Is the Blue Grotto Malta worth it?
Here’s why I believe it’s not worth a visit and what your alternative could be
Want to know if the Blue Grotto in Malta is worth visiting? You’ve come to the right place to find out.
I have visited the Blue Grotto, and I don’t really recommend that journey. Instead, I would suggest spending some time at the Blue Lagoon on the nearby island of Comino.
⇨ The Blue Grotto in Malta is not the same as the Blue Lagoon which is on the island of Comino or the Blue Grotto on Capri, Italy.
Keep reading to find out why I do not think that the Blue Grotto on Malta is not worth your visit, and why I recommend the Blue Lagoon trip as a great alternative.
Is the Blue Grotto Malta worth it?
Most certainly, the decision to visit the Blue Grotto is a personal one, but I wouldn’t opt for the boat tour to the caves again. The cost and the time invested (to get there and queuing for tickets) don’t quite align with the 30 minute experience provided by the cave trip.
Undoubtedly, the caves are breathtakingly beautiful but the only way to experience them is through a short, touristy and overpriced boat ride which makes the the trip not worth it.
Instead, I suggest checking out the Blue Lagoon on Comino as an alternative.
However, if you find yourself with ample time in Malta and are seeking activities, then consider combining the boat trip with an exploration of the nearby Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temple complex.
You could even include a trip to the village of Marsaxlokk to make it a full day in the south of Malta.
What to expect when visiting the Blue Grotto ⇨ my experience
My Tip: If you decide on visiting the Blue Grotto, do so in the morning. Not only is the light best for photos, but the earlier you arrive, the more you can avoid the huge crowds which start arriving from late morning and throughout the day!
To reach the Blue Grotto, you will have to walk approx. 5 minutes from the parking area or the bus stop, both near the Xutu Tower.
My husband and I decided to visit the watchtower on the way back, because the later the morning, the busier it gets. So we headed downhill past several restaurants towards the sea. Queuing often already start at the restaurants, depending on the daytime of your visit.
The ticket booth is located just above the jetty where the boats depart. After the purchase, which was only possible in cash, we were directed to the pier where the colorful boats were waiting for us tourists.
We felt like products on an assembly line during the ticketing and embarking process. I really don’t want to experience this in high season….
Each boat held 9 people, and we were instructed to put on life jackets before setting off. While we were still working on obeying that order, the boat traveled in full speed along the coast around the cliff with the watchtower.
Quickly we arrived at the Blue Grotto located in the bay behind it.
In my opinion, the caves are a lot less spectacular than they are advertised. Ok, in some cave corners the stunning blue turquoise water and the reflections of the light were really beautiful.
Contrary to my expectations, we couldn’t go really deep into a cave anywhere. The boat just drove a few meters under an edge and then further along the coast to the next one. Only once we entered a small cave, but again not really far.
The captain explained a little about the great colours and guided us by pointing towards the light to ensure we didn’t miss anything.
After approximately 10 minutes, we had seen all of the caves alongside the cliffs, and he turned around to quickly head back to the dock. The line of visitors had already grown a few meters….
⇨ Really worth seeing is the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint of the main street. It offers a fantastic view over the cliff of the Blue Grotto and is free of charge.
Blue Grotto Alternative
Instead of visiting the Blue Grotto in Malta, I recommend doing a trip to the Blue Lagoon on the small island of Comino. While the Blue Grotto is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the island, the experience for me felt limited and very commercial.
I am not saying the Blue Lagoon is not busy with tourists, as it absolutely is. But due to its size and the different options of exploring it, it does not feel the same way.
At the Blue Lagoon, you can swim, snorkel, and chill without the need for a scheduled boat tour, offering a more relaxed and personalized experience.
You will find the same wonderful, crystal-clear water and lots of caves along the stunning cliffs of Comino.
Skipping the Blue Grotto not only avoids the potential crowds, stress and extra costs but also frees up your schedule. With the extra time, you should explore Gozo. Malta’s little sister is often forgotten but offers many fantastic sights and some great hiking.
What is the Blue Grotto?
The Blue Grotto in Malta is a geological site located on the island’s southern coast near the village of Qrendi. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for its seawater reflecting shades of blue on the cave walls and ceilings.
The entrance to the Blue Grotto, marked by a majestic arch, stands approximately 30 meters (98 feet) tall and 28 meters (92 feet) wide.
The clarity of the water here is exceptional, offering underwater visibility that can reach up to 30-40 meters (98-131 feet). The sea temperature around the grotto ranges from about 13°C (55°F) in the colder months to 25°C (77°F) during the summer.
How to get to the Blue Grotto Malta
There are 3 ways to get to the caves.
Blue Grotto by bus
Once an hour, bus 201 connects Rabat (Mdina) and the airport of Malta. It leaves the coastal road and stops approx. 5 minutes’ walk from the Blue Grotto ticket office in Wied Iż-Å»urrieq.
The only other and better alternative is bus 74, which comes from Valletta, the best place to stay on the island if you have no car.
It takes 30 minutes from the capital, runs every 30 minutes and stops on the main road, not far from the best viewpoint of the Blue Grotto. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the ticket office.
Blue Grotto by car
If you have a rental car while on the island, you can drive up to the Blue Grotto. That may sound like the easier option, but only if you come early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
There is a medium-sized parking area about 5 minutes’ walk from the ticket office in Å»urrieq, but it fills up very quickly. I have been here last time around 10am in January and all spaces were taken. This parking is generally free of charge, but a tip is still expected from the “attendants”.
If that parking is full, the nearest next official parking is about a 20-minute walk away, back on the main road.
Guided Tour
A guided tour, combining several highlights in Maltas south, is the third option of getting to the Blue Grotto. Normally tour include the caves, the nearby temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra and the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
Good to know: Depending on how you feel about crows, you may want to choose or avoid the Sunday for those guided tours, as in Marsaxlokk there is a market on that day.
You basically only need to chose if you want to have a half or a full day tour, including these Malta highlights. Be aware that tickets to the Blue Grotto and depending on the tour as well for the temples will not be included in the price!
Here are my recommendations for
⇨ Southern Malta Half Day Tour
FAQ’s
What is the difference between the Blue Lagoon and the Blue Grotto in Malta?
The Blue Lagoon is a shallow, crystal-clear bay on the island of Comino. It has turquoise waters and is very popular for swimming and snorkeling. The Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves on the southern coast of Malta, famous for the deep azure color of the water and the reflections created when sunlight hits the underwater caves.
Can you swim at the Blue Grotto in Malta?
Technically, you could swim at the Blue Grotto in Malta, but I would not recommend it. The closest bay to get into the water, if not from a boat, is far away. Additionally, there is lots of boat traffic and varying sea conditions.
What is special about the Blue Grotto?
The Blue Grotto in Malta is special due to the impressive sea caverns and crystal-clear waters that shine in various shades of blue. The sunlight creates a unique play of light and reflections within the caves, making it a popular spot for photographers.
How much is the boat ride to Blue Grotto in Malta?
The price for the approx. 20minute boat ride varies between €10.00 in winter and €15.00 in summer per person.
Can you book Blue Grotto in advance?
Tickets for the Blue Grotto can not be purchased in advance. You will have to come onsite and stand in line at the ticket office.
When to visit Blue Grotto Malta
The best time to experience the full visual spectacle of the Blue Grotto is during the morning, from sunrise until around 1 pm. During these hours, the angle of the sunlight striking the water enhances the intensity and variation of blue shades, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Conclusion
The Blue Grotto in Malta may be worth it if you have lots of time on the island. If you, like most of us, have only a few days, I would rather recommend a cruise trip to the blue lagoon on the small neighboring island of Comino.
Not only will you find stunning blue waters and caves in the Blue Lagoon, you can even snorkel and swim in that fantastic bay, which you can not around the Blue Grotto.
Additionally, you can take as much time as you want on Comino while the boat ride for the caves in Wied iż-Zurrieq in Malta only lasts 20-30 minutes.
⇨ Find here some other fantastic day trip ideas from Valletta.
