A Traditional Maltese Fish Market

Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village on coast of Malta, hosts an early morning fish market every Sunday. Locals go there to buy fresh seafood to prepare for their dinner that evening. Follow the happenings of a typical day at the market through the lens of photographer Kasia Tempes.
malta-coast Fisherman on the Malta coast © Kasia Tempes

While visiting the island, it’s worth it to get up extra early at least once to see the happenings at Marsaxlokk. The fresh seafood and serene atmosphere in this area of Malta will make the old Polish saying “the shortest way to your heart is by the stomach” ring true.
fisherman-malta Fisherman and his dog getting ready for the day © Kasia Tempes

You won’t be alone either. There are many tourists who come to observe this display of authentic activity by the Maltese people. Additionally, travelers have an opportunity to sample a variety of local fish including mussels, prawns, and the popular lampuki, which are delivered on the stands from the boats of Maltese fishermen. Fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs are also available.
lampuki-malta Local Fish © Kasia Tempes

Between fish stands, colorful boats stand out rocking softly next to the shore. Locals crowd the area to examine the goods that fishermen coil in their nets. Merchants too rush around weighing and flaying the catch as customers wait.
fish-market Fish being prepared at the market © Kasia Tempes

If buying and preparing the fish yourself is too much of a hassle, the Marsaxlokk waterfront has a variety of seafood resturants to feed the influx of tourists in recent years.
fish-market-malta Locals waiting for customers © Kasia Tempes

Featured © John Haslam
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kasia-tempes.jpg Kasia Tempes is an aspiring photographer and journalist from Kraków, Poland. She loves to observe and photograph people in their everyday lives while traveling around the world. View Kasia’s photography on her website.

 

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10 Comments

  1. Beautiful photos! That’s somewhere that I’d love to visit.

  2. Andy P.

    Looks like an amazing place to be…that coast. I love shots of the fish being prepared.

  3. I love fresh fish markets. Something about them and the mixture of fish and creatures they have is always captivating.

  4. love markets like this and eating the fish right there, reminds me of the fish market in Istanbul

  5. @Alice @Andy P Thanks.

    @Alex Berger Agreed. Not bad to eat either.

    @Rebecca Love Istanbul.

  6. Thanks:)
    Malta really IS an amazing place to visit.
    Time seems to slow down, people just enjoy themselves
    and the views…

  7. We just spent two weeks in Malta earlier this month and loved watching some of the fishing boats come in for the night. Unfortunately we were in a very touristy part of Malta so mostly we saw tour boats bringing folks back from the Blue Lagoon, but still. 🙂

  8. I’m a big fan of traditional fish markets. I love the hustle and bustle, local activity, and believe it (or not) the smells.

  9. I could spend all day there. And then pop off to one of the local restaurants as well!

  10. I love fish. I remember going to Barcelona and sampling the fish dishes, amazing. I can only imagine the fish in Malta being as good if not better.