Blue Grotto Sea Caves

The Blue Grotto is a group of sea caves on the south coast of Malta, near Wied iz-Zurrieq in the village of Zurrieq, about 11 km in a straight line from Valletta. Small boats leave from the Wied iz-Zurrieq quay and enter the caves, where sunlight reflecting off the seabed gives the water vivid blue and turquoise tones. Malta Public Transport bus 74 from Valletta Bus Terminus reaches the Panorama stop in about an hour, and fares are EUR 2.00 (USD 2.30) single in winter and EUR 2.50 (USD 2.88) in summer, valid for two hours with free transfers. The bus runs a few times per day, so the return timetable should be checked in advance. Summer bus 71 stops only at the top of the cliff, not at the sea. From the Panorama stop, visitors walk down to the quay, and the Blue Grotto Viewpoint gives wide views of the caves and the offshore islet of Filfla. Boat trips are weather dependent, and rough seas can cancel sailings, so mornings generally offer the calmest conditions and the best light inside the caves. A suggested one-day arc is to take an early bus, enjoy the viewpoint, take the boat trip, and then walk about 1 km to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, which share the same bus stop. Food options near the quay are limited to a few cafes and kiosks, so lunch in nearby Zurrieq or Qrendi is a useful alternative. May to October offers the calmest seas and the best chance of sailings, although midsummer is crowded and hot. Sturdy footwear is important because of the steps down to the water, and a hat and sunscreen are useful on the exposed cliff. Photographers often favour the morning, when the light enters the caves most strongly.