Three Cities Malta: All You Need To Know (2024 GUIDE)

Planning to visit the Three Cities Malta?

This is a complete guide to Malta 3 Cities, including everything you need to know before you go, from getting there, the best time to visit, what to expect in each city, and much more.

Make sure to read until the end to plan the perfect trip to 3 Cities Malta!

THREE CITIES MALTA – OVERVIEW

Let’s start this guide with the essentials you need to know about the 3 cities Malta.

WHAT ARE THE THREE CITIES MALTA?

Malta 3 Cities refer to Vittoriosa (also called Birgu), Senglea (also called Isla), and Cospicua (also known as Bormla), located across from Valletta’s Grand Harbour.

Vittoriosa is notable for its military and maritime facilities, Senglea is popular for its iconic watchtower and scenic views, and Cospicua is famous for its resilience during the Great Siege of Malta.

Together, Malta three cities play a significant role in the history of the country.

HOW LONG TO SPEND AT MALTA THREE CITIES?

I recommend spending a full day visiting the Three Cities Malta. This gives you enough time to explore each city’s main attractions, from historical sites to the local cafés.

A full day gives a more relaxed experience to enjoy the unique atmosphere of each city without rushing, including the opportunity to watch the sunset over the Grand Harbour.

HOW TO GET TO THE 3 CITIES MALTA?

There are a few ways to get from Valletta to the Three Cities, and here below, I’ll go through the 3 best options.

OPTION #1: PUBLIC BUS FROM VALLETTA

Taking a public bus from Valletta is an easy and cheap way to reach the Malta 3 Cities. Frequent bus services run daily, connecting Valletta to Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua for only €2.

OPTION #3: FERRY FROM VALLETTA HARBOUR

A scenic option is the ferry from Valletta Harbour. It offers regular services to Vittoriosa, providing stunning views of the Grand Harbour along the way.

The journey takes about 15 minutes, and the ticket only costs €2 per person for a return trip.

OPTION #3: RENT A CAR

Renting a car offers the most control over your travel schedule and route when visiting the Three Cities in Malta.

With a car, you can explore each city – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – at your leisure, and have the opportunity to visit nearby attractions without being reliant on public transportation.

We personally rented a car at Malta Airport when we arrived and drove to the Three Cities Malta, which was very convenient.

CAN YOU WALK FROM ONE CITY TO ANOTHER?

Yes, you can walk between the Three Cities which is a pleasant way to experience the area’s rich history and discover hidden gems along the way.

The close proximity of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua allows for leisurely strolls from one city to the next.

Vittoriosa is about 1.2 km from Senglea, and Senglea is about 1.7 km from Cospicua, so walking from one to another is doable.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE THREE CITIES OF MALTA

The first thing you’ll notice when coming from Valletta to the Three Cities is the change of pace, and it doesn’t matter which city you start with.

These areas are quieter and feel more local compared to the main areas in Valletta. Each city has its own unique vibe, and they all share a deep connection with Malta’s history.

In Vittoriosa, expect to see lots of historical buildings and museums. This city was an important military base and had lots of interesting stories to tell. It’s a great place to learn about Malta’s past and see some ancient architecture that’s simply fascinating.

Senglea, on the other hand, is known for its amazing views of the Grand Harbour. It’s smaller and has a tight-knit community feel.

The tip of the city, called the tip of Senglea, is a popular spot where you can see the ocean and the ships coming in. It’s peaceful and a nice place to take a break.

Lastly, Cospicua is the largest of the Three Cities of Malta and has been significantly renovated in recent years. It has a mix of old and new, with waterfront areas and old back streets. Here, you can enjoy local cafes and shops, and feel the lively atmosphere of everyday life.

It’s worth noting that Cospicua is more residential, so there aren’t many tourist attractions here. If you have limited time, I suggest sticking to Senglea and Vittoriosa.

RELATED GUIDE: 21 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MALTA

THINGS TO DO IN VITTORIOSA (BIRGU)

The first of the Three Cities you’ll see is Vittoriosa, as it’s the first port coming from Valletta. You can spend a few hours here wandering around, and these are the best things to see in Vittoriosa:

• Fort St. Angelo: Explore the rich history of this significant fortress that played a key role during the Great Siege of 1565. It opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee of €10 is very much worth it.
• The Inquisitor’s Palace: Investigate the history of justice and governance in Malta within one of the few surviving palaces of the Inquisition. It opens daily but not on Mondays, so keep that in mind. The entrance fee is only €6.
• Maritime Museum: Malta Maritime Museum is located between Fort St. Angelo and The Inquisitor’s Palace, so you can see all at once. You’ll see collections that highlight the maritime history from Roman times to the present.
• St. Lawrence’s Church: Visit this beautiful church, which was the original conventual church of the Order of St. John. You’re requested to donate €1 to get in, and you can spend about 15 to 30 minutes inside to take a break and escape the heat.

THINGS TO DO IN SENGLEA (ISLA)

The second most visited city is Senglea, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time here. Despite being pretty small, you can still spend anywhere between 2 and 4 hours here.

Here are the must-see tourist spots in Senglea:

• Gardjola Gardens: Visit the gardens for stunning views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour from the iconic watchtower. This is one of the best viewpoints in Valletta, so make sure to come!
• Knisja Maria Bambina Church: The Parish Church of Senglea overlooks the Grand Harbour, and there’s a chapel inside that is very interesting if you’re a believer. It’s a well-maintained church that you can visit for a bit before resuming your Three Cities Tour Malta.
• Visit Senglea Streets and the Marina: There are some pretty authentic and beautiful streets all around Senglea, and you can stay for a while taking photos, admiring the old architecture, and taking in the atmosphere, which is much calmer than in Valletta Town.

RELATED GUIDE: 30 BEST THINGS TO DO ON GOZO ISLAND

THINGS TO DO IN COSPICUA (BORMLA)

And lastly, here are the best things to see and do in Cospicua City.

• Cottonera Lines: Explore these less-known fortifications that provide insight into Malta’s military architecture and gorgeous views that you’ll love.
• Bir Mula Heritage Museum: Visit this Cospicua museum to discover Malta’s extensive history, from ancient to modern times, through a rich collection of artifacts in a historic building. Note that it only opens on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Enjoy Cospicua’s Architecture: Explore the streets of Cospicua to see a mix of old and new architecture, including historic walls, baroque churches, and the modernized Dock 1 area.

MALTA THREE CITIES – FAQ

Now that you know all the best things to do in the 3 Cities Malta, let’s answer some frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

ARE THE THREE CITIES IN MALTA WORTH VISITING?

Yes, visiting the Three Cities in Malta is highly recommended and you’ll get to see a more authentic side of the country.

Also, they are quieter than the tourist spots in Valletta, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of ancient fortifications, quaint streets, and beautiful harbor views.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE THREE CITIES IN MALTA?

The best time to visit the Three Cities is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November).

These months offer milder weather compared to the summer months, making it comfortable to explore and walk around the cities.

On the other hand, visiting during the summertime is also a great time if you love the heat and don’t mind crowds.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF MALTA THREE CITIES?

The Three Cities of Malta – Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) – boast a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, with Vittoriosa being the oldest.

These cities played a pivotal role during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 when the Knights Hospitaller successfully defended them against the Ottoman Empire.

Vittoriosa (Birgu), in particular, served as the original headquarters for the Knights before Valletta’s foundation.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the cities developed into fortresses. The Knights built fortifications around them, which are still prominent today, making these cities a labyrinth that are particularly interesting for travelers.

They also served as important naval bases due to their strategic positions along the Grand Harbour.

In World War II, the Three Cities suffered significant damage due to their role as a naval hub, but they have since been restored.

Today, the Three Cities of Malta are known not only for their history but also for their sense of preservation of Maltese cultural heritage.

RELATED GUIDE: 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MARSAXLOKK

FINAL THOUGHTS – THE THREE CITIES MALTA

So that’s the full scope on planning the perfect trip to Malta Three Cities. If you have any questions at all about the Three Cities Malta, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your Three City Malta questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.

Many thanks!