MarsaxlokkMarsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village on the south-east of Malta. The village’s name is derived from the words Mersa Sciroc, meaning “port to the south-east” named by the Saracens during their occupation of the Maltese islands.

Overlooking the northern arm of Marsaxlokk Bay is the hill of Tas-Silg. At this site remains have been found of a megalithic temple (dating to around 3,000 B.C.), a Punic temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte (dating to around 500 B.C.), Roman remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Hera (dating to around 200 B.C.), a Byzantine church (dating to around 400 A.D.) and evidence of an Arab settlement.

The bay of Marsaxlokk is also mentioned in the history of the island as the landing base for the Phoenicians during the ninth century B.C. and as the harbour used by the Turkish fleet for the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.

Nowadays, Marsaxlokk is more renowned as a traditional fishing village and the best place to see the colourful, traditional Maltese fishing boats “the Luzzus”, with the mythical eye painted on their prows.

Most of Malta's fish supplies are caught by fishermen coming from this port. On weekdays, the catch is taken to the fish-market in Valletta, but on Sundays fish is retailed by fishermen in the open on the quay of Marsaxlokk.