typically Maltese and is worth visiting for its beautiful gold, white, and red interiors. Take special note of the historical statues that decorate the building and the paintings by Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì.

The name of the town

The name of the town comes from the words marsa, meaning ‘port’, and xlokk, which is the Maltese word for ‘south east’, since the town is a port town in the southeastern part of Malta.

The name of the town

The name of the town comes from the words marsa, meaning ‘port’, and xlokk, which is the Maltese word for ‘south east’, since the town is a port town in the southeastern part of Malta.

Colorful Luzzu Boats

The vessels that bob in the harbor of Marsaxlokk are more than your average fishing boat’s. Known as luzzus, these traditional and distinctive Maltese boats are brightly painted in primary colors. In keeping with traditions dating back to Phoenician times, the eye of Horus (an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection) is painted on the front bow to protect fishermen out at sea. The boats are attractions in themselves and a colorful symbol of the Maltese islands.

The fishermen in Marsaxlokk are responsible for supplying most of Malta’s fish, as about 70% of the Maltese fishing fleet is based there.

The fishermen in Marsaxlokk are responsible for supplying most of Malta’s fish, as about 70% of the Maltese fishing fleet is based there.

The Phoenicians

Marsaxlokk was used as a port by Phoenicians in the 9th century BC (and they even had their own temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte), the Carthaginians, the Turks, and also has the remains of a Roman-era harbour.

The Phoenicians

Marsaxlokk was used as a port by Phoenicians in the 9th century BC (and they even had their own temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte), the Carthaginians, the Turks, and also has the remains of a Roman-era harbour.

Fort Delimara is one of the island’s many coastal defences built by the Knights of Malta. It may not be as grand as the fortifications of Valletta, but its unique location, built into the cliff face, is a sight to behold. The fort is endangered due to coastal erosion, so it isn’t open to the public. 

Fort Delimara is one of the island’s many coastal defences built by the Knights of Malta. It may not be as grand as the fortifications of Valletta, but its unique location, built into the cliff face, is a sight to behold. The fort is endangered due to coastal erosion, so it isn’t open to the public. 

Before becoming a town with its own local population, Marsaxlokk used to be a retreat town, where many locals used to go to spend their summer, without living there all year round. The first record of a living population was from 1890, with 210 people reportedly living in the village. As of 2019, the population of the town was recorded at 3,026 residents.

Before becoming a town with its own local population, Marsaxlokk used to be a retreat town, where many locals used to go to spend their summer, without living there all year round. The first record of a living population was from 1890, with 210 people reportedly living in the village. As of 2019, the population of the town was recorded at 3,026 residents.

Many locals visit this village, especially for Sunday lunch.

It is also popular for the Sunday morning market, where you can find fresh fish and all sorts of other commodities.

Many locals visit this village, especially for Sunday lunch.

It is also popular for the Sunday morning market, where you can find fresh fish and all sorts of other commodities.

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