The road to the Blue Grotto ends at a small harbour tucked into a valley, with boats lined up on the quay and the sea hidden behind a bend in the cliffs. You get a first sight of the colour only when the boat turns the corner.
A coast of arches and caves
The Blue Grotto is on the south-western coast of Malta, near the village of Qrendi. The cliffs here are steep and rocky, with natural arches, tunnels and caves forming a complex system. The Blue Grotto itself is a group of six caves, of which the deepest reaches 45 metres.
The valley of Wied iż-Żurrieq is the access point. Above it you can look at the cliffs and the open sea, and see the small islet of Filfla on a clear day.
Why it is blue
The water is very clear, and the sea floor is only four to five metres below in places, so sunlight is returned as intense blue. Inside the caves, reflections from the water play on the walls. In sunny weather pink, violet, green and orange patches of colour move over the rock.
The effect is best from sunrise to around midday, which is why morning trips are recommended.
How the name arose
The area was originally a Maltese fishing spot. In the 1950s British soldiers who were stationed on the island noticed the colour of the water and asked local fishermen to take them out. They nicknamed the place the Blue Grotto, after the Grotta Azzurra on Capri, and the name stuck.
Since then the caves have become one of the best-known natural sights of Malta, and they appear on souvenirs and postcards. Visitor numbers are high, with more than 100,000 people each year.
The boat trip
You can reach the caves only by boat. Trips run daily from the morning to late afternoon when the sea is calm, and each lasts about 25 minutes. The boatman explains the route and holds the boat at the key points so you can take photographs.
Bring a camera, a hat and a light jacket for wind. Sit near the edge if you want a clear view, and keep your hands inside the boat.
Swimming, climbing and diving
Besides the boat ride, the area suits other activities. The rocky coast is used for climbing, and the clear water draws snorkellers and divers. Access to the water is from rock platforms, not a sandy beach, so wear shoes with grip and expect to climb in and out.
Check conditions locally before any water activity, as swell and currents can change fast on this exposed coast.
Around Qrendi and Żurrieq
The area is full of other sights. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, two of Malta’s prehistoric temple sites, are a short drive along the coast, and De Redin watchtowers line this stretch of coast. Xarolla Windmill is in Żurrieq. A day in the south often combines the temples and the grotto, with the grotto earlier for the light.
If the boats are not running, the temples and the cliff paths are good alternatives, and you can try the grotto again another day.
A coast to read
The cliffs above the grotto are worth a look from the top as well. A short walk from the car park along the cliff edge gives views of the arches and the rock stacks from above, and the open sea beyond. Filfla lies out in front, and the line of the coast runs on towards Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.
The wind often blows hard here, and the sea sends spray up the rock in winter. The same weather that makes the boat trips unpredictable makes the cliffs dramatic, so it can be a good place to stand on a rough day even if the grotto is closed.
What to wear and bring
Take a hat and sunglasses for the harbour, where there is little shade, and a light waterproof for the boat. Flat shoes with grip suit the quay and the steps. A camera with a wide lens or a phone with a wide setting captures the cave interiors best, and a dry bag helps if you are carrying electronics on a windy day.
Children can come if they sit still in the boat. Boats are open and small, so life jackets and calm behaviour matter.
Practical points
The access road and quay are busy in summer. Arrive early to avoid the queue and the heat, and check the price at the quay before boarding.
There are cafes above the harbour. Wear comfortable shoes, because the steps down to the quay are steep. After the boat ride, walk up to the viewpoint for a final look at the coastline and the open sea.
