Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is in the south-east part of Malta.

Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village on the south-east side of Malta with an ancient history, being the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno, but no ancient remains are visible. It is rare, as a Maltese seaside village, in that it has no modern buildings, such as hotels spoiling it, and none of the traditional housing has as of yet been destroyed to make way for prefab rental apartments. On Sundays, there is a fish market where one can get the best fish available; a particular local favourite is the Lampuki. The sight of the traditional luzzus (fishingboats built according to a design dating back to the Phoenicians) and the tranquil surroundings make this a very pleasant place to have lunch at one of the quayside restaurants. The only blemish on this near perfect picture is the power plant, that for some unfathomable reason, had to be built on the side of the bay, rather than out of sight, in the next bay, close to the ultramodern cargo port.

It should take about 30 minutes from Valletta. The number 81 and 85 buses leave around every 20 minutes. On Sundays, an extra bus route (X86) runs to/from Valletta.

It is small enough to walk around, parking can be a hassle near the waterfront.

Swim: There is a small beach (about 50 m) in the bay, on the north-east side of Marsaxlokk. Alternatively, you may take a small boat in the harbor that takes you in about 20 minutes to a little pier close to St. Peter's Pool, for €5 per person. St. Peter's pool itself may be busy in summer season, but you may find another small rocky beach close by. Bring your swimming shoes. You can get there by foot too, a 40 minutes walk over the hill.

Football: Marsaxlokk FC play soccer in the Premier League, the top tier. Their tiny ground is south edge of town.

The Sunday fish market is said to be the best place in the country for fish, and is a lively traditional spectacle to see.

On the waterfront there are several reasonably decent restaurants where one can have lunch outside.

At the waterfront, one can drink in a suitably beautiful location, surrounded by quaint boats and fishermen. There aren't many more picturesque locations to enjoy the local 'Cisk' lager or a range of cheap vodkas.

• 35.8393314.543291 Port View Guest House, Triq il- Luzzu, ☏ +356 99076004, info@portview.com.