The Three Cities: Malta's Most Historic Spot — Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua

The Three Cities (Maltese: Il-Birgu, l-Isla, Bormla — English: Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) are three small peninsulas directly across Grand Harbour from Valletta. They pre-date Valletta — this is where the Knights of Malta settled when they arrived on the island in 1530, and from where they repelled the Great Ottoman Siege of 1565. For history lovers: unmissable. For everyone else: a beautiful, authentic alternative to crowded Valletta.

Getting there: Ferry from Valletta to Birgu (around 5 minutes, €2.80 return — recommended, with magnificent views of Grand Harbour from the water). Bus 2 or 3 from Valletta (around 20 minutes, €2). Bolt/eCabs from Valletta: around €8–10.

Birgu (Vittoriosa) — The Most Important of the Three

Birgu was the first home of the Knights of Malta on the island. Narrow lanes, 16th–17th-century palaces, churches. Quieter than Valletta, fewer tourists, but equally rich in history.

Fort St. Angelo — the great fortress at the tip of the Birgu peninsula. Command centre during the Great Siege of 1565. Entry: around €10. The views across to Valletta and Grand Harbour are extraordinary.
Maritime Museum — housed in the former British naval bakery. Malta's maritime history from antiquity to the 20th century. Entry: around €5. One of the best museums on the island.
Inquisitor's Palace — former seat of the Maltese Inquisition. Prison cells, documents, a dark and fascinating history. Entry: around €5.
Church of St. Lawrence — Birgu's oldest church, with relics and a baroque interior. Free entry.

Senglea (L-Isla) — Small Peninsula, Great Views

Senglea is a densely packed peninsula with the charming Gardjola Gardens at its tip — a small watchtower with carved stone "eye" and "ear" (symbolising the vigilance of the guards). The view from here across to Birgu and Valletta is one of the finest panoramas on all of Malta. Less touristy than Birgu, more authentic, more local.

Cospicua (Bormla) — Gateway to the Three Cities

Cospicua is the largest of the Three Cities — the gateway to Birgu and Senglea. Dockyard, churches, and the enormous 17th-century Cottonera Lines defensive walls that encircle all three cities. Worth walking through to appreciate their scale.

Three Cities vs Valletta

Valletta: more museums, better restaurants, easier to reach. More touristy.
Three Cities: more authentic Malta, quieter, cheaper food, fewer crowds. Perfect for history buffs and photographers.

Best plan: morning in Valletta, afternoon by ferry to Birgu, evening return. The view of illuminated Valletta from the ferry at night is unforgettable.

Where to Eat in the Three Cities

Ristorante Tal-Petut (Birgu) — traditional Maltese cuisine in the vaulted basement of an old palace. One of the highest-rated restaurants on Malta. Booking essential. €25–40/person.

Two Buoys (Birgu) — waterfront location, seafood, views of Fort St. Angelo. €20–30/person.

Caffe Riche (Senglea) — café with views over Birgu and the marina. Local residents, peaceful, affordable.

Half-Day Itinerary

9am — Ferry from Valletta to Birgu
9:10am — Walk through Birgu: Couvre-Porte Gate → lanes → Church of St. Lawrence
10am — Fort St. Angelo (1–1.5 hours)
11:30am — Maritime Museum or Inquisitor's Palace (1 hour)
12:30pm — Lunch at Tal-Petut or Two Buoys
2pm — Walk to Senglea → Gardjola Gardens (30 minutes)
3pm — Return to Valletta by ferry

💡 MONIKA'S TIP: The Three Cities are my favourite half-day on Malta and probably the most underrated spot on the island. Tourists come to Valletta and don't realise that on the other side of the harbour there's something equally beautiful — but quieter, and without the crowds. Cross by ferry (those five minutes on the water looking back at Valletta are something you won't forget), walk into Fort St. Angelo, have lunch at Tal-Petut. Then stroll to Senglea and the Gardjola view — and you're done. The perfect second half of any day.