MARSAXLOKK
Marsaxlokk, Malta
When the Maltese want to eat fresh fish, they head for Marsaxlokk, the island's largest traditional fishing harbour in the South Eastern region. We headed there after a swim in nearby St.Peters Pool, with our stomach empty, looking forward to the catch of the day. Colourful Luzzu* boats were sitting tightly on a calm surface of the harbour, catching the last warm rays of the sun.
*Luzzu boats are traditional fishing boats, which were developed in the early 20th century. Brightly painted in shades of yellow, red, green and blue, and the bow is normally pointed with a pair of eyes. These eyes are probably modern survival of an ancient Phoenician custom to protect the fishermen at the sea. They are referred to as the Eye of Horus or of Osiris.
Population: 3.660 people
Name: composition of “Marsa” meaning harbor and “Xlokk” meaning southeast in Maltese.
How to get there: from Valletta catch the number 85 or 81, which will get you directly there. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes.
What to do?
Visit the Parish church, dedicated to the Madonna of Pompeii and built in 1897. You'll find it on the main square. Take a peak inside to see some magnificent paintings by Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali.
Take a stroll along the Harbour, just to watch the colourful ‘luzzu’.
Go shop from the local open market which takes place every day. On Sunday the market gets bigger and fishermen come to show off their catch.
Take your swimming suit and head to St.Peter Pool, which is about 40 minute walk.
Trapani is perched on the western tip of Sicily, and its climate is quintessentially Mediterranean, with average temperatures hovering around 20°C—a perfect respite all year round.