Malta Moments With My Teen: Blue Grotto Magic & Marsaxlokk Charm

Trip overview

This trip was full of firsts—my daughter’s very first time in Europe and my own first Mediterranean cruise—so everything felt new and exciting for both of us.

Malta

Out of all the destinations, Malta immediately stood out. The moment we stepped onto our balcony and saw the port, it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. And in fact, it really was: Malta has been used as a filming location for several major productions, including Brad Pitt’s World War Z, as well as classics like Gladiator and Troy. That sense of cinematic grandeur made our visit even more unforgettable.

Malta cruise port

Seaside day trip

From the backdrop of Malta’s ancient sandstone buildings, we boarded a tour bus for our half‑day excursion. We chose this outing because we wanted to experience the Mediterranean Sea up close while also immersing ourselves in the island’s rich history and culture. Our guide was excellent—sharing fascinating facts about Malta’s past and traditions throughout the journey.

We eventually arrived in a charming village, where we had a brief chance to browse a local shop before continuing on foot. The highlight was the short walk down to the harbor, where rows of brightly painted fishing boats—so iconic to Malta—waited.

Soon after, we boarded one of the boats and set off on a 30‑minute ride along the dramatic cliffside coast, weaving in and out of sea caves and taking in the breathtaking views.

Malta painted doors

Marsaxlokk

After the boat tour, we boarded the bus again and made our way to the charming fishing town of Marsaxlokk. We strolled through the streets and stopped at Costa Coffee for a quick break—a great spot if you’re looking for a good coffee and a light snack. Although we’d heard wonderful things about the local seafood, we didn’t sample it since neither of us are seafood eaters.

One of the highlights was visiting the beautiful Catholic church, Santwarju tal-Madonna ta’ Pompei. Though small, it was stunning, with its elegant domes and vibrant frescoes.

From there, we wandered through the lively open-air market, picking up a few souvenirs before rejoining the bus and continuing on to explore an ancient fortress.

Santwarju tal-Madonna ta’ Pompei

In sum

This excursion filled the day without ever feeling exhausting. The bus rides offered natural breaks to rest, and there were no rigid guided tours where you had to keep pace with a group. Instead, you could explore at your own rhythm while still enjoying the ease and security of traveling with an organized excursion.

For first‑time visitors to Malta, it’s a wonderful way to experience the island’s highlights with both freedom and support.

Bring cash (euros). The boat ride at the Blue Grotto costs €20 per person, and the operator only accepts cash.

There is an option to skip the boat tour. However, for those with limited mobility, be aware that the walk from the boat departure point is uphill and fairly steep, which may be challenging.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Malta page.