The Grand Harbour, Grand Harbour Travel Guide

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Explore Malta's Grand Harbour: A historic maritime hub with stunning views, imposing fortifications, and a vibrant atmosphere. A Mediterranean treasure.

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The Grand Harbour

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

A brief summary to The Grand Harbour

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take a harbor cruise for panoramic views of Valletta, the Three Cities, and the impressive fortifications.
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the best photo opportunities of the Grand Harbour.
Experience the Saluting Battery at noon for a historical reenactment with cannon fire.
Explore the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua) to delve deeper into the harbor's history and culture.
Consider a traditional dghajsa ride for a unique and intimate harbor experience.

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City Gate

Explore The Grand Harbour on the Map

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

Getting There

Walking

From Valletta's City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, the main thoroughfare. Continue towards Fort St. Elmo. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, offering a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, will be on your left before you reach the fort. From there, you can take the Barrakka Lift (€1 per ride, but free with a Three Cities ferry ticket) down to the waterfront. Walking is free, but allow approximately 15-20 minutes from the City Gate to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Public Transport

Valletta's main bus terminal is located just outside the City Gate. Numerous bus routes connect to various points around the island. From the terminal, it's a short walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the waterfront. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 in winter and €2.00 in summer and is valid for two hours. Alternatively, a 7-day Tallinja Explore Card offers unlimited travel for €21.
Ferry

Ferries connect Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities (Cospicua, Senglea, Vittoriosa). The Sliema ferry departs from the Marsamxett Harbour side of Valletta, while the Three Cities ferry departs from the Grand Harbour side, near the Barrakka Lift. A single ferry ride to either destination costs €2.50 for adults and €1.00 for children. A round trip costs €4.50 for adults and €1.50 for children. Night service fares apply from 19:30, costing €2.80 single and €4.80 return.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. A short taxi ride from the City Gate to the Valletta Waterfront or the Upper Barrakka Gardens will cost approximately €10-€15. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand.

Discover more about The Grand Harbour

The 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 imposing fortifications. Its story stretches back to the 8th century BC when the Phoenicians recognized its strategic importance and established a trading outpost. The harbor truly took shape in the 16th century with the arrival of the Knights of St. John. Following the Great Siege of 1565, Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette founded Valletta on the Sciberras Peninsula, forever linking the city's fate to the harbor. Over the next centuries, the Knights and later the British built numerous forts, bastions, and defensive structures to protect against invasion. Key fortifications include Fort St. Elmo, Fort Ricasoli, and Fort St. Angelo.The Grand Harbour served as a vital naval base for the Knights of St. John and later the British Empire for 170 years. During World War II, it endured heavy bombing, leaving scars still visible today. Today, the Grand Harbour is a bustling port, crucial for international trade and tourism. Cruise liners, commercial vessels, and traditional Maltese boats share its waters.Visitors can explore the harbor's rich history by visiting the surrounding Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua. A ferry or a traditional dghajsa ride offers a unique perspective. The Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta provide panoramic views, while the Saluting Battery offers a glimpse into the past with its daily cannon firing. A walk around the Valletta Waterfront also provides cafes and restaurants.