Żurrieq City
City in Iż-Żurrieq, Malta near the coast
Cliffside Żurrieq is a departure point for boat trips to the Blue Grotto, sea‑cave dives and coastal walks; fishermen's bays, seafood restaurants and nearby megalithic sites add to the itinerary.
79°F
Why Visit Żurrieq?#
Żurrieq is a gateway to one of Malta’s best sea‑cave attractions, the Blue Grotto, where boat trips and coastal cliffs draw day‑trippers and photographers. Nearby archaeological sites such as Ħaġar Qim add ancient context, while village churches and festas give visitors a taste of local tradition. Fresh seafood, pastizzi and short coastal hikes make it easy to combine sightseeing with relaxed village life.
Best Things to Do in Żurrieq#
.jpg?width=600)
Żurrieq Bucket List#
Blue Grotto - Boat trips explore sea caves and cliffs, best light in morning.
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples - Neolithic temple complex a short drive away, impressive ancient stone monuments.
Żurrieq Parish Church (St. Catherine) - Baroque parish church with ornate interior and lively festa celebrations each year.
Filfla Viewpoint - Coastal viewpoint offering clear views of tiny Filfla islet and sea birds.
Wied iz-Zurrieq cliffs - Walk cliff-top trails above sea caves for dramatic coastal panoramas and sunsets.
Wied iz-Zurrieq Harbour - Small harbour where fishermen launch boats to Blue Grotto, great for sunrise.
Valletta - Baroque capital with grand churches, museums, and waterfront restaurants.
Marsaxlokk - Traditional fishing village with colorful boats and a busy Sunday fish market.
Best Time to Visit Żurrieq#
Żurrieq’s Mediterranean climate favors spring and early autumn for sightseeing and boat trips. Summer is peak season with strong sun and busy coastal attractions; winters are mild but rainy.
December - February
10 - 16 °C (50 - 61 °F)
Winters are mild and wet; quieter coastal walks around Blue Grotto and countryside are pleasant, though boat tours are less frequent in rough weather.
March - May
13 - 22 °C (55 - 72 °F)
Spring brings warm sunny days and blooming fields - perfect for visiting Blue Grotto, hiking cliffs and enjoying empty cafes before summer crowds arrive.
June - August
24 - 33 °C (75 - 91 °F)
Summers are hot and busy; coastal boat trips, sunbathing and busy restaurants dominate - plan early boat departures and reserve dining during peak months.
Żurrieq's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (555 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Żurrieq#
Żurrieq is a southern Maltese town best reached from Malta International Airport (MLA) by bus or short taxi ride. The town is a gateway to the Blue Grotto and nearby coastal sites.
Malta International Airport (MLA): Malta’s international airport (MLA) is the usual entry point. From MLA to Żurrieq (southern Malta) the drive is roughly 15-25 minutes; taxi fares are typically €12-€20, and buses via Valletta or direct routes take 25-40 minutes with fares about €2.00.
Other: No alternate international airports exist on the island.
Train: Malta has no rail services.
Bus: Tallinja buses serve Żurrieq with routes linking to Valletta, the airport and the Blue Grotto area; expect 25-40 minutes travel from central hubs and single fares around €2.00. Bus frequency is good on main routes but can be reduced on Sundays and public holidays.
How to Get Around Żurrieq#
Żurrieq is well served by Malta’s bus network and short taxi rides from the airport or Valletta; use buses for budget travel and taxis or hire cars for flexible access to coastal attractions.
- Tallinja buses (€2.00) - Tallinja buses connect Żurrieq with Valletta, the airport and tourist sites such as the Blue Grotto. Single fares are typically €2.00 and journey times from central hubs are usually 25-40 minutes depending on route and traffic.
- Taxi / private transfer (€12-€20) - Taxis from MLA or Valletta to Żurrieq take about 20-30 minutes and typically cost €12-€20. Private transfers are useful for early departures or for direct access to coastal attractions.
- Car hire (€35-€80/day) - Hiring a car is handy for exploring the southern coast, caves and countryside; parking near natural attractions can be limited so arrive early in high season.
- Boat trips / tourist shuttles (€8-€20) - Boat tours to the Blue Grotto and nearby sea caves operate from local harbours; these are seasonal and best booked locally. Small tourist shuttles may also serve coastal viewpoints in summer.
- Walking - Żurrieq’s village centre and nearby coastal viewpoints are walkable for short visits; for excursions to caves and beaches plan to use local transport or a car.
Where to Stay in Żurrieq#
Village centre - €40-75/night
Żurrieq offers a handful of small guesthouses and simple rooms; budget options are modest and often family-operated.
Local guesthouses (Żurrieq listings) - Small guest rooms and B&Bs.
Independent guesthouses nearby - Basic, locally run accommodation.
Żurrieq centre / nearby coast - €80-140/night
Mid-range options are mainly boutique guesthouses and small hotels nearby; Żurrieq is better for short stays when exploring the south coast.
Boutique guesthouses (region) - Comfortable stays a short drive away.
Closest mid-range hotels in Birżebbuġa/Marsaxlokk - More options on the coast.
St. Julian’s / Valletta - €170+/night
No luxury resorts in Żurrieq itself; find high-end hotels and seafront resorts in St. Julian’s, Valletta or the main coastal resorts.
Luxury hotels in St. Julian’s / Valletta - Upscale options are in Malta’s main tourist centres.
Premium villas and hotels (Malta) - High-end stays require travel to larger towns.
Where to Eat in Żurrieq#
Neighbourhood restaurants offer hearty Maltese mains and familiar Mediterranean flavours.
- Il-Kantun - Family-run Maltese plates and daily specials
- Ta’ Liam - Home-cooked mains, friendly neighbourhood setting
- Pizzeria Żurrieq - Wood-fired pizzas and casual dining
Fresh seafood, market stalls and cafés near the Blue Grotto draw locals and visitors alike.
- Local fish stalls - Morning market catch, sold directly to customers
- Blue Grotto Café - Light meals and views toward the cliffs
- Pastizzeria Żurrieq - Savory pies and quick Maltese snacks
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Żurrieq’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Żurrieq#
Shopping in Żurrieq is basic: small shops, bakeries and local businesses serve residents and visitors. For more variety, go to larger towns or tourist hubs elsewhere on the island.
Nightlife in Żurrieq#
Nightlife in Żurrieq is subdued - evenings focus on local restaurants and cafés. There aren’t many clubs or late-night venues here; coastal towns and St. Julian’s host the island’s livelier night scene.