Malta - Marsaxlokk and Blue Grotto - October 2023

 Marsaxlokk : is a small, traditional fishing village in the southeastern region of Malta. It has a harbor and is a tourist attraction known for the fish market, history, scenery, restaurants and boat tours. We were told that Marsaxlokk Market, which is mainly a large fish market would take place along the seafront on Sundays. We happened to have one Sunday in Malta and saved that day for the Marsaxlokk "fish" market.

The market seemed to be in full swing when we got to Marsaxlokk. Lots of people promenading the waterfront and checking out the restaurant menus on this beautiful Sunday morning. However, we learned that the "fish" market is closed (only) one day, the first Sunday in October. Of course, it was the day we're there! 

We decided to hang out the Marsaxlokk harbor, walk the waterfront and take a boat tour to St. Peter's Pool and around the harbor.

The only fish at Marsaxlokk market on Oct. 1, 2023.

Bronze statue at the harbor bay of Marsaxlokk.

Busy harbor with colorful fishing boats.

Busy waterfront.

                                                     Taking a boat tour around the harbor.

Fort Delimara.

Delimara Lighthouse (Lighthouse Salt).

St. Peter's Pool.

Rocks Beach near St. Peter's Pool.

Popular beach at St. Peter's Pool.

Approaching Small Cove

Window & Small Cove, the end of the tour loop.

View of fort Delimara on the return boat trip.

Busy harbor with Our Lady of Pompeii Church's bell towers in the background.

Lunch at the waterfront - tradition Maltese fish soup and pasta dish.

Traditional  house door across the waterfront.

Church of Our Lady of Pompei, Marsaxlokk

The church plaza is in the center of Marsaxlokk fishing village.

Blue Grotto:  We took UBER from Our Lady of Pompei Church plaza to the Blue Grotto on the southern shore of Malta.

                          Overlook above the blue grotto for viewing several overhangs and sea caves

Beautiful "blue" water from an overlook preciptiously right above the grotto.

The grotto entrance.

Close-up view of the grotto.

Sciuta Tower (Torri Xutu), a watchtower near the Blue Grotto overlook, built in the 17th century by Order of St. John.

A spectacular performance of the local divers from the cliff above us.

Up close to the divers.

  

We had a busy day visiting the south and southeastern region of Malta. It was quite hot and humid in the afternoon while we were at the Blue Grotto. We went back to our hotel and spent a relaxing evening at the Grand Harbor, our familiar part of the island.