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Żurrieq
ℹ️Practical info — Żurrieq
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Blue Grotto in the morning to see the most lively colors reflected in the water.
- Parking in Wied iż-Żurrieq is very difficult on weekends; consider taking a bus or arriving very early.
- The Ta' Xarolla Windmill is typically only open to the public on Sunday mornings.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk along the rugged coastal paths near the town.
- Look for the small wayside chapels that date back centuries in the older parts of town.
🍽 Food
A traditional fish soup, best enjoyed at the seafood restaurants in the Wied iż-Żurrieq harbor area.
Rabbit fried in garlic, a local favorite served in the traditional eateries within the village core.
Sample the daily catch at the restaurants overlooking the sea near the Blue Grotto boats.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A local market is held on Tuesdays, offering fresh produce, clothes, and traditional snacks.
Find small, nondescript bakeries in the village center for authentic Maltese sourdough bread.
A scenic valley good for quiet nature walks with striking views leading towards the coast.
A peaceful residential edge of town, well-suited for a calm stroll with vistas of Filfla island.
Water temperature…
Żurrieq is one of the oldest and most expansive towns in the Southern Region of Malta, acting as a major local hub with profound historical significance. The town's origins can be traced back to the Bronze Age and the Punic period, with numerous archaeological sites in the vicinity providing evidence of ancient settlement. Żurrieq is internationally famous for its striking coastal scenery, most notably the Blue Grotto, a sweeping complex of sea caves known for their lively azure waters. Within the town itself, the 18th-century Xarolla Windmill stands as a magnificent landmark; it is one of the few restored working windmills in Malta and now functions as a cultural venue. The heart of the town features the grand parish church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which houses a priceless collection of paintings by the famous Italian artist Mattia Preti. Despite its popularity with visitors, Żurrieq has successfully maintained its traditional character, characterized by narrow winding streets and bustling community life.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla · Tal-Baqqari · Wied il-Bassasa
- Nearby: Għaxaq (4 km)
- Population: ~10.962
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
Geography
Facts
- Żurrieq was first recorded as a parish in the administrative census of 1436.
- The Blue Grotto attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
- The Xarolla Windmill was built in 1724 and is still capable of grinding grain.
- Mattia Preti lived in Zurrieq for a period and painted several titular altarpieces there.
- The town features remains of a Roman tower at the site of Tal-Baqqari.
- The population of Żurrieq was approximately 12,295 as of 2021.
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Żurrieq (10)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blue Grotto in Żurrieq?
What is the Xarolla Windmill?
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Żurrieq: where is it located?
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