# Boat to the Three Cities and a walk round Birgu

Boat + walk · 3–4 h · All ages · €3 each way

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/malta/valletta/things-to-do/three-cities-ferry · Revisado: 2026-11-12

Dónde: Valletta

Malta's cheapest boat is also one of the best views of Valletta: ten minutes across the Grand Harbour, with the capital's walls on one side and the forts of the Three Cities on the other.

## What it is

The Three Cities are Birgu (or Vittoriosa), Senglea (or L-Isla) and Cospicua (or Bormla), the three fortified towns that face Valletta across the Grand Harbour. That is where the Order of St John settled on arriving in Malta, and from there it withstood the Ottoman Great Siege of 1565, before building the new capital opposite. By road it takes a while to go round the harbour; by boat you cross in about ten minutes.

The Valletta Ferry Services catamaran leaves from the quay below the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the gardens you take the public lift down to the water and walk a few metres to the landing stage. It arrives at Cospicua, at the head of Dockyard Creek harbour, a short walk from Birgu.

## Timetable and price

The daytime trip costs €3 and the return €5; children pay €1 and €1.50. From 19:30 the night fare applies, €3.50 each way. You do not need to book: you buy the ticket and board the next departure, about every quarter of an hour.

In winter (1 November to 31 May) the boat runs from first thing; on Sundays and public holidays it goes from 9:00 to 18:15, and from Friday to Sunday there are extra departures. In summer (1 June to 31 October) it runs until the small hours. Check the day's timetable on the operator's website before setting out.

## What to see on the other side

The Birgu promenade, along the marina, with the old buildings of the Order and the view of Valletta opposite.

Fort St Angelo, at the tip of Birgu, seat of the grand masters before Valletta. It is run by Heritage Malta; in winter it is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00.

The Inquisitor's Palace, in the interior of Birgu, also Heritage Malta, which in winter is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Senglea, on the other side of Dockyard Creek, with the Gardjola garden at the tip and its watchtower over the harbour.

In three or four hours you cross, walk round Birgu, go into one of the two monuments and return for the afternoon.

## Consejos

### Go and see the cannon first
Arrive at Upper Barrakka at 11:45, watch the 12:00 Saluting Battery shot and go down in the lift to the boat.

### Carry coins or a card
The ticket is cheap and is bought at the landing stage.

### Come back at sunset
Valletta lights up as the sun goes down and from the boat you see it all.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How much does the boat to the Three Cities cost?
€3 for the daytime trip and €5 return. Children, €1 and €1.50.

### Do I need to book?
No. It is a regular service, with departures about every quarter of an hour.

### How long does it take?
About ten minutes.

### Does it run on Sunday?
Yes. In winter, on Sundays and public holidays, from 9:00 to 18:15.