Blue Grotto, Sea cave in Qrendi, Malta
The Blue Grotto comprises several natural caves along Malta's southeastern coast, with interconnected chambers carved into limestone cliffs. Boat tours navigate through these underground spaces, allowing visitors to observe the rock formations, water channels, and the way light enters from different openings.
These caves formed gradually over thousands of years through water erosion and wave action on the limestone coast. For centuries, local fishermen used them as shelter during storms and as safe harbors for their boats.
Local fishermen have always depended on these caves and the surrounding waters, shaping how people here relate to the sea. Visitors today experience this connection through traditional boats and the stories of families who have worked these waters for generations.
Boats depart from a small harbor and the journey takes just a few minutes to reach the cave openings. Visitors have the best experience in early morning hours when weather is stable and light conditions are most favorable.
The water displays an intense blue color because sunlight enters through underwater openings and bounces off the sea surface below. This optical effect occurs because longer light wavelengths are absorbed while the blue light reflects back toward the visitor.
Elevation above the sea: 14 m
Address: Blue Grotto, Malta
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:30-16:30; Friday 09:30-17:30; Saturday-Sunday 09:30-16:30
Phone: +35621640058
Website: https://youtu.be/K61pCyjCqyQ
GPS coordinates: 35.82127,14.45655
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
This collection presents geological formations created through millions of years of natural processes. From the striped sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon in Arizona to the basaltic columns of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and the calcium terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey, these sites demonstrate the work of wind, water, tectonic forces and volcanic activity. The collection includes diverse geological phenomena across all continents. The Tsingy de Bemaraha in Madagascar consists of sharp limestone pinnacles, while the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand are large spherical concretions on the beach. The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia forms the world's largest salt flat, and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam displays thousands of karst islands rising from the sea. Many of these formations are accessible to visitors and offer insights into geological processes. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China inspired landscapes in popular films, while the Grand Prismatic Spring in Wyoming derives its colors from thermophilic bacteria. From the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines to the volcanic Jeju Island in South Korea, this collection documents the diversity of Earth's history.
Houses in Italy: karst formations, archaeological sites, and marine cavities
Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the 18th-century Manoel Theatre. The city displays baroque architecture and military installations from the Knights of Malta period. The Neolithic temple complexes rank among the world's oldest freestanding stone structures. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra near Qrendi date from around 3600 to 3200 BC, while the Ġgantija temples on Gozo are even older. The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is an underground necropolis with multiple chambers. The Tarxien temples show decorated stone blocks and reliefs. The coastline offers different formations: the Dingli Cliffs reach 830 feet (253 meters) in height, while the Blue Grotto near Qrendi features sea caves with turquoise water. The Blue Lagoon on Comino has shallow, clear water. Golden Bay near Mellieħa is a sandy beach. Fort Rinella in Kalkara preserves an 1884 Armstrong gun. The medieval town of Mdina and the Citadel in Victoria on Gozo display fortress architecture from different periods.
Malta contains numerous historical sites and natural landscapes away from the main tourist areas. The islands hold prehistoric temple complexes such as Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat near Mġarr, Roman remains including the Roman Villa at Żejtun and ancient bath sites, and Ghar Dalam, a cave with Ice Age fossil deposits. The geological diversity appears at locations like Il-Maqluba, a natural sinkhole crater, and the Blue Grotto near Żurrieq, while coastal fortifications such as Mistra Battery and the Red Tower document the island's defensive heritage. Religious sites mark the rural areas, including the Chapel of Santa Marija Tal-Virtu in Rabat and the chapels of Qrendi. The Buskett Gardens and San Anton Gardens provide green spaces with historical significance, while Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park protects coastal habitats. Archaeological complexes like Tas-Silġ show layers of Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine settlement. The Victoria Lines near Rabat, an 18th-century defensive wall, and Fort Binġemma demonstrate military architecture from different periods. Gozo adds locations such as Mgarr ix-Xini, a sheltered inlet, and Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery.
Ħaġar Qim
1.5 km
Blue Grotto Trips
454 m
Sciuta Tower
342 m
Il-Maqluba
1 km
Bubaqra Tower
1.8 km
Cavalier Tower
1.7 km
Ħamrija Tower
1.5 km
Wardija Tower
1.5 km
Our Lady of Graces Chapel, Qrendi
1.1 km
St Matthew's Chapel
1.1 km
Church of St Matthew, Qrendi
1.1 km
Parish Church of the Assumption, Qrendi
1.5 km
St Anne's Chapel, Qrendi
1.2 km
Church of the Immaculate Conception, Żurrieq
1.4 km
Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, Qrendi
1.3 km
St Luke's Chapel, Żurrieq
1.6 km
Our Saviour's Church, Qrendi
1.6 km
Venus of Malta
1.5 km
Wied il-Bassasa
1.6 km
Headless Standing Figure fragment
1.5 km
Headless Standing Figure
1.5 km
Headless Standing Figure with base
1.5 km
Low part of seated statuette with six fingers
1.5 km
Clay figurine from Ħaġar Qim
1.5 km
Ħaġar Qim Headless seated Figure
1.5 km
Ħaġar Qim seated statue
1.5 km
Seated statue with raised neckline
1.5 km
Tal-Qaret/Nigret Windmill
1.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes