Menu
Belle De Jong
Having endured many land attacks during disputes and the World Wars, the Three Cities in Malta are regarded as some of the most militarily and historically important cities on the Maltese Islands.
Nowadays, the Three Cities are brimming with authentic Maltese restaurants and cafés, historically significant sights, and museums. You can stroll around the harbour or head for coffee in one of the many places that will give you the warmest welcome.
In this guide, I outline all the important information you need to know about the Three Cities when you visit Malta. From things to do, places to see, where to stay, and how to get there, I’m here to help you out!
Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua are historically and authentically Maltese. The fortified cities provide an intriguing insight into contemporary Malta and its fascinating history, and they remain relatively unvisited by tourists.
The ancient towns go by several names, so don’t get confused when locals interchange them! Birgu is also known as Vittoriosa, Senglea is known as Isla, and Cospicua also goes by the name Bormla.
They’re also home to Malta’s maritime fortunes, as the harbours have been used since Phoenician times and provide a living for the locals. The Malta Maritime Museum is the island’s largest museum, and you can learn about the history behind the craft.
The Three Cities — specifically Birgu was the first home of the Knights of St John, who arrived in Malta in 1530. The palaces, churches, forts, and bastions they built are even older than the ones in Valletta.
Explore Cospicua (or Bormla) on foot, but it can be a challenging walk if you’re visiting in summer. It is the inner part of the harbour, stretching all the way up to the old defence walls — the Cottonera Lines.
And if the climbing and descending steps have made you hungry, head for lunch in one of Birgu’s many great restaurants along the Birgu Waterfront area.
Senglea, also known as Isla (meaning island), as it’s a peninsula, is great for a little stroll too. And if you love forts, don’t miss out on going to Fort St Michael and Fort Saint Angelo. Here, you can also find the Our Lady of Victories Parish Church and the Safe Haven Gardens.
With so many things to do and see, you’re in for a fun day out at the Three Cities. From tours to harbour cruises and everything in between, it’s all listed below!
While many travellers love exploring all the landmarks and hidden gems of a new country at their own pace, I know others prefer booking an organised day trip. Lucky for you, I’ve got several tours to the Three Cities (tried and tested!) that I would recommend to my family and friends. Check them out below!
This Three Cities Half-Day Trip is one of my top recommendations — with good reason! Since it lasts around 4 hours, you have plenty of time to discover all the sights, picturesque streets, Maltese balconies and hidden gems scattered around this beautiful area.
You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide who will be delighted to share insider local knowledge about these harbourside towns.
This is mostly a walking tour around Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea; however, a harbour cruise on a traditional fregatina is included in the price. You’ll get to sail around the creeks of the Grand Harbour and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding fortifications.
This Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour combines a dose of history and culture with a splendid afternoon filled with the best local wines.
Throughout the first part of the tour, you’ll visit main sights and landmarks like Victory Square, the Gardjola Gardens, and various historic churches and buildings.
You will then be taken to the Marsovin Cellars in Marsa. One of their guides will walk you through the 400-year-old Ageing Cellars while giving you a brief history of the winery alongside an explanation of the wine-making process. Moving on to the tasting, you’ll get to sample a selection of local bottles accompanied by Maltese bread, cold cuts, and cheese.
With two routes and over 20 stops, this Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers travellers the chance to discover many of the main island’s major attractions in the space of a couple of hours.
The North (Blue) and South (Red) lines take you to places like Mdina, the Silent City, the San Anton Gardens, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, the famous Mosta Dome, Buġibba, the seaside village of Marsaxlokk, the historic Three Cities, St Julian’s, the Blue Grotto at Wied iż-Żurrie,q and Malta’s Capital City; Valletta.
Have you heard about our traditional luzzu boats? These are small colourful boats painted in shades of yellow, blue, red and green. Another feature that makes these boats unique is the pair of eyes painted on the bow. Thought to be a custom practised by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Egyptians, the eyes (Eye of Horus or Osiris) are said to protect fishermen at sea.
If you’re keen to try a luzzu experience (and avoid a 30-minute walk in the heat) you can hop on one from near the Maritime Museum for just €2 per person.
Besides the luzzu boats, you can also use a water taxi service on a gondola-style boat from Valletta’s historic Grand Harbour.
This is a great alternative especially if you’re travelling with kids or you want to enjoy the picturesque views of the Valletta skyline. The journey lasts approximately 10-15 minutes for just €2 one way. The service operates between 7.30 am to 8.15 pm in the summer with reduced services in the winter.
Valletta is just a stone’s throw away from the Three Cities. Especially if you’re looking for transport alternatives to buses or simply want to enjoy the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, I’ve got just the thing for you!
A small ferry connects Malta’s capital to Cospicua. As I will explain in a later section of this guide, you can visit Valletta very easily by taking the Three Cities ferry for just €3.80 (Return Trip).
On the lookout for antiques and other trinkets? Every Sunday, Birgu has a car boot sale (flea market) where you can get your hands on a plethora of bits and bobs. From World War II memorabilia, clothes, toys, vinyl records and so much more! As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
The Three Cities are home to many museums and places of interest that will surely delight history enthusiasts and visitors interested in learning more about Malta’s rich past.
Malta’s biggest museum is the Maritime Museum in Birgu, housed in the former Royal Naval Bakery. It covers 7000 years of Malta’s maritime history, from prehistory to the present day.
The exhibited artefacts bring history alive, and with over 20,000 treasures, there’s more than enough to look at. Some of these include the largest known Roman anchor in the world and the largest ship model of the Order of St John. The museum also features over 60 boats!
The Inquisitor’s Palace is one of the few buildings from the early modern period in Europe and South America that survived five centuries of history.
It used to host Malta’s high-ranking officials throughout the years, and it endured World War II bombings. In the 18th century, the palace was transformed into a typical Roman palace, and today the architectural gem, highlighting the importance of the Catholic faith in Maltese society.
The museum is accessible to the general public, so don’t miss out on a visit!
Over the last century, control over Fort St Angelo meant control over the islands. The fort was of massive strategic importance since it’s located at the end of the Birgu peninsula and dominates the Grand Harbour.
The memorial dates back to 1274, when it was known as Castrum Maris or Castell’a Mare– the medieval castle by the sea. The Order of St John christened it as Fort St Angelo and made it into their headquarters. Centuries and many attacks later, the fort still stands, and today it offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
The Gardjola Gardens are located in Senglea’s bastions, offering stunning views of the Grand Harbour, Marsa, Valletta, and Fort St Angelo.
The gardens date back to 1551 when Grandmaster De La Sengle built a guard tower on the tip of the bastions. That’s where the gardens get their name from; Il-gardjola means the guard tower in Maltese. The eye featured on the guard tower is a popular icon in Malta, as it was believed to protect fishers at sea. Take a break from the sun under the palm trees’ shadow and enjoy the view!
This beautiful basilica in Senglea was built around 1580, commemorating the Maltese victory of the Great Siege of 1565. During the Second World War, it was destroyed during an air raid but was rebuilt by 1956.
Senglea Parish Church also houses a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, which proudly stands in the last chapel on the left of the nave, encased in silver. The church also has a memorial for those who lost their lives during the war.
This small fort was built in 1552, after which it played a significant role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It was then rebuilt as Saint Michael Cavalier and was completed in 1581. Make your way to the top of the building to enjoy scenic views of the harbour and learn about Malta’s intriguing history. There are also some wonderful gardens where you can enjoy a walk.
Built by Maltese Baroque architect and sculptor, Lorenzo Gafà, between 1681 and 1697, St Lawrence’s Church is another place of interest you should visit. Interestingly, it’s even older than the famous St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta!
With its stunning architecture and beautiful interiors decorated with statues, paintings, and a marble Latin cross, it is one of the finest examples of the Roman Baroque style. The St. Lawrence annual feast takes place on the 10th of August, so head there in the midst of summer to experience an authentic Maltese festival.
This heritage museum is located in a medieval Maltese townhouse that was developed into a 17th-century palazzino. The museum looks into private social history, exploring several artefacts from the daily lives of past generations. With various planned cultural activities, like Ghost Walks of Birgu and Bormla, there’s always something to do.
Located at Couvre Porte (Birgu’s historic entrance), the Malta at War Museum showcases a WWII exhibition. It documents the difficult years the locals endured and the bravery they showed. Some items on display include artefacts and memorabilia, including personal items, medals, uniforms, documents, and weapons.
Interestingly, the museum is housed in an 18th-century army barracks that was once a police station and air raid precautions centre during the war. Undoubtedly, a must for all the history buffs out there!
Are you thinking of booking a stay in the Three Cities? Here are some pros and cons to take into consideration prior to making a reservation.
If you think the Three Cities in Malta are a good base for you after reading these points, check out the best accommodation options below!
In the heart of Birgu, this small boutique hotel promises a luxurious and comfortable stay in Malta. Set within one of Birgu’s oldest buildings, you will live and breathe history. All four spacious and stunning suites make the perfect home away from home in Malta.
No. 17 is the perfect mix of value, comfort, and convenience. All rooms have air conditioning, and free parking is available. The area around No. 17 is rich in restaurants, popular landmarks, and art galleries. It is the perfect place to experience all that Birgu has to offer.
Just a short walk from Rinella Bay Beach, Casa Cara is a great choice of accommodation in Birgu. The rooms are like a small apartment, giving that home away from home feeling. The owner, Maria, goes over and above to accommodate you and ensures everything is up to standard. The views from the rooftop terrace are wonderful!
Set in an authentic Maltese house, walk through history as you admire the Maltese floor tiles and classic limestone walls unique to Maltese homes. The stylish and luxurious rooms are made for your comfort, and if that isn’t enough, you also have access to a shaded roof terrace and an upper sun deck with views over the Grand Harbour and Valletta.
Julesy’s BnB is beautifully curated by Julie, who will ensure your stay is beyond comfortable. She knows all about Maltese history, so don’t hesitate to ask away about any lesser-known gems! Breakfast is made with the freshest local produce, cooked and baked at home.
Another brilliant accommodation option in Cospicua is Nelli’s B&B. You’ll be given a warm welcome by the lovely host, who is very knowledgeable about the island. The comfortable rooms are situated within a house of character, and you’ll enjoy stunning views from this B&B.
Situated up a staircase alley in Cospicua, Casa Birmula is one of the boutique hotels in the centre of town. The hotel is lovely, comfortable and full of character, and the interior is beautifully decorated. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also a rooftop terrace and a small pool for sunny days.
Set in a classic Maltese building, the modernised guesthouse is filled with soul and character. Guests keep returning here, and it’s not hard to see why. The couple running the place is passionate about their lovely hotel and do their utmost to ensure you enjoy your stay. The location is fantastic since it’s in an attractive area in Senglea, near good restaurants and the Grand Harbour.
This house dates back to 1554 and is now home to 21 stunning suites. The hotel features a minimalist design in a classic Maltese house, and its interior honours the centuries-old structures. Enjoy a new level of luxury, as the suites have king-size beds and breathtaking views over the Grand Harbour.
If you’d rather stick to public buses rather than the ferry, a trip from the Valletta bus station to the Three Cities of Malta takes approximately 15-20 minutes. You can take the following routes: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 213.
Especially if you’re carrying many luggage bags and planning on staying in the Cottonera area while visiting Malta, taking a taxi is the most convenient option. Depending on the vehicle you choose, time of day etc. taxis can vary from €12 to €33.
These are the best cab options:
All apps from the respective providers can be downloaded from the App Store or the Play Store.
If you plan on renting a car, you can do so once you arrive at the Malta International Airport. The car rental agency desks are on Level 1 of the nearby Park East car park. You can follow the signs leading you there from the Arrivals Hall.
As far as parking goes, the situation in the Cottonera area isn’t too bad unless popular events and feasts are taking place.
Valletta offers ferry services to The Three Cities as well as Sliema. Service from both destinations starts from Valletta at 6.45 am and 7:00 am respectively. The last return to Valletta from Sliema is 11:45 pm and from The Three Cities is 11.30 pm in the summer months. A reduced service is also provided on Sundays and public holidays and during the winter.
Fares are as follows:
Day Service
Night Service (From 7:30 pm)
Feeling peckish after a day of exploring the narrow streets and major attractions in the Three Cities? You are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the best eateries in Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. Check out my top favourites below:
This Michelin-rated restaurant is one of the best restaurants on the island, located in one of the most spectacular 16th-century fortifications. The tentative UNESCO World Heritage site gives Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant a real taste of history. The menu offers modern Mediterranean cuisine, as classic Maltese recipes are given a modern makeover. Savour the best of the best on the stunning terrace while you enjoy the views of the harbour.
In a 500-year-old house built by the Knights of Malta, this honest restaurant provides some of the best local cuisine. All produce is local and fresh ,and even the sundried tomatoes are homegrown. From cured tuna syrups to jam marmalades, bottarga, and much more, head here for a fabulous dining experience.
Located in the historical San Lawrenz Band Club Palazzo within the town’s square, BeBirgu bar and bistro is a definite customer favourite amongst many local patrons. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, BeBirgu is the place to be.
Café Riche is a hidden gem and a favourite among many. The café is inviting, as the vibrant flowers and rustic architecture create a warm atmosphere. A favourite among many locals, Café Riche has been family-run for years and is reasonably priced. Set within an open-air courtyard, this is the perfect place to grab a coffee in the shade of the flora.
The Three Cities are relatively far away from Malta’s main sandy beaches within the island’s northern region. But that doesn’t mean you can’t swim here!
Rinella Bay is a cute little beach in Kalkara, just north of Birgu. It is the only bay in the harbour area, and you can easily get to it on foot from Rinella Street or St Rokku Street. The bay has a sandy and rocky part as well as amenities and takeaways along the bay.
Fort St Angelo Rocky Beach is located at the tip of Birgu, all around the coastline to the Kalkara side. Not many people go here, making it a secluded spot. Overlooking Valletta and the breakwater, this is a gorgeous spot for a morning dip, a sunset swim and a picnic.
Although the festa culture is prevalent in most towns and villages on the island, the ones held at the Three Cities are amongst the most beloved.
Isla
Starting with Holy Week, a Good Friday procession and Easter Sunday feast are hosted in Senglea. Throughout the procession, locals dress up as important Biblical characters. You will see them walking in front of and behind large religious statues depicting a variety of scenes from the Passion of the Christ.
Come Easter Sunday, this is an event that you don’t want to miss! Every year, locals sprint through the streets of Senglea while carrying the statue of the Risen Christ.
As for the village feasts, Senglea actually has two village feasts:
The first one commemorates Christ the Redeemer on the third Sunday of June. Interestingly, this feast goes back to 1813, when the island faced the Plague outbreak. Senglea residents solemnly vowed to organise 3 processions if their town was spared from the epidemic (one with the statue of Maria Bambina, another with St Roque and one with Christ the Redeemer). Their prayers were answered and since then, Senglea has continued to organise the processions as a testament to their catholic faith.
Senglea’s second feast celebrates the Nativity of Our Lady yearly on 8th September. This day is also known as Victory Day (Jum il-Vitorja in Maltese) since it commemorates 3 of Malta’s most famous victories: The Great Siege in 1565, The Siege of Valletta in 1800 and The Second World War in 1943.
Birgu
The annual feast of St. Lawrence takes place in Birgu on the 10th of August. Throughout the following nights, locals love going to places like Il-Fawwara (limits of Siġġiewi), Il-Wied ta’ Miġra Ferħa (limits of Rabat), Fomm ir-Riħ, Baħ§rija, Dingli Cliffs, the Red Tower and Dwejra in Gozo to witness the most spectacular meteor shower, locally known as Id-Dmugħ ta’ San Lawrenz (St Lawrence’s Tears).
Just two weeks after the Feast of St Lawrence, St Dominic is celebrated on the last Sunday of the month.
Bormla
Another important feast celebrated in Cospicua is the Immaculate Conception on the 8th of December. This day is also a public holiday all over the island, allowing visitors to take part in the festivities being hosted in the town.
Sometime in October, Birgu has its local Birgu Fest, also known as the candlelight feast or Birgu by candlelight. The whole city is lit up with candles and locals present their homes in the brightest of ways. The festival was originally meant to showcase Vittoriosa’s stunning architecture, but today it includes concerts, reduced museum prices and lots of local food stalls.
Collectively known as the Three Cities or Il-Cottonera locally, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) are three harbourside towns full of culture and history.
Initially a small fishing village, Birgu is the oldest of the Three Cities. It was shielded by the grand medieval castle Castrum Maris or Castell’a Mare (Castle by the Sea – nowadays known as Fort St Angelo).
Upon their arrival in 1530, the Knights of St John made Birgu their first home since Mdina — Malta’s old capital city — was too far from the sea. This move allowed them to start protecting the hamlet with defensive walls. Birgu was eventually separated from St Angelo by a ditch.
Eventually, this peninsula became what we now know as Isla. At the time, it was uninhabited and protected by more defensive walls, however, locals started residing there during the reign of Grandmaster Claude de la Sengle. Soon enough, it became known as Città Senglea.
Birgu was renamed Città Vittoriosa and Città Invicta following the Knights’ victory and the bravery displayed by the locals against the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of 1565.
Although the Knights gradually started to move into Valletta while it was being built, the Three Cities were still regarded as the prime naval centre of the Order.
The large urban area that connected Birgu to Senglea became known as Bormla. While all the surrounding towns were continuously heavily reinforced with more bastions, Bormla became known as Città Cospicua (the Noteworthy City due to its defensive walls).
By 1670, more fortifications were built around the three towns to protect the inner harbour from enemy attacks. Eventually, these fortifications were named the Cottonera Lines, after Grandmaster Nicholas Cottoner. However, this project was never finished since the outworks were never built.
Once the British Navy arrived in Malta, they settled in the Three Cities. Soon enough, the shipping docks increased and St Angelo became known as H.M.S St Angelo. Since the three towns were located very close to several military bases particularly Senglea, they endured many land attacks, destroying many historic landmarks during WWII.
Over the years, the Three Cities sought to become some of the island’s oldest fortified cities containing historic palaces, churches and noble homes that show you exactly what life was like centuries ago.
The Three Cities Malta are romantic and have a great atmosphere, and they provide a perfect backdrop for a lovely night out. Don’t expect clubs and dancing, but settle for a relaxed evening with great food, better wine and the best surroundings.
Once the surrounding towns and the Birgu marina light up while the sun sets, sit back in one of the many cafés, restaurants and wine bars. Whether you prefer fine dining or a pub-like setting, there is something for everyone.
I hope this guide to the Three Cities Malta comes in handy for your visit! But if you’ve got more questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment, below!
Get a FREE personalized trip plan for Malta from our expert local guides.