‘Three Cities’ – also known as the ‘Tri-City’ – is the name given to two densely built-up peninsulas on the southern shores of Grand Harbour.

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Head to the Three Cities for stunning views of Valletta, quiet narrow streets, beautiful promenades and a visit to the massive city walls.

It is precisely these strong fortifications that are the common feature of all three cities. Their strategic location by a natural harbour, as well as their commercial and political importance, necessitated the construction of monumental ramparts stretching along the entire coastline of the Three Cities.

Where exactly should you go and what is there to see?

Vittoriosa (Birgu)

The middle of the three cities is Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu. Around 1570, Vittoriosa was even briefly the capital of the whole of Malta, though the capital was later moved to Valletta on the opposite shore.

Vittoriosa is criss-crossed by a labyrinthine network of hilly streets and small squares, dotted with numerous little restaurants. You will also find the most striking monuments of the entire Tri-City here.

Fort St Angelo

This magnificent and very well-preserved fortress, together with Fort Ricasoli and Fort St Elmo, is the largest of the fortifications protectingGrand Harbour.

This monumental fortress was built in stages from the 13th century until 1691 and remained in service until the 19th century.

• Open daily 10:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
• Admission for adults: 10 eur
• Official website: heritagemalta.mt/fort-st-angelo

St Lawrence’s Cathedral

The Baroque St Lawrence’s Cathedral, built in 1681, is a landmark not only of Birgu but of the entire Tri-City.

The church is open to the public only from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm, and admission is free.

Malta at War Museum

A very interesting museum chronicling the events of the First and Second World Wars, which had a severe impact on Malta.

The museum is housed in one of the forts and is the largest of its kind in Malta.

• Open Monday to Saturday 10.00–16.30 (last admission 16.00)
• Admission for adults: 14 eur
• Official website: maltaatwarmuseum.com

Senglea (L-Isla)

The southernmost peninsula is occupied by the town of Senglea, known to locals mainly as ‘L-Isla’.

This elongated little town leads a peaceful existence, and the tourist area is centred mainly on the promenade lined with restaurants by the boat harbour.

But be sure to venture into the heart of the town as well and explore the narrow, quiet streets with views of the modern harbour.

If you walk right to the very end of the town, a magnificent view of Valletta across the harbour will open up before you. The viewpoint is situated in a small park and, unlike the view from Fort St Angelo, is accessible 24/7 completely free of charge.

Cospicua (Bormla)

The largest of the towns, Cospicua – known locally as Bormla – is the only one not situated on a peninsula; instead, it connects the two towns mentioned above further inland.

Bormla has the fewest tourist attractions, but the area around the harbour is beautifully landscaped and the promenade is lined with numerous cafés and restaurants.

Accommodation in the Tri-City

Staying in the Tri-City can be a good alternative to the overpriced hotels in Valletta or the towns of San Giljan and Sliema.

The Three Cities are easily accessible by public transport and are also considerably quieter than the belt of the best-known tourist towns stretching north from Valletta.

In the Tri-City, you’ll mainly find smaller family-run flats and guesthouses with prices starting from 120 eur.

• Palazzino Birgu Host Family Bed and Breakfast – a lovely guesthouse in a traditional Maltese house in the centre of Birgu
• Entire Senglea Seaview Town house – a family-run flat in the town of L-Isla with a view of the harbour
• Cugo Gran Macina Malta ***** – a boutique hotel with very reasonable prices by the harbour in L-Isla

Transport to the Three Cities

Bormla Harbour is connected to the capital, Valletta, by regular ferry services, and there are also bus routes running here.

Ferry

The “Valletta Ferry Services” ferry runs every 30 minutes from 6.30 am to 11.45 pm. Between November and May, ferries run only until 7.15 pm (on Sundays and public holidays until 6.15 pm).

A single ticket costs 3 eur (night-time tickets from 19:30 cost 3,50 eur). Return tickets are sold at a discount for 5 eur (at night for 5,20 eur).

You pay for your tickets to the ferry crew when boarding; payment can be made by card or in cash.

You can find the timetable on the official website: vallettaferryservices.com.

Buses

Bus routes also serve the centres of all towns. Click on the route number to view timetables and maps.

Birgu (Vittoriosa) – city centre

• Route 2 – Valletta, Paola (twice an hour)

L-Isla (Senglea) – city centre

• Route 1 – Valletta, Paola (2–3 times an hour)
• Route 124 – Marsaskala (once an hour)
• Route 213 – Mater Dei, Paola (once an hour)

Bormla (harbour)

• Route 2 – Valletta, Paola (twice an hour)
• Route 3 – Valletta, Paola, SmartCity (twice an hour)
• Route 124 – Marsaskala (once an hour)
• Route 213 – Mater Dei, Paola (once an hour)

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