Grand Harbour, Cottonera Travel Guide

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Explore Malta's Grand Harbour: a historic port city offering stunning views, ancient forts, and a vibrant waterfront experience.

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Grand Harbour

Grand Harbour, also known as the Port of Valletta, is a natural deep-water harbor that has been a strategic maritime hub for centuries. Surrounded by historic fortifications and offering stunning views, it's a must-see for any visitor to Malta.

A brief summary to Grand Harbour

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Grand Harbour.

Take a harbor cruise to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the Grand Harbour and its fortifications.
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
Explore the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua) to experience the history and charm of the harbor's surrounding towns.
Consider taking the ferry between Valletta and the Three Cities for a convenient and scenic way to get around.
Check out the Valletta Waterfront for a variety of restaurants and bars with views of the Grand Harbour.

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Explore Grand Harbour on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Grand Harbour, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Valletta City Gate, walk east along Republic Street towards Fort St. Elmo. Turn right onto Merchants Street and continue downhill. The Grand Harbour is located to your right. This walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Public Transport

From Valletta City Gate, numerous buses connect to the Grand Harbour area. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route. Disembark at a stop near the Valletta Waterfront or the ferry terminals. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.50.
Ferry

Ferries operate between Valletta and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua). The ferry terminal in Valletta is located near the Grand Harbour. A one-way ticket costs around €1.50 for adults.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. A short taxi ride from Valletta City Gate to the Grand Harbour area will cost approximately €10-€15.

Discover more about Grand Harbour

Grand Harbour, or Il-Port il-Kbir in Maltese, is one of the Mediterranean's most impressive natural harbors, steeped in history and surrounded by striking fortifications. Its story stretches back to the 8th century BC when the Phoenicians recognized the harbor's strategic importance and established a trading outpost. In 1530, the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta and made the Grand Harbour their base for 268 years, constructing numerous forts, bastions, and defensive structures to protect against invasion. The city of Valletta was founded on the Sciberras Peninsula, which separates Grand Harbour from Marsamxett Harbour. Key fortifications include Fort St. Elmo, Fort Ricasoli, and Fort St. Angelo.During World War II, the Grand Harbour endured heavy bombing, causing damage to shipyards, vessels, and fortifications. Despite the destruction, the harbor remained a vital base and played a crucial role in the war effort. Today, Grand Harbour is a bustling port that facilitates international trade and tourism. Cruise liners, commercial vessels, and recreational boats navigate its waters daily.Visitors can explore the harbor by taking a cruise, ferry, or traditional dghajsa. The Valletta Waterfront offers a vibrant atmosphere with bars and restaurants. The Upper Barrakka Gardens provide panoramic views of the harbor and its surroundings. The annual Regatta on September 8th showcases local boats and commemorates Malta's history.