Discovering the Blue Grotto in Malta
Visiting the “Blue Grotto” is one of the must-visit attractions during a trip to Malta. You can observe the immense rock formation in the shape of an arch from the “Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint” observation point, but to truly explore the different caves themselves: Blue Grotto, Blue Window Cave, Circle Cave, Calscave, Honeymoon Cave, it’s necessary to take a boat.
Small boats, including the iconic “Luzzu”, rotate and allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the caves up close. Before boarding one of the boats, take the time to walk along the path leading to the top of the cliff to enjoy the spectacular view it offers. From there, you can appreciate the impressive limestone arch and take plenty of photos.
Visiting the Blue Grotto in Malta
To fully enjoy the beauty of the caves, they must be explored from the sea. Boats are available from the canal below the cliff. Tickets are sold on-site, priced at 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. Please note, payments by card or app are not always accepted, so it’s essential to bring enough cash to cover the expenses of your visit.
The boat tour typically lasts between 20 and 25 minutes. The boats can accommodate about ten people, and rotations are frequent. On sunny days, you’ll be amazed by a magical spectacle: vibrant hues of pink, orange, turquoise, and green dancing on the water’s surface, reflecting on the limestone walls of the caves.
What is the best time to visit the Blue Grotto?
First and foremost, it’s very important to check the weather before considering a trip to the “Blue Grotto”. Weather conditions influence access to the caves. When the sea is rough, no boats will go into the caves for safety reasons. During the summer (from June to September), there are hardly any interruptions, but outside the summer season, interruptions are frequent as soon as the swell starts to become significant.
To enjoy the best views and lighting inside the caves, it’s recommended to visit the “Blue Grotto” in the morning. In summer, there may be waits for boat tours, but the rotation system is quite well organized and there are many boats, so the wait rarely exceeds 30 minutes.
How to Get to Blue Grotto?
Three transportation options are available to get to Blue Grotto: buses, car, or tourist bus.
By Bus (Public Transport)
From the Valletta terminus: Route 74 will take you to Blue Grotto, a picturesque journey that takes about 30 minutes. It’s best to get off at the “Panorama” bus stop to enjoy the scenery, then just walk downhill for 2 minutes to reach the Blue Grotto.
From the airport or Rabat: Take Route 201, which will take about an hour to reach Blue Grotto.
From St. Julian’s, Sliema, and Gzira: Take buses number 13, 14, 15, or 16 towards Valletta. Once at the Valletta terminus, take Route 74 towards Blue Grotto.
You can find all bus schedules on the official website of Malta Public Transport.
By Car
If you have or plan to rent a car in Malta, there is a parking lot with about a hundred spaces, the “Blue Fitzi Parking,” available near the Blue Grotto restaurants.
By Taxi or Chauffeur-Driven Car
For those in a hurry or travelers looking for the most comfortable ride, we suggest taking a taxi, or more precisely a chauffeur-driven car, on Bolt, Uber, or eCabs.
By Tourist Bus
Another option if you plan to visit multiple sites including Blue Grotto on the same day, the tourist buses in Malta or “Hop-on-hop-off” buses can be an option. Tourist buses provide a convenient way to visit multiple attractions while enjoying commentary and advice along the way, and Blue Grotto is often one of the included stops.
Information about Blue Grotto
Location
Iż-Żurrieq
Prices
- €10 per adult
- €5 per child
Opening Hours
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM during winter
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM during summer
Transport
Bus: Stop “Panorama” or “Grotto”
The “Blue Grotto” (Grotte Bleue), also known as Taħt il-Ħnejja in Maltese, is one of Malta’s most popular attractions. The site is actually a series of several marine caves located near the fishing village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, with the most famous one being “Blue Grotto”. The geological formation is located on the south coast of the island of Malta, opposite the small island of Filfla. The rock formations of the caves are spectacular, and the azure color of the water inside them makes the place unique and a must-visit.