How to Spend a Wonderful Day at Blue Grotto
The iconic Blue Grotto arch formation from the viewing point
Have you too put Blue Grotto at the top of your list for your vacation in Malta? Then this article will give you a few ideas on how to spend your day at one of Malta’s most iconic fishing villages.
Today we’re going by car, coming from the Qrendi side. This way we passed by the beautiful Il-Maqluba church that is located in an area with farms and gardens used by locals to grow vegetables or simply for a weekend escape off the touristy areas.
Il-Maqluba in Qrendi
Walking down the street that leads to the Blue Grotto viewing point with Filfla Island at the horizon
The Iconic Arch
When people say “Blue Grotto,” they usually mean the famous arch rising out of the sea near the village Wied iz-Żurrieq. This natural arch is shaped by wind and waves. Around it, there are six smaller sea caves that you can visit by boat. Depending on the angle of the sun, you will see the ater reflecting the entire spectrum from blue to green. If you can, try to come in the morning between 9 and 11am. That is when the light shines right into the bay.
Blue Grotto Boat Tour
Blue Grotto tour by boat
Crystal water reflecting the entire specturm of colours from blue to green
From the viewing point we are making our way down to the village Wied iz-Żurrieq (approx. 10 minute walk downhill). Once you get to the village it makes sense to do the traditional boat tour first as the sunlight hits all caves in the morning hours. The tours leave from the small harbour in Wied iz-Żurrieq and last about 20 minutes. The boats are small and painted in bright colours — typical Maltese “luzzu” boats.
Tours usually run every day, as long as the weather permits. Tickets are sold just were the boats are leaving from. You don’t need to book in advance.
Wied iz-Zurrieq
Swimming spot in Wied iz-Zurrieq
After doing the boat tour we dipped into the water just a few metres from were the boat had dropped us. The water is super clear and many people are sunbathing here until late autumn.
Having Lunch with Ocean Views
Tiny bird watching towards a tiny island
Swimmers enjoying the sea in late autumn
There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village where you can grab a coffee or have lunch. We usually eat at Step In, the restaurant at the very end of the village. Their fish variety is great and it is a nice place to sit and watch the boats come in and out. We had this little bird (see photo) joining us and it almost seemed he enjoyed the view as much as we did!
Filfla Island
Boy riding a scooter at Filfla Island viewing point
Filfla Island at sunset
“Filfla” has its roots in the Arabic word for “Peppercorn“ حب الفلفل 🌶️. The island is a nature reserve and not open to visitors. It’s only 60,000 square metres in size, but home to some birds and plants that don’t exist elsewhere.
Filfla has an interesting but sad history — it was used for bombardment practice by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force until 1971.
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