When I first started planning my Malta Adventure, I imagined only the sun-drenched streets of Valletta and its famous, dazzling blue lagoons.
But as I dove deeper into my research, I realized there was so much more to uncover: hidden corners, vibrant stories, and surprises that transformed my trip into an unforgettable quest.
If you’re reading this, your curiosity is the best travel companion. The more you explore, the more extraordinary your adventures become.
Just across the Grand Harbour, I stumbled into a living postcard: the mesmerizing trio of ancient walled cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla).
They are collectively known as The Three Cities.
From my very first step onto their weathered stones, I felt like I’d unlocked a secret chapter of Malta’s story.
Steeped in history, brimming with character, and largely untouched by mass tourism, these cities gave me one of the most authentic Maltese experiences I’ve ever had.
Getting there from Sliema
Getting to The Three Cities from Sliema was a breeze for me, thanks to Malta’s efficient public transportation system.
There are a variety of tour options that will take visitors to the cities. Most tours include a live guide and boat transportation. The downside is that these tours can be more expensive than public transportation, ranging from €25 to €60.
To book these tours, you can often reserve online, arrange them through your hotel desk, or find vendors at the Valletta waterfront. Exploring these booking options can help you secure a spot on your preferred tour and plan your visit more easily.
Many visitors board the Valletta Ferry at the Sliema terminal and, in under 15 minutes, find themselves at Valletta’s bustling waterfront.
Next, take the Barrakka Lift up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Trust me, the panoramic view here will absolutely steal your breath away. I remember standing there, dizzy with wonder, watching sunlight sparkle on the water and feeling as if I were in a Mediterranean fairy tale.
From there, stroll down to Lascaris Wharf, and catch a traditional dgħajsa, a candy-colored Maltese water taxi that zips you right across the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa. For less than the price of a gelato, approximately €2 per trip, you get a boat ride and a front-row seat to Malta’s spectacular skyline.
The dgħajsas run quite frequently, every 15 to 20 minutes, providing a convenient and charming way to travel.
If you’re like me and prefer the bus over the ferry, routes 1, 2, or 4 from Valletta will also take you straight to the heart of The Three Cities.
The ride cost €2 and took about 35 minutes due to traffic. Yet, it was a great way to catch glimpses of local neighborhoods along the way. I found it easy and comfortable, with buses running frequently throughout the day.
I, of course, set up as early as possible, about 7 a.m., to make the most of the day. However, the bus did get stuck in traffic a few times.
To make the most of your journey and avoid the heaviest traffic, consider traveling outside peak commuter hours, ideally mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays.
A Glimpse into History
The Three Cities actually predate Valletta itself. Founded and fortified by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, they played a pivotal role during the Great Siege of 1565 and have stood as sentinels over Malta’s storied maritime history.
As I wandered through their maze-like alleys, I felt like a time traveler. Sunlight danced on honey-colored stones, and every corner promised something extraordinary: a baroque church glowing in the afternoon, a crumbling archway draped with bougainvillea, or the sudden boom of a church bell that left me grinning with delight.
If walls could talk, these would sing tales of crusaders, corsairs, and centuries of resilience.
Must-See Attractions
Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Imagine walking down cobbled lanes that wind you toward the shimmering waterfront, and the mighty Fort St. Angelo standing guard like a stone giant.
I got goosebumps exploring the Inquisitor’s Palace, wandering through cellars that once echoed with secrets and stories, imagining stern-faced inquisitors and hapless suspects shuffling through shadowy chambers.
The Inquisitor’s Palace is open:
January to February:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March to October:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
- Adults (18+): €6.00
- Youths (12-17): €4.50
- Senior Citizens (60+): €4.50
- Concessions & Students: €4.50
- Children (6-11): €3.00
- Infants (1-5): €0.00
- Heritage Malta Members: FREE
- Heritage Malta Passport Holders: FREE
Pure Enjoyment
Around every corner, I found sun-bleached stone houses with bright doors, pots of geraniums, and balconies overflowing with laundry, each one a postcard in the making. Locals zipped past on scooters or chatted in doorways, greeting me with a cheerful “Bongu!” as if I’d lived there all my life.
Vittoriosa is the kind of place where you half expect pirates to pop out from behind a corner, though I mostly encountered friendly cats and the occasional lost tourist looking for gelato. Every twist and turn felt like a treasure hunt, and I was more than happy to follow wherever the city’s crooked streets led me.
Senglea (L-Isla)
Strolling the Senglea Promenade felt like starring in my own Mediterranean rom-com, minus the dramatic soundtrack, spontaneous dance numbers, and the handsome guy who likes you “just the way you are.”
The waterfront sparkled, the air was thick with the scent of the sea and fresh pastries, and locals waved as if we were old friends. I missed the famous sunset (curse you, bus schedule!), but legend has it the sky turns so orange you’ll think you accidentally switched your Instagram filter to “Tangerine Dream.”
Next time, I’m bringing a picnic. I’ll claim a bench on dry land, armed with snacks and zero nautical ambitions. I plan to sit back, marvel at the sky’s fiery transformation, and do my best not to spill crumbs in awe.
Who needs a boat when you have the world’s best sunset view from a comfy seat and a pastry in hand?
Climbing up to the Gardjola Gardens made me regret skipping that leg day at the gym.
Heck, the gardens are perched high upon a bastion on the Southern tip of Senglea, overlooking the majestic Grand Harbour.
At the top, I peeked out from the quirky watchtower, and I couldn’t help but channel my inner pirate on lookout for snack ships. It’s the ultimate spot for epic selfies, with my hair heroically windblown. No, I am not sharing that selfie with anyone.
What a glorious spot to soak up the harbor’s magic without risking seasickness. Bonus: I got panoramic views, a workout, and an audience of pigeons, all for free!
Cospicua (Bormla)
In Cospicua, I ducked into the elegant Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception, where golden light made everything feel sacred. This Baroque beauty is open daily and right off the main square, easy to find, and visitors are welcome — just cover your shoulders.
The soaring ceilings and intricate frescoes are breathtaking, and the late-morning sunlight through stained glass is pure Instagram gold. Guided tours pop up, but honestly, wandering at your own pace is half the magic.
Cospicua buzzes with local life — kids play by the waterfront, neighbors chat in sunlit squares, and the city feels wonderfully authentic. Touching the centuries-old bastions, I could feel history thrum beneath my fingertips.
Hidden Corners & Local Secrets
Birgu’s Backstreets & Food Finds
Beyond the main square, I wandered Birgu’s narrow alleys, feeling like I was in a Mediterranean maze. Every turn led to a new delight. Quirky doors in every color, laundry swaying above my head, and the scent of baking bread pulling me onward. I even stumbled upon a tiny chapel, its candles flickering like something out of a movie.
And then there’s the food! Pull up a chair at Don Berto, a lively waterfront spot in Vittoriosa’s marina. I devoured a plate of seafood pasta so fresh that I half-expected the chef to be wearing scuba gear. Hey, vacation calories don’t count!
Craving something local? Tal-Petut is a cozy, candle-lit den hidden among Birgu’s winding streets, where I feasted on slow-cooked rabbit and hot ftira bread. It felt like being welcomed into a Maltese family meal.
Senglea’s Secret Steps & Sweet Treats
Senglea is made for wanderers. I stumbled upon hidden staircases that twisted down to the water, perfect for escaping the crowds and pretending I had the city to myself.
Next, I grabbed a pastizzi from a local bakery and savored it while watching boats drift by. There are plenty of family-run eateries and gelaterias here. Don’t miss Mamma Mia for a quick lunch.
Underground Tunnels
Here’s where things get truly adventurous. Beneath Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua lies a secret world: a maze of underground tunnels and shelters carved through centuries of conflict.
These shadowy passages once hid knights, sheltered families from bombs, and ferried whispered messages beneath stone streets. Today, guided tours reveal only fragments of this hidden labyrinth, enough to fire your imagination and leave you wondering what mysteries still slumber in the dark beneath the Three Cities.
To book an underground tour, you can check online travel platforms, contact local tourism offices, or inquire at your hotel concierge for recommendations. Be aware that some of these tours may have age or health restrictions due to the narrow, dimly lit passageways.
Crawling through these shadowy passageways, I imagined life during the sieges and air raids. It was equal parts haunting and exhilarating. What a real-life adventure story beneath the sunlit streets.
Why the Three Cities?
If you want a taste of real Malta, the kind that makes your heart beat faster and your camera roll overflow, The Three Cities will sweep you off your feet.
I watched laundry flap in the sea breeze, heard church bells echo through the alleys, and found myself grinning like a kid at every new discovery. Here, every stone really does have a story to tell.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or a wanderer seeking hidden gems, these cities promise an immersive, memorable adventure.
So do yourself a favor and add The Three Cities to your Malta itinerary. Go for the history, stay for the sunsets, the pasta, the laughter, and the sense of wonder that lingers long after you’ve left.
Trust me, this is the Malta adventure you’ll be telling stories about for years to come.
Until next time …
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