Discovering Malta’s Blue Grotto and Crystal-Clear Caves

How to get to the Blue Grotto:

If you are planning to drive to the Blue Grotto from Valletta, please allow 35 minutes for the journey. You will have no trouble getting there, as the signs are very clear. 

If you don’t have a car and prefer to get there by cab, a 4-seater car will cost you between 15 and 25 euros (from Valletta). The price depends on the time you book your cab. We advise you to book off-peak, as it will be much cheaper ;) 

If you have a limited budget, public transport is the best option. You will need to take the bus 74 from Valletta terminal. You can buy a ticket directly on the bus (2€ for 2 hours). Get off at the “Panorama” stop. The only drawback is the journey time, which is 1 hour or more if there is a lot of traffic.  

Make sure you catch the right bus at the right stop! 

Interesting information and historical facts about the Blue Grotto:

The Blue Grotto is a huge natural arch, plunging 40m under the sea and measuring 43m in length. The Blue Grotto is not the only grotto, as 6 smaller crystal-clear caves can be found nearby. That’s 6 times more fun! 

You are probably wondering where the name “Blue Grotto” comes from. It was named after British soldiers in the 1950s. The magnificent spot reminded them of the Grotta Azzuria on the island of Capri in Italie. 

This area is also an exceptional place for diving. In 1995, a 10,000-ton, 115m-long oil tanker was deliberately sunk by an accidental explosion. Today, the site is one of the island’s most popular diving spots. 

What to do in Blue Grotto:

The main and most popular activity at the Blue Grotto is a tour of the caves in a small traditional boat called a “frejgatina”. During this trip, you can admire the changing colours of the water as it reflects off the cave walls. This activity costs around 8 euros per person and lasts about 30min. We recommend you take this walk in the morning when the natural light and mirror effects in the water are at their most spectacular. 

You can also admire the Blue Grotto from above. There is a viewpoint just above the cave, accessible from the road leading down to the village of Wied-iz-Zurrieq. You can take a photo of the cave and enjoy a magnificent view over 30 meters above the sea. 

You can also go diving in the Blue Grotto area. Just head for the village of Wied iz-Zurrieq, where there are two diving schools. You can rent equipment if you have the necessary experience. If not, you can book a dive. The depth is around 23m, so take advantage of the clear, transparent water to admire the biodiversity of the seabed.