Wied iz-Zurrieq

Gateway to the Blue Grotto

Wied iz-Zurrieq (pronounced "wied iz-ZUR-rik") is a small village and fishing port on Malta's southern coast from which boats depart for the Blue Grotto. The village sits at the bottom of a deep rocky valley (wied = valley in Maltese), and the port is tucked between cliffs, reached by a steep, winding road.

A fishing port

The small port is still an active fishing harbour, with colourful luzzu boats moored in the cove. A few restaurants on the waterfront serve fresh fish and seafood with views of the sea and cliffs. It is one of Malta's most authentic fishing spots, smaller and quieter than Marsaxlokk.

A diving hub

Boats to the Um El Faroud wreck, one of Europe's best wreck dives (110m tanker at 18-36m depth), also depart from here. Dive schools organise trips from Wied iz-Zurrieq port. Snorkelling along the rocky coastline is also possible (easy entry from the waterfront).

Practical tip: Bus 74 from Valletta. Blue Grotto boat trip costs EUR 8 (about 25 minutes). Boats run only in calm seas (check in the morning). The "Blue Grotto" restaurant on the cliff above has views and more affordable prices than those down in the port.