The Blue Grotto, or Blue Cave, is one of the most visited natural attractions in Malta. These are cliffs by the sea that form a complex of seven caves, dominated by a large rock arch falling into the sea.
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Travellers sometimes confuse the Blue Grotto with the formerly famous Azure Window rock formation on Gozo, which has collapsed into the sea. However, the Blue Grotto still stands in its place.
The famous cave on the Italian island of Capri also has the same name.
The best view of the Blue Grotto
You can either enjoy the view of the cave from the outdoor observation deck (free entry), or go into the cave directly on the boat.
The safe lookout with benches and a wall at the edge of the cliffs is located on the main road (see map) and entry and parking is free.
There is also a bus stop "Iż-Żurrieq, Panorama" at the viewpoint. Line 74 (Valletta, Żurrieq) and 201 (airport, Dingli cliffs, Mdina) stop here once an hour.
Boat trips
Sail your boat to the edge of the cave and enjoy breathtaking views of the rock formations even from sea level.
Tourist boats leave from the nearby harbour in the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq.
Small boats for 10 passengers leave from the small harbour, where you buy tickets at the ticket office (cash only). The cruise costs 10 eur for adults and 5 eur for children under 10.
Total cruise time is 20-25 minutes and wait times can reach up to 60 minutes in the summer season.
Boats leave every day throughout the year, as long as the sea is calm. In case of bigger waves the boats do not sail at all.
- April-October: from 9:00 to 17:00
- November-March: 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Torri Xutu and Wied iż-Żurrieq village
The boat dock is in the small village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, where you will find many restaurants, souvenir shops and tourist agencies arranging diving.
Besides the cave, the main attraction of the village is the medieval watchtower Torri Xutu (also called "Sciuta").
The repaired tower is open to the public free of charge from 10:00 to 12:00.
Accommodation
Stay one night in the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq if you want to travel from place to place in Malta and be first in line for the cruise to the Blue Grotto in the morning.
For example, stay in a well rated modern hotel Deep Blu Boutique with spectacular sea views.
How to get there?
The Blue Grotto is located on the border of the municipalities of Zurrieq and Qrendi.
By car
If you're heading here by rental car, simply type "Blue Grotto Malta" into the sat nav, or follow the signs that point to Blue Grotto from the main road leading from Valletta past the airport.
There is a small car park right next to the viewpoint, but it can only accommodate a few cars. A larger car park is located about 0.5 km away on the edge of a small village. Both car parks are free, although at the second car park in Wied iż-Żurrieq a parking attendant collects a voluntary parking fee (he usually settles for €1).
By bus
Although both the 74 and 201 buses run to the viewpoint (see info above), only the 201 bus (airport, Dingli cliffs, Mdina) runs directly to the Wied iż-Żurrieq village car park once an hour.
For ticket prices and more information about buses in Malta, see the Transport chapter.
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