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Imagine this: you've just walked through the golden stone gates of Valletta, and suddenly, you
find yourself standing above one of the most stunning scenes in all
of Malta.
The Ferry
Across the Grand Harbour, three historic cities shine in the Mediterranean light—Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua—quietly waiting to be explored.
But how do you get there?
Should you walk? Drive? Swim?
Nope—we’ll do it the best way:
ferry across the harbour like locals do.
In this guide, we’ll take
you from Valletta to the Three Cities step by step, with real-time
views, smart tips, and a secret quiet alley you’ll want to
save.
Stick around—we’re about to set sail on one of the
most scenic short trips in Europe.
View from Upper Barrakka Gardens
We begin at the Upper Barrakka
Gardens, high above the Grand Harbour. From this very spot, Malta
unfolds before your eyes like a painting.
Straight ahead, across
the water, lie the Three Cities—Birgu on the left, Senglea on the
right, and Cospicua tucked between them.
Before heading over, let’s enjoy where we are. These gardens are completely free to visit and offer some of the best panoramic views on the island.
Look down below—those cannons? That’s the Saluting Battery. At noon each day, they fire a ceremonial round. If you time your visit right, it’s a spectacle worth seeing.
From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, we spot it — the small ferry gliding across the Grand Harbour like clockwork. Below us, it pulls in near the base of the old bastions, gently docking beside the Valletta Waterfront. That’s our ride. So let’s head down.
Now, if you're wondering how to get there, here's the deal. The quickest way is the Upper Barrakka Lift — a sleek modern elevator tucked beside the gardens. It costs just one euro each way, and it saves you a long and steep descent on foot. At the bottom, past the cruise terminal shops, you'll spot the Valletta Ferry Service pier — low-key, but well signed.
Holders of the Tallinja Card will be able to use the Barrakka Lift at no charge.
The ferries leave frequently — around every 15 or 30 minutes depending on time of day — and they’re surprisingly comfortable for such a short hop.
But here’s something many visitors miss. Right next to the local ferry, there’s another terminal for a relatively new service — the fast ferry to Gozo. Unlike the standard Gozo ferry which departs from the north of the island and carries vehicles, this one takes you straight from Valletta’s harbour, slicing travel time in half.
It’s ideal for day-trippers or anyone without a car — no need to navigate buses or hire a taxi to Ċirkewwa. Or if you’re in the mood for a more relaxed route, cruises from Sliema also reach Gozo — often stopping at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon along the way.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to relax, small cruises from Sliema cover Comino and Gozo in one go.
As we cross the Grand Harbour,
Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, comes into view on our left — its
fort guarding the tip like a stone sentinel. On the right, Senglea
stretches out proudly, with its promenade and lookout point facing
Valletta head-on.
The crossing takes just 5-7
minutes. A
blink compared to the bus or driving around the harbour loop, which
could take 30 to 40 minutes on a slow day. And the ferry only costs a
couple of euros. Tickets are easy to grab on-site or even via app. If
you’re visiting Malta in summer, you’ll be thankful to skip the
traffic. 🎟 Tickets & info:
https://www.vallettaferryservices.com/
Now as we get closer, you’ll
notice the Senglea side is calm and residential, with narrow streets
and historic façades that haven’t changed in decades. This area
was heavily bombed in WWII, yet you’d never know it today — the
resilience of these neighborhoods is part of Malta’s story.
A quick heads-up — if you’ve
been here before, you may remember the ferry docking at another area.
That’s changed in recent years. We’ll show you the updated stop
in the next chapter so you don’t get caught wandering.
Valletta
Ferry Service – Cospicua Stop Here
we are — this is the new Valletta Ferry Service stop in Cospicua,
right on the edge between Senglea and Birgu. The infrastructure’s
been upgraded: clean modern ramps, electronic ticket machines, shaded
waiting areas — it’s small but efficient.
Don’t expect a big terminal
— this is more like a smart urban pier. Just follow the signs once
you dock, and within seconds you’re on solid ground, with easy
access to explore both cities from here.
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What
to See in Birgu We’ve
just stepped off the ferry at the Cospicua stop — and instead of
walking forward into Senglea, we curve back toward Birgu, the ancient
city you saw from the water, also known as Vittoriosa. Right away,
the feeling shifts. The harbour path is quiet, lined with bobbing
boats and stone arches, and there’s a salty breeze coming in from
the sea.
In just a few steps, you’ll
spot the Fort
St. Angelo
entrance. This fortress once served as the headquarters of the
Knights of St. John during the Great Siege of 1565. Today, it’s
open to the public and houses exhibitions, battlements, and panoramic
views of the Grand Harbour. Even if you don’t go in, seeing it up
close is impressive — it’s like touching the raw bones of Malta’s
military history.
From here, we continue walking
inland along the Birgu
waterfront —
a polished promenade with cafés and yachts, surprisingly elegant for
such an old city. But don't let this modern edge fool you. Turn just
one corner off the main stretch, and you’re suddenly surrounded by
traditional
Maltese townhouses.
Think creamy limestone walls, green and blue shutters, iron
balconies, and plants peeking out of ceramic pots.
Keep your eyes open — in
Birgu, you’ll find details that don’t exist anywhere else in
Malta. Like door knockers shaped like lions, sun-bleached coats of
arms, and street niches with tiny statues of saints. This place has
been lived in for over 1,000 years, and every corner feels like it
remembers something.
A must-see here is the
Inquisitor’s
Palace — one
of the few still standing in Europe. You don’t have to love museums
to enjoy this one. Inside, it’s more like stepping into a chapter
of forgotten history. You’ll see the tribunal rooms, prison cells,
and even the restored kitchens and private chapel. It’s haunting,
but weirdly peaceful.
But the real secret of Birgu
isn’t found in maps or attractions. It’s the ambiance.
Wander away from the tourist trail, and suddenly you’re in a maze
of stone alleys, some barely wide enough for two people to pass. Cats
nap on stairways. Voices echo from windows above. And somehow, even
though you’re minutes from Valletta, it feels like a completely
different world — quieter, slower, more intimate.
And the best part? Hardly any
crowds. Unlike Valletta’s busy streets, Birgu is mostly
residential, so you’ll often find yourself alone here, walking
between honey-colored walls and feeling like you’ve discovered
something unspoiled.
This is our little secret from
this area. No ticket queues, no Instagrammers — just beauty,
history, and a calm atmosphere you’ll remember long after the trip ends. Victory Square Framed by traditional Maltese
buildings and a few cozy cafés, the square feels both grand and
intimate. Locals gather here for evening chats, kids kick a ball
across the stone tiles, and it’s one of the few spots where the
whole town seems to pass through.
Front and center is the
Oratory of the
Holy Cross with its striking baroque façade and simple belltower rising above
the rooftops. You can peek inside during open hours — it’s small,
but ornate, filled with votive candles and centuries of devotion.
It’s a perfect final stop: a
mix of daily life and deep-rooted history, tucked away under the
Maltese sun.
Sailing Back to Valletta Time
to head back — we board the same ferry we came with, now gliding
away from the quiet beauty of the Three Cities.
This return trip is a mini
cruise in itself. To your right, Birgu’s
historic marina
glimmers under the sun. To the lefy, Senglea’s
bastions rise
like a postcard. But the real show is ahead — Valletta’s
skyline,
slowly revealing itself as we approach. Domes, steeples, golden stone
glowing in the light.
It’s the perfect farewell
view — the kind that stays with you long after you’ve stepped
back on land. But our journey doesn’t end here! We’d love to hear from you. Which stop was your favorite? Is there a particular moment that stood out to you? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re planning your own visit, we hope this guide has inspired you and made your trip easier to plan. If you enjoyed this guide and the video, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more travel adventures. Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/bestravelvideo Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/bestravelvideo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bestravelvideo Watch our shorts videos here! Subscribe and turn the bell on, to never miss new uploads! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgQn7TId0MY&list=PLxRHhKvfPjpVgVNtvztP0R1WZBTAJeGeH Inside Malta's Most POWERFUL Military Fortress Ever Built Inside Malta's Most AMAZING Hidden Seaside Village! Malta 4K Walking Tour: Valletta-St. Julian's-Birgu-Mdina
Valletta
to 3 Cities Sailing
We’re on board and pulling
away from Valletta. Sailing from Valletta to the
Three Cities feels less like public transport and more like a scenic
harbor cruise.
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