Perched along the southern coast, the Blue Grotto Malta (Taht il-Hnejja, as it’s known in Maltese) boasts a 30-meter natural arch, azure waters, and labyrinthine caves.
The Blue Wall and Grotto viewpoint is arguably the most famous attraction on the island, offering stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean, while boat tours provide up-close encounters with the grotto’s beauty.
In this guide, we’ll go through all the details you should know, including the location, how to get there, what to expect at Malta Blue Grotto and more!
BLUE GROTTO MALTA – OVERVIEW
Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know before visiting the Blue Grotto Malta and its viewpoint.
WHERE IS THE BLUE GROTTO IN MALTA?
Near the villages of Żurrieq and Qrendi, on the island’s southern coast, is where The Blue Grotto in Malta is located.
The Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint are easily accessible from the capital city of Valletta and other towns around the island.
Click here for the exact location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET TO THE BLUE GROTTO MALTA?
There are a few options to visit the Blue Grotto Malta, such as taking the bus, renting a car, or joining a Blue Grotto boat tour.
OPTION #1: PUBLIC BUS
Public buses operate to the village of Żurrieq. From here, it’s a 30-minute walk to the Blue Grotto or you can hop in a taxi which only takes a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can take Bus 74 from Valletta to the Blue Grotto directly, which operates a few times per day.
OPTION #2: RENT A CAR
If public transportation isn’t your cup of tea, the best option is to rent a car in Malta and make your own way to Malta Blue Grotto and park in the designated parking area.
Below is a list of distances and journey times to Blue Grotto from the various cities in Malta;
- From Valletta: 15 km / 25 minutes.
- From St. Julian’s: 15 km / 30 minutes.
- From Mdina: 10 km / 15 minutes.
- From Mellieħa: 25 km / 40 minutes.
OPTION #3: BLUE GROTTO TOUR MALTA
Thirdly, joining a tour to visit the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint will provide a memorable experience. See below for more details on Malta Blue Grotto tours.
BLUE GROTTO MALTA BOAT TOUR
Joining a Blue Grotto Malta Boat Tour is one of the best ways to experience this remarkable vista.
Malta Blue Grotto tours offer a close-up view of the colossal arch, the intricate cave, and the shimmering blue waters inside the grotto.
The boat captain provides insightful commentary about the area’s geology and history. In addition, round-trip transportation from Valletta is included, which is a great bonus.
BEST BLUE GROTTO TOUR MALTA
The best way to visit is by joining a Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Tour from Valletta!
It includes transportation, a stop at Marsaxlokk, a Blue Grotto boat tour, and an experienced guide!
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BLUE GROTTO IN MALTA
The best time to visit the Blue Grotto in Malta is during the spring and early summer months, from April to July.
During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the sea conditions are typically calm, ideal for Blue Grotto boat tours.
Mornings are particularly magical, as the sunlight enhances the vivid blue and turquoise hues of the water. Additionally, visiting in the early part of the day helps avoid the larger crowds and hotter temperatures of the afternoon.
That being said, coming at dusk is a great idea too, as you can see a spectacular sunset from the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint.
RELATED GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN GOZO, MALTA
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BLUE WALL AND GROTTO VIEWPOINT
During our day trip from Valletta to the southern coast of Malta, we had the chance to experience the stunning Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint.
We rented a car from the city and made our way to Blue Grotto in Malta, driving through scenic landscapes that transitioned from urban to the rugged coastlines of the island.
Upon arriving we parked on the side of the road and followed the trail leading to the viewpoint, which took about 5 minutes on foot.
From the elevated spot, the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Blue Grotto are incredible.
The viewpoint is also the perfect spot for photography where you can capture the contrast between the rugged cliffs and the sea.
MALTA BLUE GROTTO
After soaking in the views from the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint, continue down the road to this location where local boat tours depart.
The Blue Grotto boat tour Malta costs €10 per person and the duration is approximately 20 minutes. While this tour is relatively short, it’s enough to see the coastline from another perspective and pass through the natural arch which is the highlight.
It’s worth mentioning that there are limited operating hours to visit the Blue Grotto by boat. In winter, the last Blue Grotto Malta boat tour is around 3:30 pm for safety reasons.
At the boat departure point, you’ll find toilet amenities and a few seaside restaurants to enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal and refreshing drink.
Also located near this small port is Xutu Tower, a historical landmark that dates back to 1638.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA?
Malta has countless places to stay, though accommodation sells out quickly, especially during the summer months, so you’ll want to book in advance.
Below you’ll find properties suitable for luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: Rosselli AX Privilege
MID RANGE: The Londoner Hotel Sliema
BUDGET: Citizen Suites Aparthotel
FOR MORE OPTIONS, READ THIS GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA – THE BEST AREAS
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MALTA
Malta is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and there are plenty of things to see and do during your visit.
I spent one week in Malta, and here below is my complete guide to all the must-see attractions.
READ NOW: 21 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MALTA
More Malta Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to Malta!
FINAL THOUGHTS – BLUE GROTTO IN MALTA
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the Blue Grotto Malta. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide about the Malta Blue Grotto!
Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.
Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.
Many thanks!