Markets at Marsaxlokk

If you want to experience something that will immerse you into culture straight away, then head over to the Sunday market at Marsaxlokk. The markets spread across a large portion of the water front in the bustling village of Marsaxlokk, found in the south-eastern region of Malta, near to St Peter’s Pool.

We visited the market, what we thought would be pretty early doors, however, it was evident that we needed to have left the household much earlier than what he had anticipated. Our trip would consist of two bus journeys, one to Valletta and then a 15-minute walk to the next bus stop which would then take us on to the market. Four potential buses rode past us, laden with people all with the same idea of heading to the market, located around 30 minutes away from our location.

After what felt like a life time journey, we finally arrived in Marsaxlokk, all piling off the bus and down towards the water front. The village itself is very beautiful, with water front restaurants overlooking the harbour. I wish we had spent more time looking around the village itself, but we had other plans.

Above: The waterfront at Marsaxlokk

We started at the very beginning of the market where we were welcomed with the lovely stench of fish and salt water. We quickly manouvered through this section, where the fly infested carcasses lay before us of the poor fish who didn’t manage to escape the nets. The next part of the market consisted of beautiful table wear, such as table cloths, doilies, cutlery, canteens and other forms of crockery. I am a sucker for things like this, so I was definitely in my element.

As the sun blazed through the gaps in the stalls, it was clear to see how stressed everyone was becoming with the traffic in between the narrow ‘walk way’.

It did not help that most people were trying to walk against the natural flow of people, meaning one had to alternate their body movements frequently in order to let folk past.

We got to the good stuff in the middle section of the market. Food. I have never in my life seen bigger plate fulls of olives, garlics, nuts, fruits, pastries and sweets in my life. However, you have to be careful with some of the sweet stands, as it is not just humans that like these tasty treats, but also lovely wasps. If you look closely through some of the glass, you could see the critters feasting on crème puffs, cannoli’s and other various pastries. I would not really recommend purchasing food from here, as I am not too certain as to the sanitation rating. Silly to say for a market I know, but it is very off putting to see an insect enjoy your food before you do. 

About three-quarters of the way through inspecting the stalls, I had had enough of the boiling heat and the bustling people, so found a literal gap in the market and sprinted for it. It felt like I had run out of a scene in a horror film. I went to the edge by the water front, where I sat down and took in my more peaceful surroundings.

I would recommend Marsaxlokk markets, if you have the patience to slowly walk around your surroundings, but I however, do not have such patience as many of the people that were at the market that day walked incredibly slowly and against the typical flow of traffic.

My final verdict – nice surroundings, nice stalls, but too busy.

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