The Fishing Village of Marsaxlokk
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Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar – sa – shlock) is a small picturesque village in the south eastern coast of Malta. It has a population of c.a. 3,000 people and is referred to as the ‘fishing village’ in Malta. Marsaxlokk is located around a natural harbour which is the second largest natural harbour on the islands. This natural shelter is home to the traditional Maltese fishing boats, the colourful ‘Luzzu’s. These gondola types of boats are used by fishermen to capture ‘lampuki’, a Mediterranean fish mostly caught between August and December. A luzzu will have a mythical eye painted on both sides of the prow, which should protect the fisherman and his family from evil.
Every Sunday morning, Marsaxlokk is host of the biggest fish market in Malta. Stalls are erected all around the quayside and fishermen sell their catch. One can find a display of all the different types of fish. This market has become so popular among tourists and locals that it has been extended along all the inner harbour and apart from fish one finds clothes, shoes, food, antiques, books and souvenirs.
Marsaxlokk is also renown for good fish restaurants. On warm days one can enjoy a meal by the sea as most of the restaurants have an extension on the quay. On these days fishermen spread out their fishing nets to dry in the sun and occasionally one sees a fisherman carefully mending holes in the nets.
There is a small sandy beach in Marsaxlokk that is easily accessible by car. Summer evenings in Marsaxlokk are often characterised by Bingo games, held in the open air which are open to the general public.
The bus number to Marsaxlokk is 27 and there is a direct bus from Valletta, Sliema and Bugibba.
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