The Blue Grotto of Malta

The site of the Blue Grotto of Malta is a geological formation located near the fishing village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, in the south of the island of Malta. It actually consists of a series of seven sea caves, the most famous of which, the “Blue Grotto,” is renowned for the shimmering emerald hues of its water. It is this particular cave that gave the entire site its commonly used name, popularized in the 1950s by a British pilot who compared it to the famous Grotta Azzurra of Capri.

Visiting the Blue Grotto is one of the must-do visits in Malta and attracts thousands of travelers every year. You can observe the huge rock formation in the shape of an arch from the “Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint,” but to truly explore the different caves and capture the interplay of colors, you’ll need to take a boat.

Small boats, including the iconic “Luzzu,” make regular trips 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 that leads to the top of the cliff to enjoy the spectacular view it offers. From there, you can appreciate the impressive limestone arch and take some emblematic photos.

The boats are available from the channel at the foot of the cliff. Tickets are sold on-site, at a price of 10 euros per adult and 5 euros per child. Be aware that card payments or app payments are not always accepted, so it’s essential to bring enough cash to cover the cost of your visit.

The boat tour usually lasts between 20 and 25 minutes. The boats can accommodate around ten people, and they run frequently. On a sunny day, you’ll be amazed by the magic of the site: vibrant shades of pink, orange, turquoise, and green dancing on the surface of the water, reflecting on the limestone walls of the caves.

Boat trips run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the winter months and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the high season. First of all, it’s essential to check the weather before planning to go to the “Blue Grotto”. The weather conditions affect access to the caves.

When the sea is rough, no boats will go there for safety reasons. During summer (from June to September), there are hardly any interruptions, but outside the summer season, they are frequent as soon as the swell becomes significant.

There may also be a wait for boat tours. However, the rotation system is well organized and there are many boats: the wait rarely exceeds 30 minutes.

Finally, for the best views and the best light inside the Blue Grotto, it is recommended to visit in the morning.

There are several transportation options to get to Blue Grotto: bus, car, tour bus, or taxi.

From the Valletta terminal: route 74 will take you to Blue Grotto, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. The ideal option is to get off at the “Panorama” bus stop to enjoy the view, then walk 2 minutes downhill to reach the Blue Grotto.

From the Malta Airport or Rabat: take route 201, which will take about an hour to reach the Blue Grotto.

Finally, from St. Julian’s, Sliema, and Gzira: you will need to take buses number 13, 14, 15, or 16 towards Valletta. Once at the Valletta terminal, take route 74 to the Blue Grotto.

All available bus routes and schedules to reach the Blue Grotto can be found on Malta Public Transport.

If you plan to rent a car in Malta to travel around the island, there is a parking lot with around a hundred spaces, called the “Blue Fitzi Parking“, available at the entrance to the village, just before the Blue Grotto restaurants. However, be aware that it is often full in high season and traffic can be difficult there.

If you are considering visiting several sites including the Blue Grotto on the same day, the tourist buses in Malta or “Hop-on-hop-off” can be a very good option. These buses offer a convenient way to visit multiple attractions while enjoying commentary and advice along the way.

For travelers looking for the most comfortable journey, taking a taxi or a chauffeur-driven car (Bolt, Uber, or eCabs) can be a good alternative.

Above the harbor where you board the boats to the caves is the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, where you’ll find several restaurants offering local, Mediterranean, or fast food (snacking).

The Coast Cassarini, Aalto, and Azul are the most popular restaurants. However, as the area is quite far from major cities, prices are generally higher than the average on the rest of the island.