You have no doubt seen these vibrantly painted boats bobbing across Malta’s crystal-blue waters, yet these vessels represent more than a scenic scene—they signify how closely connected Malta and the sea have always been. Obtain the Best information about Malta yacht charters.
Read on to gain more knowledge of these distinctive vessels: luzzu, kajjik, and firilla.
The Luzzu
Alex Camilleri’s debut, Luzzu, fills a significant void. It stars real-life fisherman Jesmark Scicluna and follows his struggles to pass down his fishing traditions to his young son. The film pits dreams against practicalities as Jesmark grapples to make ends meet while passing down his legacy to his young son Alex.
The Luzzu is Malta’s traditional fishing boat, typically painted bright colors and featuring pointed ends. A variation called Kajjik differs in having a flat stern; both vessels remain popular today, and both are used for tourist boat tours aboard their respective models.
Jesmark faces an important decision regarding his luzzu’s leaking hull: either repair it or trade it in for an EU buyout. The sea is becoming more dangerous, and Jesmark needs to act swiftly, or else he will risk losing his ship altogether.
Scicluna manages his character’s dilemma with grace, convincingly portraying someone who has spent his life at sea. We see his life change when Aiden leaves his baby footprints on the paintwork of the luzzu. Although the vessel no longer serves active duty, its beauty and history serve as reminders of Malta’s rich maritime history.
The Kajjik
The Luzzu is one of the most iconic traditional Maltese boats and can often be found sailing the shorelines around Marsaxlokk. This vessel stands out with its brightly hued, vibrant paint job consisting of yellow, red, blue, and green, complemented by its distinctive double-ended hull design—not forgetting its bright pair of eyes painted onto its bow as a nod to Phoenician times! Additionally, its name itself derives from the Sicilian word ‘gozzo,’ which means boat.
The Kajjik is another Maltese boat you may encounter when exploring various villages on the island. It differs from its wooden counterpart, the Luzzu, in being smaller and flatter at its stern, typically made of fiberglass rather than wood, and often painted with its respective village name—an age-old tradition!
The Kajjik is also used to fish for Lampuki or dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), an essential staple of Malta’s economy that’s exported all across Europe and Asia. Furthermore, this vessel serves as water taxi between different villages. Culturally, kajjik stands as a reminder of Maltese people’s longstanding relationship with the sea and remarkable craftsmanship, truly making this piece of history part of living history!
The Ferilla
The ferilla is an iconic traditional boat with an eccentric spur. Initially intended for fishing tuna and other large species, it was later used by smugglers as a quick means of escape from police authorities. Smaller than its larger cousin, the luzzu, the perilla features a square sail that’s hoisted from all four corners to catch wind currents.
Malta’s vibrantly painted fishing boats have become one of its signature images, becoming iconic sights across most villages. Their distinctive hues of blue, terracotta red, and yellow reflect both natural landscape elements as well as ocean currents – each vessel having its distinct paint scheme!
Unfortunately, traditional boats are becoming more scarce. The Malta Traditional Boats Association was formed to promote and save them, yet many have been abandoned or destroyed and may disappear forever without preservation efforts. Their maintenance costs make them too expensive to maintain, and they’re being replaced with cheaper fiberglass vessels instead.
But there is hope for the perilla and other traditional Maltese boats. An enthusiast is raising money to purchase and restore one that was abandoned on the side of a road and in dire need of repair so that more people may enjoy witnessing these classic vessels first-hand.
The Blue Lagoon
Navigating Malta by boat to reach the Blue Lagoon is one of the most relaxing ways to experience its charms. This tropical slice of paradise boasts two beaches with turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. Depending on which tour you select, you could spend anywhere between several hours and an entire day there!
Visit the Blue Lagoon during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry; however, winter offers another great chance to admire this magnificent oasis, illuminated by the Northern Lights.
Blue Lagoon provides more than breathtaking scenery; it also boasts various amenities that make it a must-visit location. These amenities include water slides and saunas, as well as a delicious restaurant where you can dine on delicious food and beverages!
Are you seeking an unforgettable experience? Look no further than booking a dinner cruise at the Blue Lagoon for a memorable dining cruise, taking in both scenic beauty and local culture at once.
Sailing in Malta is a beautiful way to discover its iconic landmarks. The Grand Harbor is an exquisite natural harbor filled with historic forts and breathtaking architecture; you can also visit Blue Lagoon, which has its iconic lagoon, as well as hidden coves and bays around Malta.
