tour 3 ciudades malta

Home » Malta island » The Three Cities

The Three Cities: Exploring Malta’s Harbourside Towns

The Three Cities of Malta, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) are a unique showcase of Malta’s rich history and cultural heritage. These towns are historic fortified places that played a significant role in defending Malta, particularly during the Great Siege of 1565.

Located across the Grand Harbour from the Capital City–Valletta , the Three Cities are known for their fortifications, including the iconic Fort St. Angelo in Vittoriosa and the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea.

The inner towns consist of narrow streets and alleys, each having a blend of Baroque architecture in the many historical buildings as well as more contemporary homes.

Visiting The Three Cities is something I recommend to most travellers who are interested in local culture and history, and exploring the area on foot is fairly easy to do.

Birgu is the oldest of the Three Cities and existed well before the arrival of the Knights of Saint John in the Maltese islands. Due to its historical and cultural wealth, it is also the most popularly visited town.

With over 11,000 inhabitants combined, the Three Cities give you a glimpse of authentic life and are regaining their past popularity, attracting many investors who are buying property and turning it into state-of-the-art homes. This revival has also attracted the tourism industry, with boutique hotels, restaurants and wine bars popping up along the narrow streets and alleys of the Three Cities.

What makes the Three Cities Malta worth visiting?

While walking around the Three Cities, you cannot help but admire the imposing bastions restored to their former glory. They are quite a sight, especially at night.

The Three Cities are special in many ways. Their history, tightly related to the Order of the Knights, location overlooking the Grand Harbour, and contemporary revival to newfound glory, makes them unique in what they offer. In short, they should be high up on your travel bucket list when planning to visit Malta.

All of the three are insanely rich in history, having been the first fortified cities built by the Knights of St John when they arrived in Malta in 1530. The Knights had been thrown out of Rhodes in 1522, and after seven years of wandering, they were finally given Malta as their new home. They settled in Birgu (Vittoriosa) , making it their main Maltese city, repurposing the ancient fortress known as Castrum Maris as Fort St Angelo, and also building new fortifications and countless new buildings, including churches, auberges, warehouses and palaces.

The Grand Harbour was what made the Knights settle in that area. Trade and controlling the harbour were tremendously important and much can be learned by visiting the Malta Maritime Museum right on the Birgu Waterfront.

Individually, each of the Three Cities has much to offer. Birgu is the most popular, and also the one boasting the most attractions, such as the Maritime Museum, the Malta at War Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace and of course Fort St, Angelo.

Bormla, with its six kilometres of fortifications, is home to an impressive parish church with an oratory full of works of art. Isla hosts two astounding churches (namely St Philips and Our Lady of Victories) and has a lovely garden at its tip overlooking Grand Harbour, where you can find a great example of a Gardjola watch post.

Between the three, you’re in for some truly spectacular sights. Dive into the Maltese culture and history of the Three Cities, take a stroll around the beautiful yacht marina or just relax in one of the many cafeterias, restaurants and wine bars.

Save big on sightseeing with iSeeMalta , with hop-on/hop-off buses and boats, combo tickets for museums and the ferry to the Blue Lagoon!

Hotels and Accommodation

It’s not easy to find hotels in the area, and the few that are around are mostly in the luxury segment and get booked up pretty quickly. These are a few options to have a look at:

Hotels in Senglea

• Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour is one of the few luxury hotels around (in Senglea) and is a fairly recent addition. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with fancy facilities such as a rooftop pool (even as an option for staying near Valletta – with a quick ferry crossing nearby), this is a great option.
• Sally Port Senglea is a boutique hotel that’s a little more affordable and is set up in a stately classical house in the heart of Senglea.

Hotels in Birgu

• 50th Boutique Hotel is a small boutique hotel that’s another high-end option in Birgu. Stylishly decorated rooms that offer amenities like jacuzzis make for an attractive offer if you’re looking for luxury.
• Locanda La Gelsomina is a similar boutique option in the heart of old town Birgu that’s family-run and has a rustic feel. Although they offer all that you’d expect from luxury accommodation, rates can get a little too high for the value offered.
• 17 is a much more affordable option but is a guesthouse rather than a hotel. A fairly new addition, they’re racking up positive reviews quickly and look to be a great option if you’re looking for more modestly-priced accommodation in the area.

If you don’t mind going for a self-catering option, there are a few really nice places on Airbnb available around the Three Cities, some with stunning harbour views.

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!

How to get there – Bus, tours car and ferry

The Three Cities are well connected with regular buses and a water taxi service from Valletta and are easy to get to by car. Not sure which option works best for you? Here’s a quick overview of all the ways that will get you to the Three Cities in no time!

Buses to The Three Cities

By bus, the trip to the Three Cities takes about 15 minutes from the Valletta bus station. Route numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4 or 213.

Valletta Ferries to the Three Cities

Valletta Ferries offers two routes: Senglea/Bormla (part of The Three Cities, across Grand Harbour) and Sliema to Valletta (Sliema Ferry seafront across Marsamxett Harbour) to take you across each of the harbours for just a couple of euros. The journey lasts around 10 minutes.

Hop-on-hop-off Bus to the Three Cities

You can also take the South Route of the Hop-on-hop-off bus routes to get to Birgu (Vittoriosa on the route map). Get your tickets in advance here!

In the afternoon, you’ll then get a chance to sample some of the best local wines paired with Maltese bread and cheese at Marsovin Cellars in Marsa.

Cross the Grand Harbour by Water Taxi

A more scenic way to cross to the Three Cities is by water taxi across the Grand Harbour. This is a continuous service offered throughout the day (running from 06:45h till 19:15h in winter and from 06:45h till midnight in summer – full schedule here ), and it takes just 7 minutes from Valletta to reach Bormla. A ticket with return and use of the Upper Barrakka lift (Valletta) costs just €2.80 per person.

You can also take a 30-minute harbour tour for a little extra.

Visiting by car

It is very easy to reach the Three Cities by car. Parking is not a problem unless there are events in the area. If you decide to park on the Valletta side, you can either get one of the buses to the Three Cities or take the Water Taxi from the Valletta waterfront. Use of the lift in Barrakka is included in the ferry ticket.

A trip by traditional dgħajsa boat from Birgu to Isla

Once you’re in Birgu, you can take a dgħajsa across the creek to Senglea. These traditional Maltese boats operate from near the Maritime Museum, costing €2 per person. The trip takes just a couple of minutes but saves you a 30-minute walk.

Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?

Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!

Sightseeing the Three Cities in Malta

Although I’ve briefly touched upon some of the main sights to see when you visit the Three Cities in Malta, here are the highlights that you should definitely not miss out on:

The biggest concentration of interesting sights to see within the Three Cities is found in Birgu.

• You can start off with a visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace to learn about the Maltese Inquisition between the 16th and 18th centuries, as well as the importance of Catholic faith within the Maltese Society.
• Other sights include St Lawrence Church, the Maritime Museum (the former Royal Naval Bakery),
• The imposing Fort St Angelo , previously known as Castrum Maris (castle by the sea), is one of the most noteworthy fortresses on the island that was used by the Knights of St John against the Ottoman Turks.
• The Malta Maritime Museum once housed the former Royal Naval Bakery. With over 20,000 artefacts, there is a focus on the British Navy and its presence in Malta, the island’s liberation from the French during the Napoleonic Wars and Malta’s role in the First and Second World Wars.
• Complete with stunning Baroque features, St Lawrence Church is quite an interesting sight because it was built in the shape of a Latin Cross. It was used by the Knights as a place of worship before St John’s Co-Cathedral was built in Valletta.
• If you like open markets , you might want to go to Birgu on a Tuesday morning. The market there is well worth a visit with items on sale ranging from fresh produce, clothing and all sorts of random items.
• Every Sunday morning there’s also a car boot sale where you can find all sorts of interesting stuff for sale including records, furniture and old World War II memorabilia.
• The Collachio is the heart of the old city centre. It’s the perfect place to go for a quiet ramble along the narrow streets and little squares. What’s more, you’ll encounter various cafes and band clubs where you can stop for a little snack.

For more places of interest that you can visit in the Victorious City, you can find more details in my Birgu article, here !

Although there isn’t much to explore in Bormla, there are a few sights to see:

• The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is worth a visit. It is famed for its beautiful interiors and precious works of art, including The Madonna and Child by the Italian painter Veneziano.
• Bir Mula Heritage Museum (79, Triq Santa Margerita) in Bormla gives you some real insight into how local people lived in the area well before the Knights set foot here. With various artefacts and archaeological finds on display and set within an ages-old house, there’s plenty to learn here for those interested in Maltese history.
• The Santa Margherita lines (also known as Firenzuola Lines) are fortifications that were built in the 17th century to safeguard the cities of Birgu and Senglea from Ottoman attacks.

Senglea also offers just a few places that are of interest but are both very much worth visiting:

• The first one is the Our Lady of Victories Parish Church built soon after the Great Siege, filled with works of art, including a stunning wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.
• Then there’s the Gardjola Gardens , a sentry point overlooking the Grand Harbour and offering some beautiful views of Valletta. This is located at the end of Safe Haven Gardens at Senglea Point.
• A pleasant stroll by the waterfront takes you across the pedestrian bridge to Vittoriosa

Outside the Three Cities

• You can easily cross over to Valletta using the ferry mentioned earlier (just a 7-min ride from Cospicua), which offers a number of must-see places in the capital such as the Upper Barrakka Gardens, St John’s Co-Catherdral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, Republic Street etc.
• Sail along the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour with the iSeeMalta harbour cruise . You can also get off at Sliema Ferries, connecting you with various boat tours and hop-on-hop-off buses and ferries (also run by iSeeMalta).
• From Valletta, you can take the bus to other tourist hotspots such as Sliema and St Julian’s. Rather than sightseeing, these are places that are ideal to grab a bite to eat, have a drink or two and shop around.

Best time of day to explore and rough route on foot

The best time for a stroll around the Three Cities depends mostly on the time of the year. If visiting in summer, it is advisable to avoid walking between 11 am and 3 pm since the heat would be a little too much to bear. At night, especially with a nice breeze, a stroll by the marina is lovely.

During spring, autumn and winter, a trip in the morning is mostly recommended. It is very easy to find your way around the Three Cities and then stop for lunch in one of the many eating places around the place.

Map of the Three Cities

Where to get some local food

The Three Cities are packed with good restaurants, especially in the Waterfront area. However, all along the picturesque streets of the ancient towns, one will find several snack bars, little cafeterias and band or political clubs that offer quick snacks at extremely favourable prices.

Places such as the Old City Pub and Birgi, right across the marina in Birgu or Il Bacino, a cafe, pizza & grill just by the water’s edge are great places to stop for lunch. The clubs also cater for snacks and are a good place to absorb the true local atmosphere.

While in Birgu, go by the information Centre down by the marina. The people there are very helpful and you can get a small map of the three cities for free.

Public toilets are available on the Birgu side of the marina, just before the Malta Maritime Museum.

While my article on Birgu offers a selection of restaurant recommendations, here are a few options for Senglea and Bormla:

• A fairly new restaurant in the area, and a good choice if you’re looking for a fine dining option, Hammett’s Macina Restaurant (Triq Il-Vitorja | Xatt Juan B. Azopardo. Tel: +356 2779 4171 | €€€€) is high on my list. Hearty Mediterranean with balanced flavours and a creative touch, the cuisine is of a high standard, while the wine list offers a good choice and the surroundings are beautiful to top it all off.
• Il-Hnejja (14, Xatt Juan B Azzopardi. Tel: +356 7960 3564 | €€-€€€) is a casual family restaurant on the seafront, specialising in fresh seafood. Tasty food with friendly service and consistently good, it’s a great option for both lunch and dinner.
• Tully’s Fusion (64 Triq Dingli-Cornelio. Tel: +356 9962 7301 | €€-€€€), also located at the Senglea seafront, offers a variety of flavours, mostly European and Mediterranean and never disappoints.
• Nuovo Cafe San Giorgio (Piazza Paolino Vassallo. Tel: +356 2756 5077 | €€-€€€) is a proper Italian restaurant located in a small square in Bormla. Run by Italians, the food is great and never disappoints while prices are reasonable.
• Also very Italian and a great option for a coffee and a snack or sweet is Caffe Pasucci (Fuq San L-Inkurunazzjoni. Tel: +356 2247 4626 | €-€€), further up the road. It is a nice little cafe for a quick break after you get off at the Valletta ferry terminal or before you head to the capital.
• Cafe Du Brazil (ix-Xatt Ta’ Bormla. Tel: +356 9946 9208 | €€) is a good place for a quick lunch. No frills but good food and service. You’ll be able to smell the freshly baked bread from a mile away: Gormina Bakery (Triq Il-Pellegrinaġġ | €) is a great place to get fresh bread and a few local savoury bakes.

Feasts celebrated and other events held during the year

Both the Good Friday procession and the Easter Sunday feast are popularly attended in Senglea. On Easter Sunday, the statue of the Risen Christ is carried at a run through the crowded streets with viewers standing on the sidewalks.

If visiting in August, make sure you catch the annual Feast of St Lawrence on the 10th of August, a night also very well known for the shooting star phenomenon which locals call Dmugħ ta’ San Lawrenz, or St Lawrence’s Tears. And just two weeks after that, the feast of St Dominic is celebrated on the last Sunday of August.

Senglea celebrates two feasts:

• Christ the Redeemer on the third Sunday of June
• The Nativity of Our Lady on the 8 September (which is also the day on which Maltese celebrate the victory of the Great Siege and is a public holiday).

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in Cospicua on the 8th of December and even that day is a public holiday.

History and background

Although the area has been inhabited since ancient times, the Three Cities as we know them owe their inception to the order of the Knights of St John. They landed in Malta in 1530 and the first thing they did was to make Birgu the island’s first capital city. They rebuilt it, erecting massive fortifications and forts to protect the Grand Harbour. In July 1551, Ottoman forces attempted to take over Fort Saint Angelo–they couldn’t take it, so attacked Gozo instead and enslaved the whole population. After this attack, the Knights built the city of Senglea, building a new fort which they called St Michael.

The Three Cities played a most important role all through the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. The invading Ottomans concentrated all their attacks on the cities, firing cannonballs day and night for months. Undefeated, Birgu was given the title of Città Vittoriosa while Senglea was called Città Invicta (the Invincible City) after the siege was over. In his book The Great Siege: Malta 1565 , Ernle Bradford gives a very detailed account of the siege, a must-read for all history buffs out there.

It was only six years after the Great Siege that Valletta was built, taking over the title of capital city from Birgu.

In 1670, during the reign of Grandmaster Nicolas Cotoner, the building of the Cottonera fortifications started–a project that was intended to create a new city encompassing all the surrounding towns but which was never completed as planned. The new city was going to be called Civitas Cotonera, a name that still sticks among the population.

In 1722, Grandmaster Marc’Antonio Zondadari gave the town of Bormla the title of Città Cospicua. Bormla’s ancient name of Burmula is thought to be Phoenician. ‘Burmula’ is made up of the words ‘Bur’ and ‘Mula’ where ‘Bur’ means ‘place’ and ‘Mula’ means ‘high’.

During World War II, the Three Cities suffered greatly when Italians and Germans bombed the Grand Harbour and the surrounding areas. Many inhabitants had to leave their birthplace and seek refuge in the countryside, returning after the war was over.

Today, thanks to massive investment, the Three Cities have become once more a sparkling jewel amongst Malta’s cultural treasures.

Are the Three Cities of Malta worth visiting?

The Three Cities of Malta are absolutely worth visiting. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some picturesque views and the authentic life, whilst learning more about Malta’s fascinating history

What are the Three Cities of Malta?

The Three Cities of Malta are Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua) and Isla (Senglea). Collectively, the area is known as Il-Cottonera.

How to go to the Three Cities of Malta from Valletta?

The easiest way to get to the Three Cities of Malta from Valletta is by bus. The trip takes about 15 minutes from Valletta bus station. Route numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4 or 213. You can also opt for the ferry service.

Get the best travel tips from Malta Uncovered delivered to you in bite-sized chunks by email. (Unsubscribe at any time!)

Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, I would like to receive emails from you with Malta travel tips.

Get the most out of your visit to Malta with Malta Uncovered guidebooks – full of local knowledge and up-to-date for 2024 !

© 2006-2024 Malta Uncovered. All Rights Reserved.

A guide to Three Cities Malta (2024) – our top things to do

Just across the water from Malta’s capital Valletta, the Three Cities of Malta are fingers of land that reach into the Grand Harbour. Discover the top things to do in the Three Cities, with picturesque narrow streets, impressive palazzos and 16th century fortifications, overlooking the sparkling water. These historic neighbourhoods make an ideal day trip from Valletta, so read on for our travel guide and everything you need to know when you visit.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

What are the Three Cities?

Located on peninsulas of land opposite Valletta , the Three Cities in Malta provide sheltered harbours between them. Each of the Three Cities have two names that are used interchangeably, the original Maltese name and the newer name given to them by the Knights of Malta who established their first base there.

Birgu (Vittoriosa) is the oldest and was build up by the Knights of Malta as their headquarters when they arrived on Malta in 1530. Senglea (Isla) gives more of a local experience with few formal sights, while Bormla (Conspicua) is set back behind these peninsulas. Also jutting into the harbour is the peninsula of Kalkara, which can be seen from across the marina from Birgu.

A visit to the Three Cities of Malta makes a pleasant day to walk around and admire the old buildings, have a drink or lunch on the quayside and visit a couple of museums. The Valletta 3 Cities Ferry is an inexpensive way to cross the harbour on a catamaran from Lascaris Wharf. A more atmospheric crossing is on one of the old wooden Dgħajsa boats that go from the same location on the Valletta side.

Visiting Birgu / Vittoriosa – Three Cities Malta

Of the Three Cities, Birgu Malta is the one to visit first, as you’ll find most to see and do here. When the Knights Hospitaller from the order of St John made it their capital in 1530, Birgu was little more than a quiet village.

The peninsula was quickly fortified by the Knights of Malta, as they became known, in anticipation of an Ottoman attack. When the Ottomans besieged the city in 1565, the defences held strong, earning Birgu a new name: Città Vittoriosa, meaning Victorious City in Italian.

Things to do in Birgu / Vittoriosa

Tour of the grand harbour on a maltese dgħajsa.

Between Valletta and Birgu, the small Maltese wooden ferries known as Dgħajsa criss cross the harbour. They can take you from Valletta to the Three Cities and back (€2 each way) or offer a tour of the harbour (€8). We opted for the latter and got a private tour with a local boatman as our guide, taking us around the edge of the harbour and the different inlets of the Three Cities.

The deep water harbour was the reason that Malta played such a central part in the history of the Mediterranean and why Malta was so intensively bombed during WW2. From 1800, the British used the Grand Harbour as their naval base in the Mediterranean, finally leaving Malta in 1979.

On the Birgu / Vittoriosa side, the ferries run from the archway in front of the Malta Maritime Museum. If coming from Valletta, take the lift from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to the lower level and cross the road to the ferry station.

While the price is fixed, each boatman operates independently, so you just need to wait until one arrives and gathers enough passengers. Tell your boatman whether you would like a harbour tour or a crossing to Valletta. The harbour tour takes around 30 minutes but you can see a lot in quite a short time.

Birgu – Marina and waterfront

When arriving in Birgu from Valletta, the dgħajsa will drop you off right at the waterfront. Lining either side of the inlet between Birgu and Senglea is a marina full of boats, with luxurious super yachts moored on the western side.

Aside from being a picturesque sight to see, it’s a good place to stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants along the waterfront. There are also a handful of places to visit right on the waterfront, such as St Lawrence’s Church, The Malta Maritime Museum and the Freedom Monument.

Birgu – Malta Maritime Museum

Although closed for redevelopment when we visited, the Malta Maritime Museum is worth mentioning. It is housed within the former Royal Naval Bakery that supplied food to the Mediterranean fleet in times of war.

Converted into a museum in the early nineties, this is the largest museum on the island and contains over 20,000 artefacts, scale ship models, and even a genuine steam engine from the 1950s. Among its better-known pieces on display is the world’s largest Roman anchor and the figurehead of a Napoleonic ship.

Birgu – Victory Square

A short walk from the waterfront behind St Lawrence Church, you’ll find Victory Square, the city’s main square. It was given its name following the defeat of Ottoman forces during the Great Siege. The statue in the centre commemorates the victory, though the medieval clock tower that once dominated the square was destroyed during WWII.

In Victory square are several cafes which are an ideal place for lunch, the best known of which is BeBirgu . Set in an old Palazzo, an imposing exterior gives way to a delightful internal courtyard, complete with a fountain. It’s also the home of the St Lawrence Band Club, with a somewhat incongruous room of pool tables at the back of the cafe.

Birgu – St Lawrence’s Church

Trace your steps back a minute or two before you reached Victory Square, and you’ll find St Lawrence’s Church. Vittoriosa is one of the oldest parishes on the island, and the church was used as the main place of worship for the Knights of Malta, before they moved their headquarters to Valletta.

St Lawrence’s church was built by one of Malta’s most famous architects, Lorenzo Gafa, in the traditional Baroque style. The interior is intricately detailed and contains many works of art as well as a large marble cross. The church is open daily, and just a short walk up the hill is the Vittoriosa Church Museum, open 9:30 to noon every day.

If you happen to be visiting in August, look out for the fiesta that is held for the feast of St Lawrence, with brass band and parades through the streets.

Birgu – wander through the old streets

From Victory Square it’s fun to wander through Birgu’s narrow, medieval streets and feel you’ve stepped back hundreds of years into the past. Although the roads are mainly pedestrianised, watch out for the occasional car passing by.

While wandering, take notice of the architecture, particularly the Arabic-style gallarija: ornate closed balconies, often painted in bright colours, that appear to be late additions to the stone buildings.

Look out for the auberges , elegant mansions used as lodging and headquarters by different branches of the Knights of Malta. The two best-known ones in Birgu are the Auberge d’Auvergne and Provence and the Auberge d’Angleterre , built to house the French and English langues of the Knights Hospitaller.

Turn up a narrow lane to find the Sicolo Norman House , said to be the oldest house in Birgu. The owner is in the process of restoring it and you can have a look around to see how life would have been lived in the 12th century.

Only a few steps around the corner from the house is Birgu Blue, a little blue-façade atelier selling handmade goods from independent artisans.

Birgu – The Inquisitor’s Palace

Follow the street from St Lawrence’s Church, and you’ll come upon a large, but somewhat unassuming, stone building. An understated doorway and small banner on the facade are the only identifiers of the Inquisitor’s Palace . This 16th-century palace was originally built as the residence of the Inquisitor who acted as representative of the Pope and judge in matters of Catholic faith.

Built in the 1530s, the Inquisitor’s Palace has been many things over its lifetime. After the French occupation in 1798, the Inquisition was abolished and the palace served as a military hospital, a convent and even a dining facility for boarders.

Today, it is both historic Palazzo and National Museum of Ethnography. Visitors can wander through the grand staircases and reception rooms, as well as the private bedrooms and domestic kitchen used by the inquisitor and his household. Exhibits highlight the importance of the Catholic faith in Maltese society.

A panelled tribunal chamber, prison cells and torture chamber can also be seen, relating to the Inquisitor’s office in the prosecution of heretics.

The interiors alone make the palace worth a visit, with airy halls, stone archways and faded remains of colourful frescoes on the walls and ceiling.

Birgu – Fort St Angelo

One of Birgu’s most famous sights is the large bastion at the tip of the peninsula that extends into the Grand Harbour. Originally a medieval castle, Fort St Angelo was rebuilt as a fortress by the Knights of Saint John in preparation for expected Ottoman attack.

Fort St Angelo served as the Knights of Malta’s stronghold during Malta’s Great Siege of 1565, and is still in use today as a headquarters for the order’s humanitarian work. Later the fort became the garrison of the British Navy. During WW2 it was renamed HMS St Angelo and used as the navy’s base ship until 1979, when the British fleet left the Grand Harbour.

The fort is built on a higher elevation than its surroundings, with stunning panoramic views of Valletta as well as the nearby peninsulas of Kalkara and Senglea. There’s plenty to see, with audiovisual presentations about Malta’s naval history, recreations of the soldier’s barracks and the officer’s quarters and chapel.

Tunnels and dungeons of the fort were used as film locations in the TV show Game of Thrones. The fort is open for visitors daily, costs €10 to enter, and you should allow 2-3 hours for a visit, with more information on the website .

Birgu – City gates

Most of Birgu’s fortifications built by the Knights of Malta still remain, as do three out of four of the original city gates, which were built in the 1720s.

These gates were built in Baroque style, each following on from the next and providing entrance to the city of Vittoriosa. Three that remain are the Couvre Porte Gate, the Advanced Gate, and the Gate of Provence. The fourth, the Porta Marina, was destroyed in an explosion in the early 1800s.

If arriving in Birgu by bus, the city gates would be the best place to start your walking tour of Birgu, leading past the Malta at War museum and on towards the Inquisitor’s Palace.

Nearby is held the Birgu market , with a flea market on Sundays, and general market on Tuesdays, but you need to arrive early in the morning as the stalls are normally packed away by 12.00.

You may also enjoy our article – 20 things to do in Valletta Malta

Birgu – Malta at War museum

If you walk through the Gate of Provence, you will be steps away from the Malta at War Museum , which commemorates Malta’s role in the Second World War. It’s quite fitting that the building housing the museum was once an army barracks and an air-raid shelter. Today it serves as a reminder of what the people of Malta endured in WW2.

The museum is full of wartime memorabilia like uniforms, medals and weapons. You can even get a guided tour down into the rock-dug tunnels that served as the air raid shelter during the war. The museum is open daily and tickets are €14.

Where to stay in the Three Cities Malta

Staying in the Three Cities is an excellent option for those who enjoy being surrounded by history. The connections by ferry are quick to Valletta on the other side of the Grand Harbour, and from Valletta buses will take you to anywhere in Malta. Accommodation in the Three Cities also has the benefit of being a bit cheaper than Valletta.

If you are wondering where to stay in Three Cities Malta , I’d recommend either Birgu / Vittoriosa, which has most of the attractions or Senglea / Isla where there is a public ferry that runs every half an hour to Valletta. However, nowhere is really too far to walk to a ferry point or bus stop and taxis are easily available.

Here is some of the accommodation in Three Cities that we’d recommend.

Where to stay in Birgu / Vittoriosa Malta

Stay at the 50th Boutique Hotel – a small property in a quiet street in Birgu

The Palazzino Birgu Host Family Bed and Breakfast is located in an old Palazzo with antique style furnishings

Where to stay in Senglea / Isla Malta

Senglea Suites is a stylish small hotel located close to the waterfront and Gardjola Gardens in Senglea

The Snop House is a small boutique hotel filled with art and with a roof terrace in the heart of Senglea

Where to stay in Conspicua / Bormla

Casa Burmila Boutique Hotel – an elegant small hotel with rooftop pool close to waterfront in Conspicua

Things to do in Senglea (Isla) – Three Cities Malta

Senglea Malta is the smallest of the Three Cities. Originally known as Isla, it was renamed after Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, who started the construction of the fortifications in the 1550s.

There’s a quieter, more residential feel here, in fact once you climb up the steep steps among the houses it’s less of a city and more of a neighbourhood. Like Birgu, Senglea was fortified by the Knights of Malta, with commanding views from St Michael’s Bastion and Gardjola Gardens over the Grand Harbour.

On the east side of the peninsula, the marina faces Birgu, with restaurants lining the waterfront. It’s easy to cross over from Birgu on one of the small water ferries or by the footbridge and wander up through the narrow streets.

Senglea – Gardjola Gardens

One of Senglea’s best-known sights is Ġnien il-Gardjola which means “The lookout gardens”. The Gardjola Gardens are located at the high point of the peninsula, offering beautiful views of Marsa, Valletta and the sights of neighbouring Birgu, including Fort St Angelo. The garden has a central fountain, with shady plantings of shrubs and trees.

The sentry post at the very end of the gardens overlooks the harbour and served as a lookout. The stone is engraved with many motifs symbolising watchfulness: an eye, an ear, and a crane. There’s also a Latin inscription, promising that residents may rest easy knowing that the tower stands guard over the harbour.

Senglea – waterfront

While houses are closely packed behind the fortifications of Senglea, the waterfront promenade facing Birgu is a flat and pleasant place for a stroll. Seafood restaurants line the waterfront, setting their tables out beside the water and are particularly popular at weekends.

As we wandered past the brightly-painted benches, we noticed that they were marked with Maltese proverbs used by fishermen, such as “He’s turned into a herring!” (meaning he’s lost a lot of weight). At the end of the harbour near where the ferry goes, the DATE Art Café serves coffee, drinks and snacks, and you can sit on the steps looking out at the water.

If you want to explore more of the Three Cities, there’s a foot bridge across the marina to the Birgu side. This is also where you can catch the inexpensive Valletta to Three Cities ferry that runs every half an hour.

Things to do in Cospicua (Bormla) – Three Cities Malta

Cospicua or Bormla is the third of the Three Cities and sits between Birgu and Senglea. The area served as a dockyard for British ships during World War 2 and the waterfront is now being restored as a marina. Bormla’s original name was changed by the Knights of Malta to Conspicua, meaning “Conspicuous”, due to its conspicuous bravery during the Great Siege of 1565.

Due to wartime bombing, little of the old city survived, with the exception of the parish church of the Immaculate Conception. The city is devoted to its patron saint the Virgin Mary, and the annual fiesta on 8th December 8th is a major event.

Conspicua – fortifications

Cospicua’s fortifications and surrounding walls were constructed between 1638 and 1722. The Firenzuola Fortifications or Santa Margherita Lines, were the original defensive walls started in 1638. However before they could be completed, work was started on the Cottonera Lines which provided even more extensive fortifications.

The curtain walls and bastions protect not only Cospicua but the whole of the Three Cities, which occupied an important position on the coast that needed to be fortified against invasion from the land side.

The city’s historical main entrance is through the imposing St Helen’s Gate. It’s an ornate French Baroque-style stone gate built into the Firenzuola fortifications where the entrances on either side have been enlarged to allow modern roads to pass through.

Conspicua – Bir Mula Heritage Museum

Located not far from the Malta at War Museum, the Bir Mula Heritage Museum is a privately run museum that displays artefacts from daily life in Malta through the ages. The building itself has a rich history and has developed from a medieval farmhouse into a palazzo with many rooms and levels, that give a glimpse of the different activities that went on in the home.

The finding of many bones, tools and archaeological artefacts where the museum stands, prove that Bormla was inhabited in prehistoric times. It’s a small museum, open weekends from 10am to noon, or by appointment other days.

Things to do in Kalkara – Three Cities Malta

Although the Three Cities only includes Birgu, Bormla, and Senglea, Kalkara is so close to Birgu that it’s considered an extension of the Three Cities. It occupies the peninsula next to Birgu and developed from a tiny fishing community.

While Kalkara is quieter than Birgu, it’s worth exploring the area if you have time. Opposite the Birgu harbour is the picturesque Kalkara Marina, which is just a short walk from several restaurants and cafés. It’s also close to the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, which is aimed at children of all ages. Esplora was built around an old naval hospital and features interactive displays, an outdoor activity centre and planetarium.

Further out, on the city’s east shore, is Fort Rinella , a Victorian-era artillery battery. It was built to operate a single canon, the Armstrong 100 ton gun, which protected the entrance to the Grand Harbour. A small museum contains memorabilia from the Victorian British army in Malta.

The much larger Fort Ricasoli, at the point of the peninsula, is closed to the public. It has been used in the past by the Malta Film Commission as a film set for productions such as Troy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

How long do I need to visit Three Cities Malta?

The Three Cities make an ideal day trip from Valletta or other parts of Malta. In a day you will probably be able to wander around Birgu and perhaps see a bit of one of the other peninsulas nearby. In a couple of days, you can easily see the main sites of all the Three Cities areas: Birgu, Senglea and Bormla.

If you are struggling to find accommodation in Valletta, staying in the Three Cities is a good alternative for a more affordable and local experience.

Where to eat in Three Cities Malta

BeBirgu – From Birgu waterfront, walk up beside St Lawrence’s Church to find Victory Square, where the most imposing of the cafes is BeBirgu. Inside you’ll find a delightful internal courtyard with fountain in this former Palazzo. It’s a great place for a coffee and they also serve Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

In Birgu / Victoriosa, Victory square is a great place to eat lunch, with several different cafes and there are also numerous restaurants along the waterfront.

Terrone – We had lunch in Birgu at this Michelin awarded restaurant with a pretty outdoor terrace overlooking an internal harbour by Fort St Angelo. The inside of the restaurant is within the walls of the Medieval bastion, but you can also walk around the marina to reach it. Terrone’s menu is all about fresh seafood and local produce with a stylish ambiance and excellent service.

On all the waterfronts of Birgu, Senglea and Kalkara there are a wide range of restaurants to choose from, with nice views of the harbour. Many of them specialise in local seafood and have tables set by the water.

Read my article – Delicious Maltese Food – where and what to eat

Where to stay in Three Cities Malta

Check out our individual hotel recommendations below or use the map to find the best hotels in Three Cities Malta.

Best time to visit Three Cities Malta

Malta is located very close to the southern shores of Sicily and enjoys year round sunshine and hot summers. The ideal time to visit for sightseeing is Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November), when the days are warm and sunny but not unbearably hot.

Personally I would avoid visiting in the heat of the summer – July, August and even parts of June and September – unless you are visiting Malta for a beach holiday and want to visit Three Cities on a day trip.

December, January and February bring rain but the winter is mild and you can still get sunny days. However you may not get the best of Malta’s Mediterranean climate in winter.

We visited in March and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine, with ideal temperatures for sightseeing.

Getting around the Three Cities Malta

The narrow streets and many steps of the Three Cities, mean that the best way to explore is on foot or by water taxi.

Another fun activity is to take a sightseeing tour of the Three Cities with the Rolling Geeks . These self drive electric cars look a bit like a golf buggy and are pre-programmed with a GPS driven navigation and sightseeing commentary. They are eco-friendly, suitable for families and you can stop at any of the sightseeing points en route. A typical tour takes around 2.5 hours.

There is also a tourist train known as the “Happy Train” that runs from the Birgu waterfront, in front of St Lawrence’s Church. This is a good option if you want a quick and relaxing overview of the main sites. The tour takes around 40 minutes.

Getting to Three Cities Malta

Getting from the airport

Most international travellers will arrive in Malta via a flight into Malta’s Luqa airport or on a Mediterranean cruise. If you wish to use transport that avoids flying within Europe, there are easy train and ferry routes through Italy that will bring you to Sicily and from there you can take the daily ferry service to Malta.

From Malta Airport to Three Cities, take the X4 public bus to Valletta bus station. Each single bus journey in Malta is €2 and you can pay on the bus with card or cash.

Bus to Three Cities Malta

From Valletta bus station change to the No 1, 2, 3 or 4 bus to Three Cities. Alternatively you could take a taxi from Valletta bus station to your accommodation in Three Cities.

Ferry to Three Cities Malta

To take the Valletta to Three Cities ferry, find the Upper Barrakka gardens in Valletta and take the lift down to the lower level. From here, cross the road to the ferry station for Three Cities. There are two ferry points close to each other. One is for the small Dgħajsa ferries that constantly cross the harbour and operate like water taxis. The other is for the public ferry that is larger and operates much like a bus, with crossings every half an hour.

Taxi to Three Cities Malta

If you are concerned that you won’t be able to walk from the bus station or ferry terminal, you can take a taxi from the airport or other locations in Malta. The streets of Three Cities are narrow and sometimes pedestrianised, so not all locations are available for drop off at your accommodation, but taxis will get you as close as it’s possible. The white official taxis are widely available, or use the Bolt taxi app.

Car Hire in Three Cities Malta

Using a car in Three Cities itself is not advised as many streets are pedestrianised, there is little parking and efficient public transport alternatives are available. However if you plan to hire a car to visit other parts of Malta, we recommend checking Rental Cars to compare options and best prices.

Plan your trip to Malta

For more information on things to do in Malta, visit the official Visit Malta Tourism website .

Need a guide book for Malta? We recommend the Pocket Rough Guide to Malta and Gozo

Explore 20 things to do in Valletta Malta

More articles about Malta

20 things to do in Valletta Malta

Delicious Maltese Food – where and what to eat

Fun things to do in Gozo – the quiet sister island to Malta

Where to stay in Malta – best locations and hotels

Things to do in Malta in a weekend break

Things to do in Valletta, Malta in one day

Enjoy the food and fireworks of a Maltese Festa

21 best things to do in Malta

Some of the experiences mentioned were provided on a press trip hosted by Malta Tourism and British Guild of Travel Writers.

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

Hemos recibido tu solicitud correctamente.

Recibirás un mail con el resumen de tus reservas.

¿No lo encuentras? Déjanos tu correo electrónico y te enviamos un resumen de tus reservas.

Compártelo en redes directamente con tu id y nombre de campaña

Tour por las Tres Ciudades de Malta

• 7,6 / 10 557 opiniones | 4.840 viajeros It was little short in my opinion, but the guide Elena was so kindly and made the tour very interesting. She had a lot of patience with us 8 Francisco Javier
• Cancelación gratuita hasta 24 horas antes

Recogida en el hotel

Con este tour conoceremos un imprescindible de la isla. Situadas al este de La Valeta, Vittoriosa, Cospicua y Senglea , las Tres Ciudades de Malta albergan un gran patrimonio histórico .

Después de recogeros en vuestro hotel  nos dirigiremos a la orilla oriental del puerto de la capital maltesa para visitar sus famosas tres ciudades históricas.

En primer lugar atravesaremos el casco histórico de Cospicua (conocida también como Bormla), que atesora grandes vestigios monumentales construidos por los caballeros de la Orden de Malta . Nuestra primera parada tendrá lugar en la villa de Vittoriosa , denominada Birgu por los malteses. Daremos un paseo por sus preciosos barrios medievales, cuya privilegiada ubicación hizo que esta urbe fuera escogida como capital de Malta hasta 1565. Ese año ocurrió un terrible suceso que provocó la construcción de una nueva capital insular: La Valeta. ¿Sabéis de qué importante acontecimiento histórico se trata?

Contemplaremos diversos monumentos de Vittoriosa, como el robusto Fuerte de San Ángel , que nos permitirán comprender la importancia militar que tuvo este enclave. Desde su puerto zarparemos a bordo de una dgħajsa (la embarcación tradicional de la zona) para disfrutar de un apacible paseo en barca por los alrededores del puerto de La Valeta . La travesía concluirá en el muelle de Senglea , ciudad en la que visitaremos los Jardines Gardjola : ¡La vistas desde este lugar son excepcionales!

Desde Senglea emprenderemos finalmente el regreso a los diferentes hoteles de Malta.

El tour incluye la recogida, entre las 8:15 y las 9:00  horas, en los principales hoteles de la isla de Malta. Tras hacer vuestra reserva, nos pondremos en contacto con vosotros para concretaros la hora y el lugar exactos.

La actividad se realiza con un guía que habla español, aunque en ocasiones podría hacerse de forma bilingüe.

Recogida y traslado de regreso al hotel.

Transporte en minibús climatizado.

Guía de habla española especializado en la historia de Malta.

Paseo en embarcación típica dgħajsa.

Cuándo reservar

Puedes reservar hasta 6 horas antes si quedan plazas. Reserva ya y asegura tu plaza.

Tipo de bono

Electrónico. Llévalo en tu móvil.

Accesibilidad

No es accesible en silla de ruedas.

Sostenibilidad

Todos los servicios cumplen nuestro Código de Sostenibilidad .

Nuestros proveedores se comprometen a:

• Proporcionar una experiencia segura y satisfactoria.
• Reducir, reutilizar, reciclar.
• Implementar tecnologías respetuosas con el medioambiente.
• Respetar la calidad de empleo.
• Apoyar al desarrollo de las comunidades locales.
• Respetar la autenticidad cultural.
• Conservar el patrimonio cultural y medioambiental.
• Velar por el bienestar animal.
• Actuar de manera íntegra.
• Promover prácticas sostenibles entre los clientes y colaboradores.

Esta actividad, en concreto aporta de la siguiente manera:

• Se evita el material impreso.
• No se utilizan plásticos de un solo uso.
• La comunidad indígena participa en la gestión de la actividad.
• La actividad ayuda a la difusión del patrimonio cultural local.
• No requiere imprimir documentación.
• Fomenta el empleo local.
• Tiene una política de igualdad de género.

V. Tabone Travel Ver más

Razón social: V. Tabone Travel Limited

No permitidas.

Preguntas frecuentes

P - ¿Podéis recogernos en un hotel y dejarnos de vuelta en otro distinto?

R - No, el traslado de vuelta se hace siempre al mismo hotel en el que os hemos recogido.

P - ¿Por qué realizar esta actividad con Civitatis?

R - En Civitatis ofrecemos la mejor calidad y precio garantizados, haz click aquí si quieres saber cómo seleccionamos nuestras actividades.

P - ¿Cómo hacer la reserva?

R - Para reservar el Tour por las Tres Ciudades de Malta, elige la fecha deseada y completa el formulario. La confirmación es inmediata.

Si tienes otras dudas, contacta con nosotros.

Cancelación gratuita

También te puede interesar.

Excursión a Gozo

Excursión a Mdina y los acantilados de Dingli

Excursión a Marsaxlokk y la Gruta Azul

Inicia sesión para añadir actividades a tus favoritos y acceder desde cualquier dispositivo

Este sitio está protegido por reCAPTCHA y se aplican la política de privacidad y los términos de servicio de Google.

Inicia sesión para valorar las opiniones de otros viajeros

The Three Cities in Malta: What to see and How to visit + our tips

Far from the hustle and bustle of Sliema or the groups of tourists pouring in from the big liners (cruisers) on a timed excursion in Valletta here is the Three Cities. At the rendezvous: the charm, the history and the splendor of Malta… But also this different atmosphere, the quietness, the simplicity of the inhabitants… A day’s walk in Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa and you will leave spellbound!

Guided tours of the three cities

A good way to visit the 3 cities in a simple way and being sure not to miss anything. It’s still a good idea to book a guided tour . There are several good visits depending on the day and what you like:

Tour of the 3 cities with cruise to Vallettas main port

Every Wednesday and Saturday, for a full day: Discover the three walled cities of Cospicua, Birgu and Senglea on a guided day trip. Admire the historic churches and squares before embarking on a cruise around Valletta’s Grand Harbor. 👉 Book here your guided tour of the three cities.

Best price guaranteed Free cancellation up to 24 hours before Pick up at your hotel included

Tour of the 3 towns and wine tasting

Every Tuesday and Friday, for half a day: Explore the walled cities of the 3 cities on this bus tour. Pass through Cospicua, visit Vittoriosa and Senglea, and visit the cellars of Marsovin to taste Maltese wine. 👉 Book here your guided tour of the three cities followed by a wine tasting.

Discover the best activities to do during your stay in Malta.

Self-guided tour of the 3 cities with Rolling geeks

Every day of the week , you can also hire a small electric car to take you around the narrow streets. It’s a great way to visit all three cities. The rental company is Rolling Geeks .

With the My Little Malta card, you’ll get a discount on the Rolling geeks tour. Click here to learn more.

Visit the Three Cities

If they have in common 4.5 kilometers of gigantic fortifications – The Cotonnera Lines (1670), the three cities of the Three cities each have their own particularities, their charms and above all their panoramic views, each one as magnificent as the next. We therefore encourage you to take the time to discover the three cities, well-shod, because you will have to climb countless majestic stairs!

How to get to the 3 cities?

• If you are traveling by bus, arrive directly at Senglea (bus line 1 from Valletta).
• By car, park in Cospicua .
• More picturesque, by boat , from the pier of Valletta , the regular shuttle serves only Vittoriosa which makes the inhabitants of Senglea grumble, forcing them (and you too…) to use the metal footbridge. But rest assured you will always find a charming Luzzu to cross the Grand Harbour.

Our itinerary to visit the 3 cities

Senglea (also known as Isla) , one of Malta’s smallest towns (but with a population of 4,000), is where we like to start our tour of the Three Cities. On its southern facade, it is “the laborious and working-class Malta”, with a view from the bastions, on the ship repair yards, the cranes and the large hangars. The popular Malta which has not always had a good reputation in the past!

You can walk along the docks and take a circular tour of Senglea or cut through one of its cross streets with stairs. Calm and authenticity. Not often visited, the locals will say hello and smile back more than anywhere else in Malta, because the town is simply friendly!

Go to Senglea Point for its Safehaven garden: one of the best places to admire Valletta and the incessant maritime life of the Grand Harbour …

To reach Cospicua, there are two possibilities : to go out of Senglea through the magnificent city gates, built in 1551, or to go along the old docks (1776), which have been recently refurbished and which played an important role during the time of the English Navy and during the Second World War.

The main entrance to Cospicua – or Bormla – is impressive with its arches (St Helen Gate) . It is at the top of this doubly fortified city of the Three Cities that one can discover and appreciate once again the genius of the military defenses (17th century) in Malta .

Once back down to water level, continue your walk in Vittoriosa – or Birgù – the city of the Three Cities that will take you the longest! Not that it is huge (only 50 hectares) but so rich in heritage that it is as breathtaking as Valletta!

Knights’ inns, sumptuous palaces, ornate churches, museums, forts… Vittoriosa is doubly important in the history of Malta because it was here that the Knights landed from Rhodes in 1530 – they made it the capital of Malta temporarily – and the strategic place where the Great Siege was won in 1565 against the Ottomans.

Beyond the heritage, getting lost in the streets of Birgù is a similar delight to Senglea: Dare to talk! The Maltese of the Three Cities will take the time to tell you about Malta! As for the docks of Vittoriosa, they welcome the most luxurious yachts of the Mediterranean, another pleasure for the eyes. From Birgù, you can take the bus (Lines 2 and 3) or of course the boat to prolong the magic of the Three Cities at nightfall …

• July 11, 2023

Alex | Editor of My Little Malta Passionate about Malta for many years. I love writing articles of the best recommendations for trips and visits to these wonderful islands.

Hey ! My Little Malta is not just a travel blog :

We also offer the best discount card for travels to Malta!

14,90€ to get access to 200+ discounts in all Malta

More articles

YOUR TRIP TO MALTA :

• Quad – TukTuk – Scooter
• Airport cab

Our advice:

• Itineraries ideas
• Where to stay in Malta – Best areas and hotels
• How to get around Malta
• Airport transfer Malta
• Best activities

Save with the discount card

Related articles:

Game of Thrones in Malta: Discover Mdina and other filming locations from the series

11 museums to visit in Malta

What to do in Blue Grotto Getting there? Our advice

Bugibba: what to do? Where to stay in Mellieha? Getting there?

Mellieha in Malta: what to do? Getting there? Where to stay in Mellieha?

Comino, the small island of Malta

Historic places in Malta to visit

Manoel Island, the Forbidden Nugget

Book your boat with skipper

Send your request ➡️ The rental company will get back to you today

• 3 Cities Tour

Classic Tours

3 cities tour – vittoriosa, senglea, cospicua.

Delve into the history of the first fortified cities built by the Knights of St John. Overlooking the Grand Harbour the cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua played an important role during the Great Siege of 1565. Where once one could see the Knights’ galleys and the Royal Navy ships in a not so distant time, today there are luxury sea-craft berthed in the creek together with traditional Maltese boats.

Merge the past with the present and let us design a tour for you to experience the historical and cultural wealth that each of these three cities has to offer.

If you wish to combine this tour with a visit to Valletta, you can either choose to cross the Grand Harbour by the ferry or opt for the experience of boarding a traditional boat as was the custom centuries ago.

Fill in the following form to get more information or to book your tour.

• 3 Cities Tour and Valletta
• A traditional Maltese boat

Send a Message

We look forward to hearing from you. Please be as detailed as possible with your request. We will reply within the same business day.

• ¿Dónde alojarse en Malta?
• Lugares que visitar
• Actividades: ¿Qué hacer?
• Excursiones
• Alquiler vehículos
• Seguro de viaje (-5%)
• ¿Cómo moverse? Transporte
• Traslados Aeropuerto Malta
• Clima de Malta
• Equipaje ¿Qué llevar?
• Consejos para viajar a Malta
• Idioma, moneda
• Gastronomía Malta
• Sobre Malta...
• Información turística
• Salir de fiesta
• Dónde comer: Restaurantes
• Viajar con niños a Malta
• Ir de compras en Malta
• Ruta por Malta (8 días)
• Ruta Malta y Sicilia (9 días)
• La Valletta
• Visitar la isla de Gozo
• Visitar la isla de Comino
• Blue Lagoon
• Guía de playas
• Templos de Hagar Qim
• El Hipogeo de Hal Saflieni
• La ciudad de Mdina
• Visita a las tres ciudades
• Blue Grotto
• El templo de Tarxien
• Estudiar inglés en Malta
• Trabajar en Malta
• Vivir en Malta
• Viajar en Navidad a Malta
• Fin de Año en Malta
• Viajar en Semana Santa a Malta
• Guía de Cerdeña
• Guía de París
• Guía de Londres
• Viajar a Miami
• Turismo en Bali
• Viajar Venecia

Las tres ciudades de Malta

Las conocen como “las tres ciudades” debido a que se encuentran pegadas, formando un cordón urbano antiguo muy interesante. Otra forma de llamarlas es con el nombre de Cottonera. A continuación te contamos qué puedes ver en Senglea, Vittoriosa y Cospicua; te recomendamos mucho este viaje ya que se trata de una de las excursiones más enriquecedoras de todo el archipiélago.

Cottonera : Senglea, Vittoriosa y Cospicua

Para la visita de Cottonera te proponemos que te tomes todo un día y hagas una ruta por estas tres ciudades ya que cada una tiene algo diferente que ofrecerte y las tres resultan muy interesantes de conocer.

Viajar a Malta es adentrarse en la historia de la Europa Barroca . Por eso, si te gusta la historia, deberías tomarte tu tiempo especialmente en esta excursión ya que aquí conocerás las raíces de este archipiélago. Cabe señalar que estas ciudades fueron dañadas considerablemente durante los bombardeos de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, pero aun así, se hallan muy bien conservadas.

Visitar Senglea

La primera de las ciudades que vas a encontrar si viajas a Cottonera desde La Valeta es Senglea . Te proponemos que la recorras a pie, ya que no es muy grande y de este modo podrás apreciarla mejor. Para ello te recomendamos dirigirte a través de la calle principal, Settembru, hasta llegar al final donde se encuentra el Forti San Mikel , una fortificación construida entre el año 1551 y 1565 que ofrece una belleza impresionante ; además, desde allí podrás observar unas magníficas vistas de la ciudad de Senglea , de La Valeta y de Vittoriosa.

Visitar Vittoriosa

Seguidamente, te proponemos que retomes la ruta hacia Vittoriosa , para ello te recomendamos que lo hagas por la calle Triq It Tarzna que bordea el mar y que sigas hasta la siguiente Bahía, donde se encuentra esta ciudad. Es un paseo realmente precioso y te permitirá apreciar muchísimo este rincón maltés .

En la ciudad de Vittoriosa lo ideal es dejarse llevar paseando . Recomendamos perderse en sus pequeñas calles ya que la luz del día, al golpear con las paredes de los edificios, crea una paleta de colores especial . Los edificios tienen una arquitectura que nos devuelve a otra época y poseen balcones llenos de flores que le dan más belleza al juego de colores. Por estas razones te comentamos que vale la pena caminar por sus calles .

Te recomendamos también visitar el Forti Sant’ Anglu y el Palacio del Inquisidor . Este último, construido en 1530, es uno de los edificios más antiguos e interesantes de conocer en Malta . El Palacio del Inquisidor está abierto todos los días de 9:00h a 17:00h. El lugar permanece cerrado el 24, 25 y el 31 de diciembre, el 1 de enero y en Viernes Santo. El precio de la entrada para los adultos es de 6€. Para jubilados y estudiantes el precio es de 4,50€. Niños de 6 a 11 años la tarifa es de 3€, menores de 5 años tienen entrada gratuita.

Una vez terminada la visita a esta fabulosa ciudad te recomendamos acercarte hasta el Forti Rikazoli : este impresionante fuerte ha sido el escenario de numerosas películas como “Gladiador” o “Troya”. Por eso, conocerlo puede ser sumamente interesante, sobre todo si te gustan estas películas.

Visitar Cospicua

Por último llegarás a Cospicua , conocida también con el nombre de Bormla , que es la más grande de las tres y la última en ser edificada . En ella podrás encontrar impactantes bastiones que fueron obra de los Caballeros de la Orden de Malta . A su vez, podrás conocer una de las iglesias más importantes de todo el archipiélago construida en homenaje a la patrona de esta ciudad y de toda Malta , la Inmaculada Concepción. Este templo se caracteriza por contener una amplia exposición de pinturas de esta virgen y del Niño Jesús, realizadas por el artista Polidoro da Lanciano..

Consejo para visitar las 3 ciudades

Después de visitar estas tres preciosas ciudades ya puedes regresar a Malta , sabiendo más de ella, de su gente y de su historia. No obstante, te recomendamos que antes de marcharte tomes una góndola maltesa que te lleve a navegar por el Mediterráneo para poder observar desde otra perspectiva el espectáculo que ofrecen las tres ciudades: una experiencia que no se te olvidará en la vida.

Nuestra selección primavera 2024

IKYK Hotel- IK Collection

Ubicación perfecta en el centro de Paceville (en St Julians), ideal si quieres disfrutar de la vida nocturna maltesa. Un hotel muy moderno, bien equipado y a un precio asequible.

Hotel Valentina

En San Julian's, es perfecto para hacer turismo por Malta y no vas a alquilar coche. Habitaciones amplias, comfortables y modernas. Tiene piscina en la azotea.

Radisson Blu Resort Spa

Situado en frente de la playa Golden Bay, de las pocas playas de arena en Malta y con unas fantásticas vistas al mar. Ofrece una buena relación calidad precio. Perfecto para familias.

Imprescindibles de visitar en Malta

Mejores actividades y cosas que hacer

Reserva tu alojamiento en Malta

Alquiler de coches, motos, furgonetas...

-5% de descuento en tu seguro IATI

Mapa puntos de interés turístico

Guías de viaje

Malta Tour Destinations

Explore the beauty of Malta, Gozo and Comino

A Complete Guide to Three Cities in Malta: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua

Just a quick heads up – some of the links I share on this site are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support through these links helps me create valuable content.

Three Cities in Malta are some of the island’s historic towns. They’re right across from Valletta. There are three of them: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Surrounded by fortress walls, these fortified cities are full of culture, history, and architecture. The Three Cities of Malta have something for everyone. Explore museums and galleries, wander around or relax. This insider’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about the Three Cities of Malta.

Here’s a table of contents so you can jump around.

Table of Contents

Three Cities in Malta: Are They Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely! A trip to the Three Cities of Malta is worth it. They’re picturesque and full of history. It’s a fascinating place to learn Maltese history and culture. In contrast to other touristy areas in Malta, the Three Cities keep their authentic feel. The “old days” spirit is still there, untouched by modern life.

There are many things to do in the Three Cities of Malta. You can get lost in the narrow streets, take a ferry across the Grand Harbour, tour the fortifications, and visit museums and galleries. And, of course, try the local food and wine. So make sure you check out the Three Cities and experience traditional Malta.

Get a glimpse of the Three Cities’ harbour views in the video below.

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Click here to book a Three Cities boat tour.

How Long Should You Spend in Malta’s Three Cities?

You should take a whole day exploring the 3 Cities. But how much time you spend will depend on what you want to do. You can see the main sights in a few hours. If you’re going to explore each city in depth, give yourself an entire day.

In all three cities, it’s fantastic to get lost and explore small streets. You can also take in the views of the Valletta Grand Harbour, boats and the sea by walking around the city on the water’s edge. To do so, you will need a full day. So take your time and enjoy the whole experience. You can take in all that the Malta Three Cities offer, from the history to the culture and all the stunning views.

Is it Possible to Walk between Sengea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua?

Yes, you can easily walk between the Three Cities of Malta. Vittoriosa and Senglea are 1.2 km apart, and Senglea and Cospicua are 1.7 km apart. Walking between the cities is enjoyable, and you get a great view of the Grand Harbour.

Authentic Places to Stay in the Three Cities

BOCO Boutique Hotel : Located in Cospicua it offers a distinctive, artsy design and views of Grand Harbour and Valletta. Book here .

Senglea Suites : Luxurious, castle-like boutique hotel in Senglea with attentive owners and stunning top-floor views. Book here .

Palazzino Birgu Host Family B&B : Architectural gem with spacious and well-decorated rooms. Book here .

How to Get to the Three Cities in Malta?

You can take the bus from Valletta to the Three Cities. It takes about 25 minutes and costs 2 euros. 

My favourite option is a ferry from Valletta to The Three Cities (Senglea Port). The Valletta 3 Cities ferry leaves from this location in Valletta and you can find the Three Cities ferry timetable here .

Travelling by Valletta ferry is amazing – you’ll avoid traffic and get a great view of the harbour. A return ferry ticket costs 2.80 euros and the ride takes about 15 minutes. A water taxi is another option. They also run between Valletta and Senglea.

This is the best parking area for Three Cities if you travel by car. Please note that parking is limited. You may also park along this road or in this parking lot .

Need advice on renting a car in Malta? Here’s my guide with insider tips on everything you need to know.

What are the Names of these Three Cities in Malta?

There’s at least one other name for every one of the Three Cities.

• Vittoriosa or il Birgu
• Cospicua or Bormla
• Senglea, Isla or Cita Invicta

Each city got an additional name from the Knights of St. John. Today, people call them by several names. Keep that in mind because it may be confusing.

The name Birgu comes from Borgo. Birgu is next to the Fort of St Angelo, with Birgu being the Borgo of the Castello. After the Maltese won the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Knights of St John renamed Birgu ‘ Cittá Vittoriosa’ . It means ‘the victorious city’. These days it’s shortened to ‘Vittoriosa’.

Bormla is the biggest of the Three Cities. People called this town Bormla before the 18th century. The Order of Saint John built fortification walls to protect the town and its neighbours. Grand Master Marc’Antonio Zondadari declared Bormla a city in 1722. Because of the strong bastions surrounding the area, he called it ‘ Citta Cospicua’, a walled city .

Senglea City has three names. The Maltese name for it is Isla , which means island. Its second name, ‘Città Invicta’ , means ‘the invincible city’. It got its name because it resisted the Ottoman invasion in 1565. Nowadays, ‘Città Invicta’ is rarely used. Finally, the city is called Senglea because Claude de la Sengle built it and gave it part of his name. 

Together, all Three Cities are also known as Cottonera. It’s because of the Cottonera Lines and fortifications surrounding the towns.

What is the History of the Three Cities in Malta?

Vittoriosa (Birgu) is the oldest of the Three Cities. It has been inhabited since the Phoenicians. 

When the Order arrived in 1530, they chose Birgu as Malta’s capital instead of Mdina . The Knights built Senglea on L’Isola and Cospicua after the Ottoman Empire attacked Gozo in 1551.

Following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Knights of St John decided to build a new city. To prepare for future attacks, they fortified it heavily. In 1571, Valletta became the capital instead of Vittoriosa. 

The Knights of St John built Cottonera fortifications in 1670. Grandmaster Nicolas Cotoner wanted to create fortifications encompassing all the surrounding towns. Unfortunately, it never got finished. Those defences aimed to keep the Ottomans from attack ing Marsaxlokk and th e harbour.

World War II bombers damaged the Three Cities. After the war, many educated and professional people left Cottonera. The cities were rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s and repopulated by workers. For decades, this area had a higher rate of illiteracy and unemployment. 

Over the last few decades, the Three Cities have gained popularity again. It attracted investors to buy properties and turn them into luxury homes. Also, the Three Cities become a tourist hot spot as boutique hotels, restaurants and wine bars.

Map of the Three Cities in Malta

Here is an interactive Malta Three Cities map which can be useful for your walking tour. Just a quick glance shows all the highlights. To navigate, click on the pins or links in the text and you’ll be taken to Google Maps.

If you prefer a guided Malta Three Cities tour, click here to book one.

Three Cities in Malta: What to See and Do in Senglea (Isla)

Just under 3,000 people live in Senglea, the smallest city in Malta. You can easily walk all over the city since it’s about 1 square kilometre. It has narrow streets, steep staircases, and fortifications, among other things to see.

Malta Three Cities Attractions: Fortifications of Senglea

After you get off the ferry, walk right. Fortifications were built to protect the Senglea peninsula from land attacks. Fort Saint Michael was the first fortification built in 1552. Over the next decade, Claude de la Sengle completed most of the fortifications.

Unfortunately, the fortifications did not survive the wars of the last centuries. Today, all that’s left of Senglea’s fortifications are the seaward bastions and the defensive walls at the city’s entrance. 

Senglea Parish Church

After you get through the fortified St Anne’s Gate , turn left, and you’ll be in front of Senglea Parish Church .

It was built in the 16th century but destroyed during WWII. A few years later, it was rebuilt. This basilica’s main attraction is a wooden 17th-century statue of Mary known as Il-Bambina. The artist is unknown.

From there, go along Triq Il-Vitorja or any parallel street towards the point of Senglea.

I like to walk along Senglea’s left side to see the docks. I like this because there’s a wall on the edge and you can walk on it. Also, Valletta and the harbour are visible from here.

Gardjola Gardens

The Gardjola Gardens are at the point of Senglea. They offer a great view of Valletta, Fort Saint Angelo in Birgu, and other areas around the Grand Harbour. The gardens were built in 1551 with a guard tower at the end. The guard tower is called Il-gardjola, hence the name of the garden.

If you want to understand Malta’s history well, take a walking tour in Valletta. Look at my guide for the best Valletta walking tours .

Senglea Streets and Marina

As soon as you leave the garden, turn left. There are some pretty streets and buildings there. Senglea’s residential streets give you a taste of life away from the tourist scene. It has a lot of charming Maltese balconies, which are the country’s most iconic architectural features. It’s a quiet and friendly area, so you’ll hear lots of Maltese and see people’s daily life.

You can also go down the stairs to the Senglea Marina . You can grab a drink or lunch and enjoy the views of Birgu.

Three Cities in Malta: What to See and Do in Cospicua (Bormla)

You can get to Cospicua (also known as Bormla) via a bridge from Seglea. The bridge is at Cospicua’s Dock, which got refurbished recently. There’s also a pleasant walk along the water.

Cospicua’s Architecture

From the docks, you can see the church towers. Every Maltese town has churches and chapels, and Cospicua is no different. In the city, you’ll find the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception. There are also the chapels of St Paul and St Margaret.

It’s easy to spend hours wandering the streets of Cospicua. Cospicua is on the top of five slight hills. So, you’ll have pretty views of Birgu and Senglea, along with the marina nearby.

The streets there are lined with old houses, untouched by development. You can also see the fortification surrounding the city – the Cottonera Lines. The Cottonera Lines consist of walls, gates and bastions. Lines need to be in better shape. Yet, they give a clear picture of what this area was like in the past.

Bir Mula Heritage Museum

Bir Mula Heritage Museum is the most recommended museum in Cospicua. On the outside, it looks like your typical Bormla house. But, it contains a wealth of prehistoric history and mystery. There’s a lot to its history, from Punic cults to secret meetings held during the Knights of St John era. Bir Mula Heritage is open from 10 am to noon Saturday and Sunday.

Three Cities in Malta: What to See and Do in Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Walk down from Cospicua and head towards the Birgu Waterfront. On the way, you’ll pass St Lawrence’s Church.

St Lawrence’s Church

St Lawrence’s Church in Birgu is another beautiful church in the Three Cities. A 17th-century building sits right on Birgu’s waterfront.

Malta Three Cities Attractions: Malta’s Maritime Museum

Just a minute later, you will see the Malta Maritime Museum . This museum, housed in the old Royal Naval Bakery, tells the story of Malta’s maritime past. There’s a whole ground floor dedicated to the mechanics and engineering of naval ships. You’ll also find details about the British Navy in Malta. You can learn about liberating Malta from the French during the Napoleonic Wars and the British Navy’s role in World War I and II. Unfortunately, the museum has been closed for renovations.

Birgu’s Waterfront

Keep walking along Birgu’s waterfront. Marina is in the heart of Three Cities. The Knights of St John built heavy fortifications to protect the marina. Admiring yachts along the waterfront is a must. There are also many places to eat, drink, and hang out.

Fort St Angelo

Fort St Angelo is an immense fortress on Birgu’s Point. This site has had forts and strongholds since at least 1241. In fact, Birgu’s name comes from il Borgo del Castello or the city outside the castle. Once the Knights of St. John arrived on the island in 1530, they converted the medieval castle into a fort. More changes happened in the 17th century and after World War II.

A visit to Fort St Angelo includes walking along its high fortress walls and rooftops. You can enjoy spectacular views across the Three Cities, Valletta, and the Grand Harbour. Inside the Fort, several exhibits cover the Fort’s history and the history of the Mediterranean.

After you see the Fort, walk to Victory Square . It’s Birgu’s main square. It has many cafes and restaurants so you can take a break here.

Inquisitors’ Palace

Inquisitors’ Palace is 3 minutes away from Victory Square. From 1574 to 1798, the Inquisitor’s Palace served as the seat of the Inquisition. The building was constructed as a courthouse in the early 16th century. But, little remains of the original building.

The Inquisition was abolished during the French occupation of Malta in 1798. After that, the Palace was home to a military hospital, a mass hall, and a religious house. Since 1966, it’s been a museum. Museum visitors can see the tribunal room, prison complex and kitchen. There is also an exhibit about the Inquisition in Maltese society.

Malta at War Museum

Malta at War Museum is also worth a visit if you’re a history buff. It’s about Malta’s WWII role. 

The museum is in the Couvre Porte, a 17th-century counterguard forming part of Birgu’s fortifications. The counterguard was built with space between the walls, which later became barracks. During World War II, the barracks served as a police HQ and civil defence centre. In addition, under the counterguard were air raid shelters dug for Birgu’s residents. The barracks and shelters are now part of the museum.

Also, there’s an exhibit of uniforms, weapons, documents, medals, and other memorabilia at Malta at War Museum.

Birgu Ditch Gardens

Birgu Ditch Gardens is just off the museum. It’s a cute little garden within Birgu’s fortifications. There is a walkway with olive trees and some plants. You can walk or sit on the bench in the shade of the trees and look at the fortifications. On a hot summer day, it’s perfect.

Around Birgu

I recommend walking around Birgu if you still have time. Get into one of the narrow streets and make your way towards the water. Here is where you can start walking on top of the walls. You’ll get an incredible view of Kalkara Marina and Valletta.

A trip to the Three Cities of Malta is impressive, with their lovely streets and tons of history. Take a step back in time and discover authentic Maltese culture. Whether you’re into history or discovering new places, the Three Cities of Malta won’t disappoint you. Check out my blogs about Malta’s Top Historical Sites , Valletta , Xemxija Heritage Walk and the Unesco Sites in Malta if you want to learn more about Malta’s past! If you like gardens with views, check out my guide to Malta’s best gardens .

You may also like

Xemxija Heritage Trail: Discover the Secrets of Ancient Malta

The Blue Grotto Malta: Why It’s a Must-See Attraction

15 Best Places to See Sunsets in Malta and Gozo

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular currencies

More currencies.

Day Tour of Three Cities

• Instant confirmation
• Mobile ticket

Stroll the ancient streets, visit forts of the Three Cities, and hear captivating tales on Malta's history from a local guide on a 2-hour tour.

Discover neighborhoods of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua of Malta, where the Knights of Malta opted as their headquarters.

Walk along the residential streets of Senglea and revel in the ancient Maltese architectural elements at the age-old homes and balconies.

Learn how Fort St. Angelo played a crucial role in Malta’s history and fortification at the oldest of the Three Cities, Vittoriosa.

Walk along the waterfront promenade at the largest of Three Cities, Cospicua, and discover its rich rich maritime heritage.

Did you know? Senglea is also called Unconquered City due to its resistance in the Great Siege of 1565 against Ottoman forces.

2-hour tour of Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua

Licensed guide

Small group of 12

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Experience

Journey through malta’s timeless charm at the three cities.

Unveil the hidden treasures of Malta's past through the immersive 3 Cities tour that takes you through the charming streets and landmarks of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These captivating towns, once chosen as the headquarters by the Knights of Malta, hold centuries of history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural heritage.

The adventure begins in Senglea and wandering through the quaint streets of Cospicua, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Grand Harbour, where your licensed guide will narrate tales of maritime glory. The Collacchio area with its narrow, winding streets becomes your pathway to the past, allowing you to take in the glory of the architectural wonders and hidden stories of these cities.

Unveiling Hidden Fortresses and More

Prepare to uncover legends as you walk the escape routes once used by residents and learn all about the challenges they faced. The tour takes you to the oldest fortress within the harbor in Vittoriosa, Fort St. Angelo which once incarcerated the renowned artist Caravaggio and later served as the headquarters for the British Navy. Throughout your journey, admire the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, a testament to the enduring legacy of these three cities and their pivotal role in Malta's narrative.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

• It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.

Restrictions

• This tour can accommodate a maximum of 12 people in 1 group.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Cospicua - Valletta Ferry .

Address: VGMC+G7M, Cospicua, Malta.

Guide Identifier: Our guide would be waiting in the terminal with a Best Tours Malta sign in hand.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

The closest bus stop is Bormla. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the meeting point.

Board buses #2, #3, and more to get you there.

Why Headout?

Similar experiences you'd love.

Browse By Themes

Nearby cities to explore.

World at your tap.

We've served 25 million+ guests and we are here for you

25 million +

In the Media

24 x 7 Help Center

Rolling Geeks

The tour / Excursion is available in the following languages:

© 2014-2017 All Rights Reserved Developed, Hosted & Designed by PROWEB

Las Tres Ciudades de Malta: Imprescindibles | Guía Malta (Gratis)

• Europa , Malta: Destinos , Mar Mediterraneo

¡En este post te contamos Qué ver en las tres ciudades de Malta y sus lugares imprescindibles a visitar! Esta es una guía de viajes que te ayuda a saber qué ver y hacer en las tres ciudades de Malta de principio a fin durante tu viaje por estas ciudades de la isla de Malta .

Índice de Contenidos

Tres Ciudades de Malta: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea y Cospicua (Bormla)

La Tres Ciudades de Malta o más conocidas como La Cottonera, se encuentran conformadas por las localidades de Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea y Cospicua (Bormla). Estas tres localidades se encuentras situadas frente a la ciudad de La Valeta y han sido muy importantes para la capital de la Isla de Malta durante su historia. 

Estas localidades han servido durante toda su historia como fortalezas y bastiones defensivos para proteger a la ciudad de La Valeta de los ataques invasores. Ha sido también el hogar y refugio de los distintos imperios que han habitado la isla de malta durante su historia. 

Caballeros de la Orden de San Juan en Malta

La historia de Malta no se puede contar sin incluir a los Caballeros de la Orden de San Juan, por lo que al hablar de las Tres Ciudades de Malta también merecen su mención. Los Caballeros de la Orden de San Juan fueron quienes edificaron las localidades de Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea y Cospicua. 

También fueron los responsables de edificar la ciudad de La Valeta, su muralla defensiva y de que en cada una de estas localidades se encuentre una fortaleza y bastiones defensivos desde el siglo XVI, listos para proteger a ciudad capital de Malta. 

Birgu (Vittoriosa)

La ciudad más bella de la zona de La Cottonera (nombre con el que se le conoce a las Tres Ciudades de Malta) es sin lugar a duras Birgu (Vittoriosa). Cuenta con la mejor ubicación, ya que se encuentra junto al mar y fue hasta el siglo XVI la capital de Malta, más concretamente en el año 1565 cuando la capital pasó a se La Valeta. 

La localidad de Vittoriosa (Birgu en maltés) se encuentra muy bien conservada, por lo que es posible imaginarse como se vivía aquí en la época en que la ciudad pertenecía a los Caballeros de San Juan y a los nobles llegados del Reino de Castilla.

Los sitios más destacados a visitar en Vittoriosa son el Palacio Inquisidor, el Fuerte de San Ángel, el Museo de Guerra, la iglesia de Santa Anta, iglesia de San Lawrence, la estatua de la Victoria, oratorio de San José y la Capilla de Nuestra señora de Damasco.

La localidad de Senglea se también a las orillas del mar aunque es la que se encuentra en la parte más interior a la isla de las llamadas Tres Ciudades de Malta. Esta localidad también fue construida por los Caballeros de la Orden de Malta en el siglo XVI y es por ello que aquí se encuentra en fuerte Saint Michael en la parte más alta de la localidad. 

Te recomiendo visitar el Fuerte Saint Michael, ya que desde este tendrás una de las mejores vistas a la ciudad de La Valeta que podrás encontrar en la zona de la Cottonera. Además, seguramente llegarás a la localidad de Senglea, ya que el ferry que une a La Valeta con las 3 Ciudades de Malta, llega al muelle que se encuentra en esta localidad. 

Te recomiendo también perderte por el centro de la localidad de Senglea, verás que tiene unas callejuelas muy particulares que te dejan un sabor de como era la ciudad en la época en que los Caballeros de San Juan habitaban en la isla de Malta. 

Nosotros tomamos un baño en las aguas del mar frente al Fuerte Saint Michael, ya que en la calle Xatt Juan B. Azopardo se encuentra un punto donde puedes descender al agua y refrescarte de los veranos calurosos que tiene este país. 

En Senglea también te recomiendo visitar (además del Fuerte Saint Michael), el paseo marítimo con sus yates de lujo, el bastión conocido como ‘The Sheer Bastion’ y tomate un buen café en el DATE (Art Café)

Cospicua (Bormla)

Cospicua (o Bormla en maltés) es la última de las Tres Ciudades de Malta de las que te hablaré y no por ello es la menos importante. Cabe destacar que esta es la localidad más grande y relativamente nueva de las tres anteriores, con numerosas fortalezas y bastiones defensivos por su proximidad al mar. 

Una vez más todas las fortalezas y bastiones que veas en esta localidad fueron construidas por los Caballeros de la Orden de San Juan. Esta fue la ciudad (de las 3) que más sufrió daños durante los diversos ataques que Malta tuvo en la historia.

Los lugares que te recomiendo visitar de Cospicua son: El Memorial de la Guerra, Iglesia de San Pablo, Puerta de Notre Dame y la Puerta de Santa Elena.

¿Cómo visitar las Tres Ciudades de Malta?

La manera más sencilla de visitar las Tres Ciudades de Malta es tomar el ferry que sale desde La Valeta con dirección hacia Senglea.

Este ferry sale cada 30 minutos, pero te recomiendo que revises siempre a que hora sale el último ya que suele variar entre los meses de invierno y verano. El precio del boleto ida y vuelta es de 2.80 Euros y se compra dentro del ferry.

¿Dónde dormir en las Tres Ciudades de Malta?

Nosotros nos alojamos en La Valleta y desde ahí fuimos a las Tres Ciudades de Malta en ferry. Nos alojamos en Casa Asti un lugar que te recomiendo para dormir en tu viaje a Malta, que cuenta con una atención excelente y se encuentra cerca del centro de La Valeta.

Otra buena opción de alojamiento y que es barato en La Valleta es Castille Hotel

Tour Recomendado

Aquí te dejo un Tour por las 3 Ciudades de Malta con guía en español, el cual es perfecto si viajas en grupo o solo: Tour por las 3 Ciudades de Malta

También Te recomiendo esta excursión a Mdina y los acantilados de Dingli partiendo desde La Valeta: Excursión a Mdina y los acantilados de Dingli

Además, te dejo una excursión a la isla de Gozo partiendo desde La Valeta: Excursión a Gozo

Por último, aquí el un Free Tour por la ciudad de La Valeta

¿Necesitas Internet en tu viaje?

Internet internacional con datos ilimitados en tus tarjetas eSIM (Obtén un Descuento Holafly): Compra tu eSIM con Holafly

¿Seguro de Viajes al viajar?

Seguro de Viajes (Obtén un Descuento Especial): Compra tu seguro con EKTA Traveling

¿Mejores tours y excursiones en Español en este destino?

Visitas guiadas, tours y excursiones por todo el mundo: Reserva tus guías con Civitatis

Ahorra en tu viaje

A continuación te dejo algunas páginas web útiles que nosotros como unavidadeviajero.com te recomendamos para planear tu próximo viaje:

Hoy estoy en: Praga , República Checa

unavidadeviajero

Soy Luis autor de unavidadeviajero.com y tengo la experiencia de haber vivido en 6 países diferentes y viajado a más de 60 alrededor del mundo.

Entradas relacionadas

Qué ver en Malta en 3 días

Qué ver en Ghajnsielem (Gozo): Imprescindibles | Guía Malta

Qué ver en Mdina: Imprescindibles | Guía Malta (Gratis)

Qué ver en La Valeta: Imprescindibles | Guía Malta

Qué ver en Malta en 5 días

Qué ver en Malta en 7 días

Privacy overview.

Compártelo en redes directamente con tu id y nombre de campaña

Tour por las Tres Ciudades de Malta

• 7,6 / 10 558 opiniones | 4.840 viajeros It was little short in my opinion, but the guide Elena was so kindly and made the tour very interesting. She had a lot of patience with us 8 Francisco Javier
• Cancelación gratuita hasta 24 horas antes

Recogida en el hotel

Con este tour conoceremos un imprescindible de la isla. Situadas al este de La Valeta, Vittoriosa, Cospicua y Senglea , las Tres Ciudades de Malta albergan un gran patrimonio histórico .

Después de recogeros en vuestro hotel  nos dirigiremos a la orilla oriental del puerto de la capital maltesa para visitar sus famosas tres ciudades históricas.

En primer lugar atravesaremos el casco histórico de Cospicua (conocida también como Bormla), que atesora grandes vestigios monumentales construidos por los caballeros de la Orden de Malta . Nuestra primera parada tendrá lugar en la villa de Vittoriosa , denominada Birgu por los malteses. Daremos un paseo por sus preciosos barrios medievales, cuya privilegiada ubicación hizo que esta urbe fuera escogida como capital de Malta hasta 1565. Ese año ocurrió un terrible suceso que provocó la construcción de una nueva capital insular: La Valeta. ¿Sabéis de qué importante acontecimiento histórico se trata?

Contemplaremos diversos monumentos de Vittoriosa, como el robusto Fuerte de San Ángel , que nos permitirán comprender la importancia militar que tuvo este enclave. Desde su puerto zarparemos a bordo de una dgħajsa (la embarcación tradicional de la zona) para disfrutar de un apacible paseo en barca por los alrededores del puerto de La Valeta . La travesía concluirá en el muelle de Senglea , ciudad en la que visitaremos los Jardines Gardjola : ¡La vistas desde este lugar son excepcionales!

Desde Senglea emprenderemos finalmente el regreso a los diferentes hoteles de Malta.

El tour incluye la recogida, entre las 8:15 y las 9:00  horas, en los principales hoteles de la isla de Malta. Tras hacer vuestra reserva, nos pondremos en contacto con vosotros para concretaros la hora y el lugar exactos.

La actividad se realiza con un guía que habla español, aunque en ocasiones podría hacerse de forma bilingüe.

Recogida y traslado de regreso al hotel.

Transporte en minibús climatizado.

Guía de habla española especializado en la historia de Malta.

Paseo en embarcación típica dgħajsa.

Cuándo reservar

Puedes reservar hasta 6 horas antes si quedan plazas. Reserva ya y asegura tu plaza.

Tipo de bono

Electrónico. Llévalo en tu móvil.

Accesibilidad

No es accesible en silla de ruedas.

Sostenibilidad

Todos los servicios cumplen nuestro Código de Sostenibilidad .

Nuestros proveedores se comprometen a:

• Proporcionar una experiencia segura y satisfactoria.
• Reducir, reutilizar, reciclar.
• Implementar tecnologías respetuosas con el medioambiente.
• Respetar la calidad de empleo.
• Apoyar al desarrollo de las comunidades locales.
• Respetar la autenticidad cultural.
• Conservar el patrimonio cultural y medioambiental.
• Velar por el bienestar animal.
• Actuar de manera íntegra.
• Promover prácticas sostenibles entre los clientes y colaboradores.

Esta actividad, en concreto aporta de la siguiente manera:

• Se evita el material impreso.
• No se utilizan plásticos de un solo uso.
• La comunidad indígena participa en la gestión de la actividad.
• La actividad ayuda a la difusión del patrimonio cultural local.
• No requiere imprimir documentación.
• Fomenta el empleo local.
• Tiene una política de igualdad de género.

V. Tabone Travel Ver más

Razón social: V. Tabone Travel Limited

No permitidas.

Preguntas frecuentes

P - ¿Podéis recogernos en un hotel y dejarnos de vuelta en otro distinto?

R - No, el traslado de vuelta se hace siempre al mismo hotel en el que os hemos recogido.

P - ¿Por qué realizar esta actividad con Civitatis?

R - En Civitatis ofrecemos la mejor calidad y precio garantizados, haz click aquí si quieres saber cómo seleccionamos nuestras actividades.

P - ¿Cómo hacer la reserva?

R - Para reservar el Tour por las Tres Ciudades de Malta, elige la fecha deseada y completa el formulario. La confirmación es inmediata.

Si tienes otras dudas, contacta con nosotros.

Cancelación gratuita

También te puede interesar.

Excursión a Gozo

Excursión a Mdina y los acantilados de Dingli

Excursión a Marsaxlokk y la Gruta Azul

Three Cities, Malta Guide: 12+1 Reasons to Visit Them by a Resident

Heads Up: Our posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy/book something through one of these links, you will not pay an extra penny, but we'll get a small commission, which keeps this blog up & running. Thank you!

Visiting the Three Cities in Malta

After 2 years of living here (back in 2021), I finally decided to write about my beloved Three Cities in Malta! Why? Because I realised that adding the Three Cities to an itinerary is not usually the top priority for the majority of tourists visiting the country. Such a shame, I know! I will try to fix that in this post! Consisting of three small, packed towns (=cities for the country size standards as the total population is a bit over 11.000!) the area offers a great insight into Maltese history along with a glimpse of contemporary life. Hence, there are many valid reasons to add them to your bucket list and many more things to know before visiting! So, let’s dig more into that and find out what other (touristy or not) things to do in Three Cities, Malta.

1. Which are the 3 Cities?

First of all, I want to clarify which the 3 cities are since each city has more than one name! Pretty confusing, right? Coming from Valletta (Malta’s capital) via land, the first you stumble upon is Cospicua (or Bormla) which weirdly is the… middle one when on the left you find Senglea ( Isla) and on the right the oldest and richest in history Birgu (or Vittoriosa – I love this one!). All those names are in use interchangeably so make sure you know for which the signs/ maps are talking about each time!

2. Authentic Maltese vibes all over!

Unlike Valletta and other touristic places in Malta (Sliema, St, Julians etc) the 3 cities are laidback and they preserve their authenticity in a great way. They look untouched by the modern life rhythms and one can enjoy the “old days” spirit many locals rave about.  If you wish to experience traditional Malta this is where to spend some time!

3. Walking, walking and more walking

Senglea uphills, Birgu cobbled streets and the entire seafront from one point till the other can keep you busy walking for hours. You may wear comfortable shoes/hat and use sunscreen (especially in the summertime). There are hidden gems you need to discover anyway on foot because the 3 cities are too narrow to be…car-friendly (besides their main roads). In fact, it is better to either skip the car entirely (if you stay at Valletta) and use public transport even if you have rented one or at least try to find parking on the outskirts of Birgu/ Senglea.

4. Easily reachable without a car

Since we are talking about cars, let’s see how to reach Three Cities without one! The fastest way –less than 10 minutes weather permitted- is to take the small ferry from Valletta Waterfront. The service is available every day, all year round but more frequent during the summer. This is also the most iconic route- the views when sailing the Grand Harbour are not to be missed! A detailed schedule can be found here . There are also private water taxis available and a Grand Harbour tour taking you around the entire harbour but these options are more pricey. Alternatively, buses 1,2,3 and 4 (starting from the main Valletta Bus station) stop or pass by the area and the journey will take approximately 20 minutes. You can buy either a ticket on the bus (1.5 € in the winter / 2€ in the summer for as many rides as you please for the next 2 hours) or a prepaid Tallinja card which comes cheaper in the long run.

5. Visit Fort St. Angelo, one of the most important buildings in Malta

Built along with the rest of the 3 cities’ fortification by the knights of St. John who arrived in Malta in 1530, the recently renovated Fort St. Angelo is the must-see of Birgu! Located just at her tip, across Valletta and at the middle of the Grand Harbour, it played a vital role in Maltese history- especially throughout the Ottoman invasion, a cruel 3-month period of continuous attacks in 1565. Nowadays, it is the home of a museum and the visitors can join the historical tours taking place daily- it is advisable to contact the museum beforehand for availability though. Of course, you can visit it independently as well!

6. Inquisitor’s palace

This is one of the most unique things to do in Three Cities and globally! Currently, it is the one-and-only open to the public Inquisitor’s place worldwide and it’s located very close to Birgu main square. You can’t afford to miss it even if you are not a history fan! The building itself is not very impressive but the significance and the history inside undoubtedly is! If you pay attention to details and exhibits you need a bit over 2 hours to see/ read/ think everything. I deem this place as a crucial part of the (dark) history of Europe and Christianity that everyone should be aware of. More information about opening hours and entrance fees can be found here .

7. Other Worth-Visiting Museums

There are a few more museums worth exploring around. Some examples are the Maritime Museum (Birgu), Birmula Heritage (Cospicua), Malta at War Museum & Shelters (Birgu). These are relatively small. Last but not least, even if it technically does not belong to Three Cities, the Science Museum of Malta ( Esplora ) is super close here. Just hop on a bus towards Kalkara town and after 5-10 minutes you will reach it! Frankly, I didn’t expect it to be interesting in comparison with my favourite Science Museum in London and Copernicus in Warsaw; both have set the bar really high! However, given its size and taking into consideration the beautiful, landscape-blended shape, its Malta-focused exhibits and the stunning location, the museum is a pleasantly decent place to spend a few hours – don’t skip the planetarium too!

8. Breathtaking Views

The Three Cities, especially Birgu and Senglea, have numerous viewpoints- most of them out of sight, in between the houses and the residential streets. One moment you are wandering around the colourful Maltese balconies and on the next one you find yourself speechless by the unexpected view! Don’t forget that you can also explore the area around by renting a boat in Malta !

I don’t want to reveal all the secret spots (and ruin your discovery excitement!) here so I have just added a few worth-visiting spots on the map below which are not that…secret:

9. Looking for Maltese Food

There are plenty of local eateries within the Three Cities. The most expensive places are at Birgu Waterfront (the marina under the Fort St. Angelo hosts mainly private yachts and sailing boats so you get the picture!) but these are not more expensive than most of Valletta’s restaurants anyway. Cheaper places can be found around the American University of Malta, at Senglea Waterfront and Birgu backstreets (preferably closer to the abandoned Bishop’s palace and the Flea market area). Do not expect nightlife or fancy cafes here but local cuisine, Maltese taverns, few wine bars and old-school cafes are granted!

10. Local Feasts

Since Malta is a religious nation the churches keep an important hegemonic role in society. I wouldn’t say that you must visit them (for me they are not special but this doesn’t mean they are not beautiful per se) but if it happens to be in Malta when the local Saints celebrate you need to organise a trip just for that! The feasts dates for the 3 Cities are : – Birgu: St. Laurence 19th August – Birgu: St. Dominic 30th August – Senglea: The Nativity of Our Lady (+National Holiday) 8th September – Cospicua: Immaculate Conception 8th December</

11. Birgu by Candlelight

Besides the feasts, there is no better time to enjoy Birgu than the BirguFest or (as it is widely known) “Birgu by Candlelight” festival. This is an annual event held usually around the second weekend of October attracting locals, foreigners and tourists alike from all over the Maltese islands. As you may have guessed from the name, the highlight of the event is when the entire town is lit only by candles!

Beyond the mesmerising atmosphere, there are tons of other things to do during those days. The museums offer discounted entrance fees, various events take place, artists and crafters display and sell their works, a food market operates at different spots around the three cities and everyone is smiley! This is the perfect-match event for Birgu and its historic value since it is the oldest fortified city amongst the 3 Cities. 

12. Three Cities is one of the most Picturesque / instagrammable places in Malta

Ok, I strongly dislike the word “instagrammable”. It bothers me; not only the word itself but mainly the concept. Are there really not “instagrammable” places when travelling? Anyway, I am falling into the trap now but the Three Cities are worth it! The viewpoints, the narrow streets, the iconic balconies, the sand-coloured buildings and the colourful doors compose the ideal photo for Instagram or our bragging photo album! Well, to be fair, the entire island of Malta has “instagrammable” spots like that, the difference is that you have way more room for playing here cause there are not so many tourists around! Enjoy!

13. How to support locals

I left this for the very end as it is very important for me as a designer. The Three Cities have become the home for many Maltese or Malta-based artists, designers and crafters. This is undeniably boosted by the fact that the entire place is a live inspiration – I am sure you will have realised that by now! There are few places around offering only locally designed/made products that I would recommend you discover as it is such a relief to know where your money goes, hidden in the quaint streets of Vittoriosa! Let’s all support small independent brands especially under these unfortunate circumstances!

Where to Stay in Three Cities

Most of the visitors do not stay in the area as it can be very quiet and there are almost no places to swim. Moreover, the public transportation from here takes you pretty much to Valletta only and then you have to change bus (which can be such a hassle sometimes!). However, there are some cute boutique hotels around that can offer a truly relaxing and romantic experience and the Three Cities are a great alternative for quiet, unwind holidays in general. It depends on what you are looking for! Just remember to book in advance cause the options are limited and usually fully booked especially throughout the peak season!

That was my list of things to know before visiting the Three Cities in Malta and what to do when here! What was your favourite one? Which one would you rather skip and which one was the most unexpected or impressive? As usual, please let me know in the comments!

Do you like my post as much as you like my designs? Sharing is caring ❣️❣️

Related posts

A fabulous Gozo Itinerary & Local Tips to have a blast here!

How to spend One Day in Catania , Sicily

The Strawberry Festival in Malta (Frawli Festa)

The Prickly Pear and Watermelon Maltese Sunset Smoothie

Irakleia, Greece, the island of the 141 Inhabitants

The Greek island of Symi & why it’s worth taking a local tour!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I love Malta so much and all the colourful doors! I would love to go back one day so I will save this post for when I do as I didn’t manage to visit the Three Cities!

I was in Malta 2 years ago but sadly didn’t visit any of the cities. I guess I need to go back 🙂

I’ve always wanted to go to Malta and now I really want to go!! Very good guide, thanks for sharing!

I visited Malta as a teenager and have been longing to return ever since! This post has made me want to return even more! Excellent tips for the overlooked but splendid 3 cities!

Malta looks so dreamy ? I will definitely add it to my travel list after reading your post – must check out Find the Door, Ι love handmade stuff! Thanks for sharing!

The three cities look so serene and dreamy. I love how you decided to spread awareness about less popular but visit-worthy cities of your island. The video was fun too!

These cities in Malta look so relaxing and beautiful! It’s always great to have tips from locals 🙂 I loved your pictures and your outfits!

Vivid description of an “island museum”, as all your texts, my friend!! Such a lovely and pictursque place to be visited. When I decide to travel abroad in the near future, I will take your blog into consiederation and ask for guidance!! Thank you very much for sharing!! Stay safe!!

Privacy Overview

Las Tres Ciudades de Malta, cómo ir y qué ver en una tarde

Si nos asomamos a cualquier mirador de la orilla sur de La Valeta , frente a nosotros distinguiremos dos salientes de tierra con una fortaleza y un puerto marítimo. Son las conocidas como las Tres Ciudades de Malta, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea y Cospicua, denominadas en su conjunto como La Cottonera. Una vista espectacular que pronto despertará nuestro deseo de tomar un barco e ir hasta allí. Por eso en esta entrada te contamos como ir en ferry y que ver en las tres ciudades de Malta. Una opción perfecta para completar un día de visita por La Valeta.

Cómo ir en ferry de La Valeta a las tres ciudades

Aunque evidentemente se puede llegar en coche hasta cualquiera de las tres ciudades, lo más recomendable es ir en barca tradicional o ferry desde La Valeta . El breve paseo en barco merece la pena ya que la vista del puerto marítimo y de las ciudades de Vittoriosa o Birgu a la izquierda y de Senglea a la derecha, es memorable.

Si has completado el recorrido por La Valeta que te recomendamos en el blog, habrás terminado en el mirador del Upper Barraka Garden . A escasos metros de ese mirador encontrarás el ascensor Barraka que baja hasta la zona del muelle ( geolocalización ). El precio del viaje en ascensor, es de bajada y subida, por lo que debes conservar el ticket para tu regreso.

En cuanto salgas del ascensor encontrarás dos pequeños puertos muy próximos. Uno desde el que salen las barcas tradicionales a motor, un poco inestables si hay oleaje. Otro desde el que zarpa el ferry público que comunica La Valeta con Senglea (la ciudad que queda más a la derecha vista desde La Valeta).

Las Tres Ciudades vistas desde el mirador de La Valeta (izquierda Vittoriosa, derecha Senglea)

Senglea y Vittoriasa vistas desde el ferry

Vittoriosa (una de las tres ciudades de Malta) y una barca tradicional pública

Qué ver en las tres ciudades de La Cottonera

Si tenemos en cuenta que estas ciudades son muy pequeñas (solo Cospicua llega a los 5000 habitantes, mientras Vittoriosa y Senglea no alcanzan los 3000) y que no hay una separación clara entre ellas, hace que visitar estas tres ciudades barrocas sea como recorrer una sola aunque lo contemos por separado. Es más, lo mejor que puedes hacer en las Tres Ciudades es pasear por sus calles, perderte por sus rincones, disfrutar de las casas de piedra color ocre con coloridos balcones, similares a las que puedes ver en La Valeta pero con muchos menos turistas.

1.- Visitar Senglea

Si has tomado el ferry desde La Valeta, Vittoriosa (Birgu) es la que queda a la izquierda, Senglea a la derecha y Cospicua se ubica al fondo haciendo de nexo de unión entre las dos primeras.

Dado que el ferry y las barcas tradicionales amarran en Senglea, será la primera de las tres ciudades que vamos a ver.

Desde donde nos deja el ferry seguimos paralelos al mar (dejándolo a la derecha) hasta llegar al mirador que hay en la punta de Senglea, es el denominado jardín Gardjola . Un bonito mirador desde el que ver La Valeta a un lado y el Fuerte San Angel en la ciudad de Vittoriosa al otro.

Para regresar lo haremos por la calle principal , por decirlo de alguna forma, porque sigue siendo una calle pequeña, pero que ejerce de columna vertebral de Senglea y tiene los típicos balcones pintados de vivos colores similares a los que pudimos ver en La Valeta. Al final llegamos a una plaza y la iglesia de Santa María Bambina , cuyo interior no destaca por nada en especial, más allá de algunas columnas y bustos elaborados en mármol.

Senglea vista desde el ferry

Calle principal de Senglea

Calles de Senglea

Balcones típicos de las Tres Ciudades

2.- Cospicua (o Bormla)

Continuamos en dirección al mar para ir a Vittoriosa, pero para ello tenemos que atravesar Cospicua la más grande de las tres ciudades de Malta , aunque llamamos grande a un consejo local de 5000 habitantes.

Cospicua también fue construida por los caballeros de Malta, si bien ahora se entremezcla con edificio más modernos que la hacen, en nuestra opinión, menos atractiva que las vecinas Senglea, Vittoriosa o La Valeta.

Para ir de Senglea a Vittoriosa hay que pasar por Cospicua, aunque no te darás cuenta de cuando abandonas una y entras en otra porque no hay un diferenciación clara entre ciudades.

Lo más destacable de Cospicua es la iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción , muy próxima al paseo marítimo por el que vamos.

Cospicua e iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción

3.– Victoriosa, Vittoriosa o Birgu

Vittoriosa, conocida como Birgu por los malteses, es la última de las tres ciudades de Malta que vamos a visitar en este recorrido. Para ello continuamos bordeando el mar hasta llegar casi a la punta, donde encontraremos el Fuerte de San Angel . Esta enorme fortaleza, que ya pudimos ver al llegar en el ferry y previamente desde los miradores de La Valeta, ha sido reconstruida y ampliada durante siglos. Su ubicación a la entrada de la bahía la convirtió en lugar privilegiado para construcciones defensivas desde mínimo la Edad Media.

Para continuar la visita lo mejor es callejear tranquilamente por Birgu . Sus calles, sus casas de color ocre y sus balcones de vivos colores nos recordarán a Senglea y a La Valeta. Y es que Vittoriosa fue la capital de Malta durante la época de los Caballeros de Malta hasta que en 1565, ellos mismos, traspasaron la capitalidad a la recién construida La Valeta.

De regreso puedes entrar, aunque nosotros no lo hicimos, en el Palacio del Inquisidor , un edificio de principios del siglo XVI, bastante austero por fuera y que fue sede de la terrible Inquisición durante dos siglos (desde 1574 hasta 1798).

Birgu o Vittoriosa

Fuerte San Angel visto desde el ferry

Callejeando por Birgu

Calles de Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Y con esto damos por terminado nuestra visita a la Cottonera. Una pequeña excursión en barco desde La Valeta que nos ha permitido ver las tres ciudades de Malta en una tarde , disfrutando de sus calles y de su ambiente bastante más relajado que el de La Valeta.

Si prefieres ir con guía, puedes reservar un tour en español por las tres ciudades .  También podéis visitar este  blog de viajes para ver los algunos chollos de viajes.

Dónde dormir en las 3 ciudades

Si buscas un lugar para alojarte más tranquilo que La Valeta, en las 3 ciudades puedes encontrar pequeños hoteles boutique con mejores precios que en la capital. Pero, ten en cuenta que si te alojas en el centro de Senglea o Victoriosa estarás alejado de las zonas más interesantes que ver en Malta. Si vas en coche, puede ser muy complicado aparcar por esta zona a no ser que encuentres un hotel con aparcamiento.

Aún así, si te apetece esta opción, te dejamos un par de recomendaciones.

• Senglea Suites : Ubicado en un edificio típico maltés. Y con magníficas vistas desde la azotea
• Marina Studios . Si prefieres un apartamento a un hotel.

Más artículos para viajar a Malta

Donde alojarse en Malta

Mapa con los imprescindibles que hay que ver en Malta

Mdina y Rabat

las tres ciudades de malta o la cottonera

Que recorrido hacer para ver la valeta en un dia

que ver en gozo

conducir en malta

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

– Planifica tu viaje –

– Reservas y descuentos –

Aviso legal y cookies | Copyright 2015-2023 Fotografiando Viajes | Todos los derechos reservados

Politica de cookies, privacidad, limitación de responsabilidad y copyright

CLICK AQUI PARA VER TODOS LOS DETALLES