Grand Harbour Cruises and Ferries

The Grand Harbour is the deep natural inlet between Valletta and the Three Cities, ringed by the fortifications built by the Knights of St John. From the water you see what the walls were built to face: Fort St Elmo at the harbour mouth, Fort St Angelo on the Birgu point and the arcades of the Upper Barrakka Gardens high above the quay. There are three ways to get out on it: a sightseeing cruise, the traditional water taxi or the public ferry.

Harbour cruises

Look for sightseeing cruises from Sliema and ask whether the route includes Marsamxett Harbour, Manoel Island, the Grand Harbour and the creeks of the Three Cities. Check whether commentary and evening sailings are offered when booking.

The dghajsa

The dgħajsa is a traditional Maltese harbour boat used for sightseeing and water-taxi trips. Traditional boats still offer harbour tours; ask the boatman about the route and landing point. The harbour also hosts the Victory Day regatta on 8 September. Agree the fare with the boatman before you set off.

The public ferries

Two catamaran ferry services run by Valletta Ferry Services cross the harbours: one from the Strand in Sliema to Valletta, and one from Valletta to the Three Cities, landing at Cospicua (Bormla). As of November 2026 the adult day fare is EUR 3.00 single or EUR 5.00 return, and the winter timetable runs from 1 November to 31 May. The page publishes shorter Sunday and public holiday hours alongside additional Friday-to-Sunday trips, so confirm the relevant sailing with the operator. Check the operator's timetable before you travel, as it changes with the season.

• Pair the crossing with a walk through Birgu and the Inquisitor's Palace.
• Sailing fans can watch the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race from the bastions in autumn.
• More on buses and ferries in getting around Malta.

Take a layer for evening sailings, sit on the side facing the city walls, and use the ferry rather than a taxi to cross between Sliema, Valletta and the Three Cities.