With so many cities, towns and villages on our little islands, it's hard to decide what to see and where to go. Throughout the year we'll be highlighting our top locations for the season. This month we visit the Grand Harbour and surroundings.
Extract taken from August's 2022 Il-Bizzilla Magazine | Read more here
Upper Barrakka Gardens
If you’re looking for the most impressive views the Maltese Islands have to offer, this place should be on the top of your list! The public gardens provide an unhindered, panoramic view of the world-famous harbour, with the three cities; Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua as a backdrop. The gardens are located on the upper tier of St Peter & Paul Bastion, which was built in the 1560s.
Fort St Elmo
At the tip of Valletta’s peninsula sits the magnificent Fort St Elmo. It stands on the seaward shore of the Sciberras Peninsula that divides Marsamxett Harbour from The Grand Harbour and commands the entrances to both harbours along with Fort Tigné and Fort Ricasoli. It is best known for its role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.
Manoel Island
Built in the early part of the 18th century by the Knights Hospitaller, the fort on Manoel Island is a World Heritage Site with lots of history. The British military took over the fort in 1800, and used it until 1964, including during the Second World War. Having been badly damaged, it's being gradually restored to its former glory. After crossing the stone bridge, you'll pass the island's marina and yacht yard on the way to the fort.
The Gardjola
Visit a beautiful garden situated in the northern tip of Senglea. It was planned in 1551. You can get a beautiful panoramic view of Valletta, Marsa, the Grand Harbour and Fort St Angelo from here. The guard tower called “Il-Gardjola” is located within the garden and has various symbols engraved on it. You might find this popular landmark in many tourist brochures in Malta.
Tigné Point
Home to the Tigné Fort which is currently undergoing renovation and a rocky beach, this peninsula in Sliema offers a majestic view of Valletta especially at dusk. It has experienced extensive redevelopment work and the opening of the largest shopping mall in Malta called “The Point” - perfect for all those last-minute souvenirs.
Bridge to Birgu
Birgu is the neighbouring city to Senglea and one of the three cities. You can take a shortcut to Birgu from Senglea by crossing the bridge. You can find this bridge not far from the border of the two cities.
