The Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta, is one of the most impressive harbours in the Mediterranean. The harbour is also directly connected to the history of Malta. It dates back to the 8th century BC but played an important role in the 16th century for the Knights after the Great Siege of 1565, where the Knights helped defend Malta against the Turks.

The Immense fortifications of the harbour

The fortifications of the harbour are immense. The Three Cities played a significant role in the war of 1565, which is evident from the massive fortifications around these small towns. Fort St. Elmo in Valletta was also of great importance. During World War II, the harbour was crucial for the British Navy, which unfortunately led to Valletta being heavily bombed when the Germans tried to destroy this naval base.

A popular destination for boat tours

Today, the harbour is a popular destination for Malta boat tours and tourism. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbour and the surrounding cities from the beautiful Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. One of the most popular activities in the harbour is the harbour cruises. These cruises last 90 minutes and are very affordable, around 15 euros. The boat tours start in Sliema, a place that is easily accessible by public transport. On these boats, multilingual guides provide detailed information about the beautiful harbour that borders both sides of Valletta. For those looking for a relaxing day out, the harbour boat tours are a perfect option. The calm waters of the Grand Harbour offer a peaceful and scenic trip. Along the way, you'll pass by historic landmarks like Fort Ricasoli and the towering bastions that have stood there for centuries. The boat trip around the harbour also offers great photo opportunities, especially when the sun sets over the water and creates a golden glow over the old city. You can enjoy this during the night harbour tours. The boat tours are family-friendly and ideal for anyone who wants to discover Malta's maritime history in a relaxing way.

A hub for cruise ships

The harbour is also a popular docking point for cruise ships touring the Mediterranean. It's not uncommon to see several enormous ships anchored in the harbour. Tourists often embark on boat tours to other islands or explore the capital city. It's pretty impressive to watch these ships sail into the harbour.

Traditional ‘Dghajsa’ boat trips

Lastly, you can also take a traditional ‘dghajsa’ fishing boat from Valletta to the Three Cities, docking in Birgu. These small wooden boats are operated by locals, and it feels a bit like being in Venice, except you're in a massive harbour. The authentic vibe is great for photos, and the crossing saves you from a lot of traffic.

Visit the Grand Harbour

The Grand Harbour is a must-see if you're visiting Malta. Whether it’s by cruise ship, a Malta boat tour, or a ‘dghajsa’, make sure to visit this harbour to create an unforgettable memory of your trip to Malta. Want to book? Do it here.