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Marsamxett Harbour: A Historical and Scenic Maltese Harbor

Explore Malta's Marsamxett Harbour: a historic harbor offering scenic views, boat tours, and ferry connections to Valletta, Sliema, and more.

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Marsamxett Harbour, historically known as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbor in Malta, north of the Grand Harbour. Offering scenic views and a rich history, it's a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to Marsamxett Harbour

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Local tips

  • Take a ferry to Sliema for stunning harbor views and a different perspective of Valletta's skyline.
  • Consider a harbor cruise for an informative tour of the historical forts and creeks surrounding Marsamxett.
  • Explore Manoel Island, connected by a bridge, to visit Fort Manoel and enjoy the views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Valletta's city center, walk towards the waterfront area. Follow signs for the Marsamxett Harbour ferry terminal. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering views of the city and harbor. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta's main bus terminus, take any bus heading towards Sliema. Alight at the Sliema Ferries stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Marsamxett Harbour ferry landing. A single bus ticket costs €2.50.

  • Ferry

    From Sliema, take the ferry to Valletta. The ferry arrives directly at the Marsamxett Harbour ferry terminal in Valletta. A single daytime ticket costs €2.

Unlock the Best of Marsamxett Harbour

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Discover more about Marsamxett Harbour

Marsamxett Harbour, separated from the Grand Harbour by the Valletta peninsula, has played a vital role in Malta's history. The harbor's mouth faces northeast, bordered by Dragut Point and Tigné Point. Sliema, Gżira, and Ta' Xbiex line its northwest shore, while the Sciberras peninsula, home to Valletta and Floriana, forms its southeastern edge. Throughout history, Marsamxett has been a strategic location. In 1551, the Ottomans landed here before attacking Mdina and Gozo. During the Great Siege of 1565, the Ottoman fleet was stationed in Marsamxett. Fort Saint Elmo was constructed to guard both Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. Fort Manoel was built on Manoel Island between 1723 and 1733, and Fort Tigné on Tigné Point in 1793. The British used Marsamxett as a submarine base during World War II, with Manoel Island known as HMS Talbot or HMS Phœnicia. Today, Marsamxett Harbour is more dedicated to leisure. You can enjoy views of the harbor from various points in Valletta, Sliema, and Gżira. Ferries connect Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities, offering a unique perspective of the harbor. Boat tours provide scenic cruises around the harbor, highlighting historical fortifications and creeks. Manoel Island, connected by a bridge, hosts a yacht repair center and Fort Manoel.

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