Malta has one of the richest maritime traditions in the Mediterranean. While many visitors refer to every colourful fishing boat as a Luzzu, there are actually several distinct types of traditional Maltese boats, each designed for a specific purpose.
Whether you are exploring Marsaxlokk, the Grand Harbour or Gozo, this guide will help you identify Malta's most famous traditional boats by their shape, design and purpose.
The Maltese Luzzu
The Luzzu is Malta's best-known traditional fishing boat and one of the country's most recognisable symbols.
- ✔️ Pointed bow
- ✔️ Pointed stern (double-ended hull)
- ✔️ Usually carries the painted Eyes of Osiris
- ✔️ Designed for offshore fishing
Read the complete history of the Maltese Luzzu →
🔍 Key Identification Feature
Luzzu: Look for the pointed stern. A traditional Luzzu has a pointed bow and a pointed stern, giving it a distinctive double-ended hull.
The Maltese Kajjik
The Kajjik is another traditional fishing boat that is often mistaken for a Luzzu. The easiest way to identify it is by its distinctive square stern.
- ✔️ Pointed bow
- ✔️ Flat square stern (transom)
- ✔️ Wide, stable working deck
- ✔️ Used for fishing and harbour work
Learn more about the Maltese Kajjik →
🔍 Key Identification Feature
Kajjik: Look for the flat square stern (transom). This is the quickest way to distinguish a Kajjik from a Luzzu.
The Maltese Dgħajsa
The Dgħajsa is Malta's traditional harbour boat and was once the main form of transport across the Grand Harbour before modern ferries.
- ✔️ Elegant narrow hull
- ✔️ High curved bow and stern
- ✔️ Traditionally rowed standing up
- ✔️ Still operates as a harbour water taxi
Discover the history of the Maltese Dgħajsa →
🔍 Key Identification Feature
Dgħajsa: Look for the long, elegant hull and the traditional passenger canopy. These graceful boats were once the taxis of the Grand Harbour.
The Maltese Firilla
The Firilla is a lightweight rowing boat closely associated with Malta's famous regattas.
- ✔️ Long and narrow
- ✔️ Built for speed
- ✔️ Traditional racing boat
- ✔️ Still used in annual regattas
Read about the Maltese Firilla →
🔍 Key Identification Feature
Firilla: Look for a long, narrow rowing boat built for speed. Firilli are still raced during Malta's traditional regattas.
The Maltese Frejgatina
The Frejgatina is a small traditional Maltese boat used for fishing, transport and regatta racing.
- ✔️ Small open boat
- ✔️ Flat stern
- ✔️ Lightweight construction
- ✔️ Used as a tender and rowing boat
Explore the Maltese Frejgatina →
🔍 Key Identification Feature
Frejgatina: Look for a small open boat with a flat stern. Traditionally used as a tender and for inshore fishing.
The Maltese Gozzo
The Gozzo is a larger traditional Maltese boat once used for cargo, fishing and transport between the islands.
- ✔️ Broad beam
- ✔️ Large carrying capacity
- ✔️ Originally built from timber
- ✔️ Ancestor of many modern Maltese boats
Learn about the traditional Maltese Gozzo →
🔍 Key Identification Feature
Gozzo: Look for a broader hull with higher sides than a Luzzu. Traditionally used for cargo, fishing and transport between Malta's islands.
Quick Identification Guide
| Boat Type | Bow | Stern | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luzzu | Pointed | Pointed | Offshore fishing |
| Kajjik | Pointed | Flat | Fishing & harbour work |
| Dgħajsa | Pointed | Pointed | Passenger transport |
| Firilla | Pointed | Pointed | Rowing & regatta racing |
| Frejgatina | Pointed | Flat | Tender & rowing |
| Gozzo | Rounded | Broad transom | Fishing & cargo |
🚤 Quick Rule for Identifying Maltese Boats
Luzzu: Pointed at both the bow and stern.
Kajjik: Pointed bow with a flat square stern.
If you can only remember one thing when visiting Marsaxlokk or the Grand Harbour, remember this simple rule. It will help you identify Malta's two most common traditional fishing boats in seconds.