Blue Grotto

When in Malta, it is practically de rigueur to hop aboard a tour boat and explore the sea caves at Wied iz-Żurrieq on the island’s south-west coast. By far the most famous of the island’s cave complexes is the Blue Grotto, a series of nine caves whose rocky sides glow green, purple, and orange according to their mineral content. The sea around the caves is so clear that the apparent bright cobalt-blue of the water is actually a reflection of the sky reflected off the pristine white sand on the sea floor.

From the roadside near Wied iz-Żurrieq there are panoramic viewpoints across the cliffs out over the Mediterranean and there are plenty of quality fish restaurants around the harbor in which to enjoy lunch and the views of uninhabited Filfla just offshore from the Blue Grotto.

Practical Info:

Bus route 201 operates to Wied lz Żurrieq from Rabat and the airport in around 30 minutes. Tickets for the daily boat tours can be bought on arrival at Żurrieq harbor but boats will not run if the sea is rough.

The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is first thing on a sunny morning before the crowds arrive. At this time the sea will be undisturbed and clear, so the colors will sparkle through the water. Be sure to wear a life jacket and also be aware that the walk down to the boats in the harbor is steep.