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Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto)

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Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)

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Wied iż-Żurrieq is a narrow valley inlet in southern Malta that serves as the primary gateway for boat trips to the world-famous Blue Grotto. The small bay is tucked away between towering cliffs and is traditionally used by Maltese fishermen who now utilize their colorful luzzu boats to ferry visitors to the nearby sea caves. The cave system consists of several caverns, with the Blue Grotto itself being the most iconic due to its massive natural limestone arch. Inside the caves, the water displays spirited shades of blue and turquoise, caused by the reflection of sunlight off the white sandy seabed. Above the harbor, a small hamlet features restaurants and viewing points that offer clear views of the uninhabited islet of Filfla. The surrounding area is also popular for rock climbing and hiking along the rugged southern coastline. The geological formation of the grotto is the result of thousands of years of marine erosion.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Wied iż-Żurrieq is a small harbour in Malta from which boat trips to the famous Blue Grotto depart. It serves as the main access point for visitors wanting to experience the impressive sea caves and crystal-clear waters.
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Visiting
The harbour itself is publicly accessible, consisting of a small jetty and a landing stage. Visitors can board the boats for the grotto trips here and enjoy the coastal views.
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Where to view it
The best view of the harbour and coastline is from the nearby cliffside promenade. From there, you can see boats coming and going and admire the dramatic rock formations of the Blue Grotto.
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Local products
Right at the harbour, small stalls offer local handicrafts such as jewellery, ceramics, and lace. Fresh seafood and traditional Maltese snacks are also sold by street vendors.
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Active season
The main season for boat trips is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm. In the summer months, the harbour is particularly busy and waiting times for tours can be longer.
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Nearby
A visit to the harbour can be combined with a coastal walk to Dingli or to the nearby Roman ruins. The town of Żurrieq itself has a characterful old town and a parish church.

Geography

Coordinates
35.81800, 14.45500

Facts

  • The natural arch of the Blue Grotto stands approximately 30 meters high.
  • The islet of Filfla is located about 5 kilometers off the coast.
  • Boat trips are strictly dependent on sea conditions and swell.
  • The cave colors are most vibrant during the morning hours.
  • Typical excursion boats have a capacity of 8 to 10 passengers.
  • Wied iż-Żurrieq is located within the limits of the village of Qrendi.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Blue GrottoBlue Grotto<1 km · NEExplore →
Ħaġar QimĦaġar Qim2 km · NWExplore →
ŻurrieqŻurrieq2 km · NEExplore →
Ta' Kole Donkey SanctuaryTa' Kole Donkey Sanctuary2 km · NExplore →
Ghar LapsiGhar Lapsi3 km · WExplore →
MqabbaMqabba3 km · NEExplore →
STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd.STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd.4 km · NEExplore →
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (10)

Blue Grotto

Sea cave and viewpoint on Malta's southern coast.

Blue Grotto Trips

Boat trips to the Blue Grotto and surrounding caves.

Il-Ħnejja

Natural cave in Malta, known as the 'Arch Cave'.

Taħt il-Ħnejja

Viewpoint beneath the Il-Ħnejja rock arch.

Il Maqluba

Sinkhole and viewpoint near Qrendi, Malta.

Ħaġar Qim🏛 museum

Museum with artifacts from the nearby temples.

Torri tal-Ħamrija🗼 tower

17th-century De Redin Tower on the southern coast.

It-Tempji ta' Ħaġar Qim

Several prehistoric temples on the Maltese Islands.

Wied il-Bassasa

Valley with hiking trails near Qrendi.

Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena

Church building in Qrendi, Malta.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How much does the boat trip to the Blue Grotto cost?
The trip costs around €10 to €12 for adults, with children paying half price.
Does the trip depend on the weather?
Yes, boat trips do not take place in case of strong winds or high swells.
What is the best time to see the blue water?
From morning until noon, the light is best for observing the brilliant blue colors.
How long does a tour last?
The boat trip lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes in total.
Is there parking available?
There is a parking area above the bay, but it often fills up quickly.
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto): where is it located?
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) is located in Malta.
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto): what is there to see?
Highlights include Blue Grotto, Blue Grotto Trips, Il-Ħnejja.
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto): why is it worth visiting?
Wied iż-Żurrieq is a narrow valley inlet in southern Malta that serves as the primary gateway for boat trips to the world-famous Blue Grotto.
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Nature

Blue Grotto — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.
Għar Lapsi Cove — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Għar Lapsi Cove
A small rocky inlet popular with divers and snorkelers.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole
A giant sinkhole formed by the collapse of a cave, now a wooded micro-habitat.
Għar Ħasan Cave — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Għar Ħasan Cave
A large sea cave on the cliffs near Birzebbuga with a legend about a Saracen pirate.
Ta&#39; Randu Hill — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Ta' Randu Hill
A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.
Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
Dingli Cliffs — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Dingli Cliffs
The highest point in Malta, offering breathtaking views of the open sea.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Il-Maqluba — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Il-Maqluba
A large sinkhole that has created a unique micro-habitat with a variety of trees and plants.
Potato Farms in Qrendi — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Potato Farms in Qrendi
The region around Qrendi is a major producer of potatoes in Malta, which are also exported.
Ta&#39; Kole Donkey Sanctuary — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary
A sanctuary that cares for abandoned and mistreated donkeys.
Malta Falconry Centre — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Malta Falconry Centre
A center dedicated to the conservation and breeding of birds of prey.
Limestone Heritage Park &amp; Gardens — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens
An experiential museum about the history of Maltese limestone, with a small animal park.
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi) — Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) (Malta)
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)
The area around Siggiewi and Qrendi is the center of Malta's limestone quarrying industry.