No matter how long you stay in Malta, visiting the Three Cities is worth the effort. Just a stone’s throw across the Grand Harbour from Valletta by ferry, the Three Cities have attractions in abundance. Each city offers spectacular views back to the rooftops of the Maltese capital and across the Mediterranean.
Malta’s Three Cities comprise Cospicua, Vittoriosa (Birgu) and Senglea. These three neighbourhoods are a hotbed of Maltese history, offering an enticing mix of narrow alleyways and classic architecture alongside ancient churches and imposing fortresses. Occupying a strategic position within the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities do not attract the same tourist footfall as Valletta and offer a less frenzied insight into life on Malta’s busy coastline.
Whether you are looking to catch an iconic view of Valletta from the water or hoping to wander in the shadows of billionaire’s superyachts at the magnificent marina, catching a ferry across the Grand Harbour is a perfect way to explore the best that Malta has to offer.
Once you reach the Three Cities, you should spend at least a day exploring the streets. From winding alleyways to sweeping views across the Mediterranean, there are sights to impress and delight at every corner.
Whilst you can drive, get the bus or even walk between the cities, it is much easier to catch the ferry. In fact, we think the ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities – with its amazing views and an unparalleled sense of history – is one of the best things to do in Malta.
The ferry terminal from Valletta to the Three Cities is easy to find
The two ferry terminals at Valletta and the Three Cities are centrally located. Both ferry terminals are just a few minutes walk from the main attractions.
If you are departing from Valletta, the Three Cities ferry leaves from a small terminal near the Quarry Wharf roundabout. The ferry terminal is marked by a small, faded sign that contains a small timetable and pricing structure. A ramshackle collection of weather-worn shelters stands beside the ramp. These small shelters offer welcome protection from the glaring Mediterranean sun or the occasional rainstorm.
When catching the ferry from the Three Cities, you can find the ferry terminal at the southern edge of Cospicua. Although the shelter is subtle and easily missed, there are signs marking the departure point. If in doubt, a small crowd of passengers will normally be waiting for the next ferry to Valletta.
The timetables for the ferry are available online
Throughout the year, from Monday to Saturday, the first ferry of the day departs the Three Cities from Cospicua at 06:30. For those making the journey from Malta’s capital, the first trip from Valletta to the Three Cities is due at 06:45. Be warned – if you are travelling on a Sunday, the first trip departs the Three Cities at 09:00.
During the summer, a night service runs ferries between the two sites until midnight. Winter service – from November to May – ends at 19:15. You can check the current timetables for the ferry between Valletta and the Three cities on the official website.
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Pay for the Valletta – Three Cities ferry with cash or card
As of November 2022, a single trip on the ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities costs €1.50, whilst a return will set you back €2.80. For the most up-to-date prices, check out the official website for the Valletta Ferry Services, which also advises visitors about unexpected cancellations. On stormy days, it is quite normal for the ferry services between Valletta and the Three Cities to be suspended.
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The best views from the Valletta to Three Cities ferry
Once you have boarded the ferry and paid for your ticket, it’s time to claim your spot for the best views. On the Valletta to Cospicua leg, it’s worth staying on the bottom deck near the stairs, at least for the first section across the Grand Harbour. Almost everyone heads straight to the top deck, but the perspective from lower down can actually be more immersive.
Once the ferry reaches the entrance to the Birgu marina, which is often signposted by a super yacht or two, you may want to head to the upper deck. The extra elevation will give you clearer views of the classic Maltese buildings and hundreds of gleaming boats that line the shoreline.
The ferry between Valletta and the Three Cities takes just 10 minutes. Whilst you enjoy the short journey between Valletta and the Three Cities, make sure to watch out for the following:
- The twin lighthouses at the entrance to the Grand Harbour
- The grand dome of Valletta’s St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which looms over the chaotic rooftops of the Maltese capital
- The extravagant superyachts that stand at the entrance to the inlet, waiting for their billionaire owners to return
- The fortresses of St. Elmo and Ricasoli, whose gargantuan limestone walls have protected the island from a myriad of invading forces throughout the centuries
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Once you reach the Three Cities, you can explore on foot
The best way to explore Malta’s Three Cities is on foot. From wandering the walled neighbourhood of Senglea to admiring the ostentatious displays of wealth at the marina, there is enough to see to warrant several trips from Valletta.
The ferry will dock at the southern tip of the marina on the Cospicua side. We recommend getting your bearings by walking to the Bormla Waterfront, a small converted dock at the end of the marina whose calm waters and banks of green grass make for a perfect spot to relax on a sunny day.
A stone’s throw from the Bormla Waterfront is Fuq San L-Inkurunazzjoni. This busy road takes you up a gentle gradient to the upper levels of Birgu and has an unbeatable view across the Grand Harbour towards Valletta. Follow the pedestrian route along the road towards the Malta at War Museum, and take in the vista.
After that, the Three Cities are yours to explore. With countless enticing alleyways and surprise views, we recommend strolling at leisure and soaking in the atmosphere as you weave among the limestone buildings and gaze at the classic Maltese balconies.
Once you’ve had your fill of the Three Cities, head back to Cospicua and catch the ferry back to Valletta. If you time your return journey for sunset, you are in for a treat. The sight of Valletta’s twinkling lights reflected in the gentle waves of the Grand Harbour is unforgettable.
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