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The Three Cities in Malta are historic fortified towns, situated right across from Valletta. The three cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Surrounded by fortress walls, they’re full of culture, history, and architecture.
I have lived in Malta since 2011, and I still love it! While most tourists stick to Valletta, the real charm of Malta hides just across the Grand Harbour.
The Three Cities of Malta have something for everyone. You can explore museums and galleries, take a leisurely walk, or relax. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner.
I often visit the Three Cities to take a stroll or walk around their fortifications. Unlike the busy streets of Valletta, these towns feel like a living museum that is still quiet and authentic.
In this guide, I’ve included my personal walking routes, must-see places, and history tips.
Three Cities in Malta: Are They Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely! A trip to the Three Cities of Malta is worth it. Many visitors make the mistake of only visiting the Birgu waterfront. But if you explore deeper, you’ll find the “old days” spirit untouched by modern life.
They’re picturesque and full of history. It’s a fascinating place to learn about 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.
In Malta’s Three Cities, there’s no shortage of things to do. Wander through the narrow streets, take a ferry ride across the Grand Harbour, explore the fortifications, and visit museums and galleries. Don’t forget to indulge in the local food and wine.
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 can see the main sights in a few hours, but honestly, I recommend a full day to get lost. If you have the energy, don’t just stick to the marina—walk the perimeter walls for the best views.
In all three cities, getting lost and exploring small streets is fantastic. Walking along the water’s edge, you can take in the views of the Valletta Grand Harbour, boats, and the sea. This will take a full day, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the whole experience.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Trying to fit the Three Cities, Valletta, and Mdina into one trip can be stressful. I’ve planned the perfect logistics for you in my 7-Day Malta Itinerary.
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A clear, curated 7-day itinerary written by a local expert. Stop endless scrolling and start looking forward to your holiday.
Interested in exploring Three Cities on a tour? Check out my guide to the best Three Cities’ tours.
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 (Bus vs. Ferry)
You can take the bus from Valletta to the Three Cities (lines 2, 3, or 4). It takes about 25 minutes and costs 2.50 euros.
But my favourite option is the ferry from Valletta. It’s faster, scenic, and avoids traffic.
The ferry departs from the Valletta waterfront (below the Barrakka Gardens). A return ticket costs around €3.80. You can find the Three Cities ferry timetable here. And here is a local tip: This price usually includes the Upper Barrakka Lift.
Using the lift is a game-changer – it saves you a steep climb back up to Valletta after your day of walking!
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.
This confuses everyone!
- Vittoriosa = Birgu
- Senglea = Isla (or Cita Invicta)
- Cospicua = Bormla
The Knights gave them the fancy Italian names (like Vittoriosa for “Victorious”), but locals still use the original Maltese names.
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 attacking Marsaxlokk and the 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.
Get a FREE Attractions Map
Planning a trip to Malta, Gozo, or Comino? Get this free interactive map filled with insider tips, Google Maps links, and more.
Map of the Three Cities in Malta
Below is an interactive map of Malta’s Three Cities, perfect for your walking tour. You can find all the highlights marked with pins. To navigate, simply click on the pins or links in the text, and you’ll be directed to Google Maps.
If you prefer a guided Malta Three Cities tour, click here to book one.
What to See and Do in Senglea (Isla), the Smallest City
Most people skip Senglea, but that is a mistake. I love walking the inner narrow streets to see the colourful balconies and doors.
Senglea, Malta’s smallest city, is home to nearly 3,000 people. With an area of about 1 square kilometre, the city is easily explored on foot. Its narrow streets, steep staircases, and fortifications are just a few of the sights to discover.
Interested in exploring Three Cities on a tour? Check out my guide to the best Three Cities’ tours.
Malta Three Cities Attractions: Fortifications of Senglea
After you get off the ferry, walk left and cross the bay over a small bridge. Follow the waterside and you’ll see the fortifications. These were built to protect the Senglea peninsula from land attacks. The first fortification, Fort Saint Michael, was built in 1552. Over the next decade, Claude de la Sengle completed most of the rest.
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 (visit duration – 15-20 mins).
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.
The Docks
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.
This is the classic photo spot. Look for the stone symbols of an eye and an ear on the watchtower – a warning that the Knights were always watching and listening!
Visit duration: allow 30-45 minutes for views and photography.
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 lives.
You can also go down the stairs to the Senglea Marina. You can grab a drink or lunch and enjoy the views of Birgu.
If you want fresh seafood with a view, my personal favourite is Enchanté Restaurant on the waterfront. It’s perfect for a relaxing lunch.
Cospicua (Bormla): The Double-Fortified City
You can get to Cospicua (also known as Bormla) via a bridge from Seglea. The bridge is at Cospicua’s Dock, which was refurbished recently. There’s also a pleasant walk along the water.
I personally love to just sit on a bench in the bay here and watch the boats. It is so quiet there.
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 (visit duration – 15-20 minutes). 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
If you love history, visit the Bir Mula Heritage Museum. 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 on Saturday and Sunday.
Visit duration: 1-1.5 hours.
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What to See and Do in Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Birgu was the Knights’ HQ before Valletta was built.
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’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.
The Malta Maritime Museum requires approximately 1-2 hours for a thorough visit.
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 is the star attraction. You need at least 2 hours here. The views from the top platform are arguably the best in all of Malta.
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.
Visit duration – at least 2 hours.
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.
Recommended visit duration – 1-2 hours to view all exhibits.
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.
Visit duration: 1-2 hours.
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 around in 15-20 mins). 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.
Walking 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.
After a long day of sightseeing, unwind at Café Riche. This charming spot has a lovely garden filled with a colourful mix of flowers, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for travellers to take a break, with a simple yet satisfying menu that includes sandwiches, salads, burgers, and drinks.
The Three Cities Malta experience is about slowing down. Don’t rush. Whether you are taking the lift up to Valletta or watching the sunset from Senglea, this is the authentic side of the island.
Still planning your trip? Don’t forget to grab my 7-Day Malta Itinerary. Stop spending hours scrolling. I’ve lived here since 2011, and I’ve packaged my absolute best tips, logistics, and daily plans into one easy guide. Get the exact itinerary I give to my best friends visiting the island.
