Marsaxlokk- Malta's Fishing Industry

The South East point of Malta rests Marsaxlokk. More than 3000 people call this beautiful fishing village home. The name Marsaxlokk is derived from Mersa, an Arabic word meaning harbor and Xlokk meaning south eastern wind of the Mediterranean. Thus, Marsaxlokk implies "the harbor on the South-East". Marsaxlokk stands as the second largest natural harbor of Malta.

The primary occupation of the Marsaxlokk people is fishing. Such a peaceful setting is a proud defender of it's Maltese traditions. Marsaxlokk people form strong communities that rely on each other. The decrease in the fishing haul is in part due to the increase in the nearby population growth. However, Malta's majority of fish surplus is from the fish caught in this picturesque fishing harbor. During the spring the haul of Lampuki, Swordfish and Tuna are still quite impressive. Visitors flock to the outdoor fish market every Sunday. This Sunday market can be seen selling other fresh local produce, clothes, footwear and tourist souvenirs.

There is no better place in Malta to experience the fresh Mediterranean seafood than Marsaxlokk. The best time to go is during the Sunday Market. Tables of seafood are laid out for passer byes. Here the restaurants will purchase quantities of fish that are quickly eaten by the many visitors to the village. Here at the Marsaxlokk Sunday Market you will see the true nature of life in a Maltese fishing village.Marsaxlokk is amazing.

There are many natural harbors in Malta. Marsaxlokk having the second largest, and positioned with a relatively protected and calm water, is why it has been a fishing haven for countless generations. The people of this area go back to a time where they lived in the Ghar Dalam Cave next to the neighboring village of Tas Silig. Neolithic settlements have left behind evidence of their fishing capabilities and the importance of it in their daily lives.

The patron saint of fishermen, St Andrew, proudly stands looking upon his Marsaxlokk fishing village from the town square. A statue like nothing else, Our Lady in a Luzzu sits above the Marsaxlokk church overlooking the harbor delivering relaxation to the returning fishermen.


A stay in Marsaxlokk is affordable. Holiday apartments and hotels are plentiful and the option for a guesthouse or lodge is a cheap alternative. Marsaxlokk is a bit out of the way if you can consider anything out of the way on such a small but vibrant island.