The largest village in the south of Malta Zurrieq is, at first glance, an unassuming, typically Maltese village. The pace of life is slow and relaxed and the village is surrounded by countryside full of wild herbs and flowers. However, on closer inspection Zurrieq reveals itself to be rich in archaeological sites and natural beauty.
On the southwest shore of the village is the picturesque harbour of Weid iz-Zurrieq where a short boat trip will take visitors to see the spectacular Blue Grotto caves. Legend has it that sirens bewitched seafarers with their songs from within the caves.
The largest of these caves is where the Blue Grotto takes its name from. The deep indigo sea mirrors the brilliant phosphorescence of the underwater flora adding a beautiful radiance to the surface of the crystal clear waters.
There are many boat trips available, often of the open-air variety, so that visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of this area. Don't forget to take a camera as there will be plenty of opportunities to get some stunning shots of the breathtaking scenery.
Another incredible draw to Zurrieq is its ancient limestone temples built around a thousand years before Egypt's pyramids. The evocative cliff-top sites, in one of the most unspoilt regions of Malta, are unique and complex in design. Hagar Qim, which is translated as "standing stones", is a series of oval rooms constructed from huge limestone slabs.
It is here that the famous "Venus of Malta" was found. Sadly, due to the position of the temple and the softness of the limestone, this site has suffered from some corrosion but it remains a striking vision.
Close by is the second temple Mnajdra which, being made from a harder coralline limestone, is better preserved. Described as a calendar in stone Mnajdra's South Temple displays extraordinary astronomical alignment, special trips are organised on the solstices and equinoxes to see the sun's light strike individual stones.
