Il-Luzzu – Traditional Maltese Boat

Il-Luzzu is a traditional fishing boat from the Maltese islands. It is a sturdy and reliable sea craft that can be put to sea in almost every kind of weather. The boat is painted in the traditional colors of red, blue, and yellow, while the bow has a pair of eyes painted or carved on it. The eye of Osiris is a symbol said to have been brought to Malta by the Phoenicians, and it seems to suggest that craft of this type must have been common in the harbor since the time of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians.

The Luzzu is primarily a fishing boat, but it has other uses such as ferrying locals and tourists across the Grand Harbor. The boat is used for deep sea fishing, reef fishing, and shore fishing . Albacore, Skipjack, and Bluefin Tuna are some of the fish that can be caught while deep sea fishing, along with Mahi Mahi (Lampuki in Maltese) in August . Offshore jigging for Amberjack (Pixxispad) is also popular. If you prefer reef fishing, you can expect to catch Snapper, Grouper, Dentex, John Dory, Sea Breams, Cleaver Wrasse (Ruzetta), Rainbow Wrasse (Gharusa), Painted Comber, Pandora (Pagella Hamra), and more.