Malta's south coast packs two of the island's most photographed sights into one easy half or full day: the sea caves of the Blue Grotto and the colourful fishing boats of Marsaxlokk. Here's what a South Malta excursion usually includes and how to plan it, especially if you want to catch the Sunday fish market.
What's included in a South Malta excursion?
| Stop | Usually included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transport and hotel pickup | Yes, on most tours | Check your pickup zone on the listing |
| Blue Grotto viewpoint | Yes | Free roadside lookout above the caves |
| Blue Grotto boat trip | Sometimes | Often paid locally, about 20–25 minutes, weather permitting |
| Marsaxlokk village and market | Yes | Free time to explore |
| Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra temples | On longer tours | Entrance fee may be extra |
| St Peter's Pool | On some tours | Natural swimming spot near Marsaxlokk, best in summer |
| Lunch | Rarely | Seafood restaurants on the Marsaxlokk waterfront |
Always read the inclusions. Boat tickets, entrance fees and lunch can change the real cost of a tour.
The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves near Wied iż-Żurrieq. Small, traditional boats take visitors through the caves, where sunlight reflects off the seabed and turns the water a vivid blue.
- Best time: morning, when the sun lights up the water inside the caves
- Weather: boats run only in calm seas, and southerly winds often stop them
- If boats aren't running: the clifftop viewpoint still gives a spectacular view of the arch
More in our Blue Grotto guide.
Marsaxlokk and the Sunday fish market
Marsaxlokk is a working fishing village, with its harbour filled with brightly painted luzzu boats with the "eye of Osiris" on their bows. A waterfront market runs most days, selling souvenirs, lace and local produce, but on Sunday mornings fishermen and fishmongers add stalls of the morning's catch.
- Arrive early: the fish market is at its best before about 11:00
- Expect crowds: Sunday is busy with locals and visitors, and parking is tight
- Lunch: book a waterfront seafood restaurant in advance on Sundays
Read our full Marsaxlokk guide.
How to combine them on a Sunday
The two sites are only about 20–25 minutes' drive apart. Our recommended Sunday plan:
- Around 9:00: Blue Grotto boat trip, in the best light before the queues build
- Around 10:00: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples (optional, just minutes away)
- Around 11:00: Marsaxlokk Sunday market. The fish stalls are still going, but get there sooner if seeing the catch is your priority
- Around 13:00: seafood lunch on the harbour
- Afternoon: St Peter's Pool for a swim in summer, or head back to your hotel
If the market is your top priority, flip the order: Marsaxlokk first thing, then the Blue Grotto late morning.
Tour, private driver or DIY?
- Shared tour: best value, with pickup included and a set timetable
- Private driver: lets you time the Blue Grotto for the light and the market for the fish, and add stops like the temples or Għar Dalam. Book a private driver
- Public bus: possible, but connecting the south coast sights takes much longer
Browse Marsaxlokk tours, half-day tours or all Malta excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk tour?
Most tours include transport, hotel pickup, the Blue Grotto viewpoint and free time in Marsaxlokk. The Blue Grotto boat trip, temple entrance fees and lunch are often paid separately, so check the listing.
What day is the Marsaxlokk fish market?
The fish market is on Sunday mornings. A general market with souvenirs and produce runs on other days too. Arrive before about 11:00 on Sunday for the best of the fish stalls.
Can I do the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk on the same day?
Yes. They're about 20–25 minutes' drive apart and easily combine into a half day. On Sundays, do the Blue Grotto early, then Marsaxlokk for the market and lunch.
What happens if the Blue Grotto boats aren't running?
Boats run only in calm seas. If they're cancelled, you can still enjoy the clifftop viewpoint over the caves and arch, or visit the nearby Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples instead.
