In Malta, there are Three Cities… which does not mean just three towns! The island is small, but not so tiny that it cannot have several urban centers. In fact, there are actually more than three Maltese cities: Valletta, Mdina, Mosta, St. Julian’s, Marsaskala, Zurrieq, Mellieha, Zebbug… and among these, there’s one that bears that name: Three Cities. Let’s delve into this mystery, one of the many on the Island of the Knights, like an explorer searching for something unique. We will let you in on a secret: by landing at Malta Airport (MLA) and renting a convenient transfer with a driver from our website, you can reach Three Cities in less than a quarter of an hour trip, covering the 7 km that separate Luqa (where the airport is located) from your intriguing destination. A September holiday here is highly recommended.
Three Cities or … one?
The Three Cities are truly three, but on the island they are considered as one. In fact, when referring to them, they are called by this single name (in Maltese, It-Tlett Ibliet) or by the name Kottonera (from the promontory on which they stand, overlooking the Valletta harbor channel that separates them from the capital). Looking at the map, the Three Cities appear like three tongues projecting toward Valletta, and their streets and houses merge to create a single urban agglomeration. However, each of the three towns has its own mayor and autonomy. But not only that: each also has its own history, certainly linked to the „Kottonera Line“—the system of fortifications built by the Knights—but different in details.
Three Cities and eight names
So „Three Cities“ is also called „Kottonera“ but… that’s not all! Each of the three towns that make up this urban area also has two names, a Latin one and one in the Semitic Maltese language. The oldest, Vittoriosa (founded by the Phoenicians), is also called Il-Birgu; Senglea (16th century) is also called L-Isla; Cospicua, founded in the 17th century, is also called Bormla. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by so much information about such a small place, relax! As you explore the Three Cities up close, you’ll forget dates and names and will only be able to recall the beauty of the architecture, monuments, and sea views—especially at sunset and in the evening.
Itinerary at Vittoriosa Birgu
Birgu is one of Malta’s most fascinating and history-rich cities. But it’s also one of the oldest, founded even before the Roman conquests! Located on the Kottonera peninsula, opposite Valletta, it retains a characteristic historic center made of narrow streets, honey-colored stone buildings, and glimpses of the Grand Harbour.
One of the most important places to visit is Fort St. Angel, an imposing fortress that dominates the harbor and offers splendid panoramic views. Its strategic position played a key role in the island’s history, especially during the Great Siege of 1565. The wonderful rebel artist Caravaggio was imprisoned here in 1608. Strolling through the streets of Birgu, you’ll come across the Church of St Lawrence, one of the city’s main churches, recognizable by its elegant Baroque façade. Also worth a visit is the Inquisitor’s Palace, a historic building that recounts another important chapter in Maltese history. To learn more about the island’s military past, you can also visit the Malta at War Military Museums, dedicated to Malta’s history during wartime, particularly World War 2.
In the evening, do not miss the opportunity to take a stroll along the waterfront, where ancient buildings and boats overlook the harbor. At sunset, the atmosphere becomes particularly evocative as the lights of Valletta light up one after another, opposite. In October, during the Candle Festival the town turns off the electric streetlights and is entirely illuminated by candles of all sizes!
What to see in Senglea Isla
Senglea is the smallest of the Three Cities and appears compact, like a stone labyrinth where the sun rays barely find their way! Its human-scale size allows your easy exploration on foot, to discover its most beautiful monuments.
The most evocative place is the Gardjola Gardens , a park enclosed by stone walls located at the tip of the peninsula. From here, you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Valletta, the Grand Harbour, and the nearby Fort St. Angel in Birgu. At the center of the gardens is the famous Gardjola, a watchtower decorated with the eye and ear, symbols of the vigilance of the Knights of St. John. It is particularly captivating at sunset. Also not to be missed is the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Il-Bambina), the religious heart of the city. The church, linked to the history of the Great Siege of 1565, was severely damaged during World War 2 and subsequently rebuilt. Strolling through the narrow streets of Senglea, you can admire the traditional colorful Maltese verandas, small religious niches, and ancient fortifications. Fort St. Michael and Sheer Bastion are also worth a visit.
Finally, a stroll along the seafront will allow you to admire the view between the masts of the boats and yachts moored opposite.
Enjoy your tour at Cospicua Bormla
Cospicua is very proud of its seafront, and in fact tourists are advised to begin their visit to the city from here. The promenade was recently renovated, without losing its ancient aura though, and offers spectacular views of all the fortifications of Kottnera.
From here, you can reach the heart of the city, through quiet streets lined with limestone buildings and traditional balconies with colorful Maltese verandas. In the center of Cospicua, the most beautiful monuments are the Church of the Immaculate Conception, richly decorated and a testament to the island’s strong Catholic tradition. Also interesting are the Verdala Fortifications, part of the defensive complex built over the centuries to protect the port area. Strolling around, you can also admire the Dockyard Creeks (shipyards), enormous rectangular basins where ancient ships were assembled and launched, and which are still used today for the town’s maritime activities.
Beach life at the Three Cities
There are no beaches in the strict sense of the word at the Three Cities of Malta. Aside from a tiny sandy cove (Senglea Point Beach), the other spots where residents and tourists can enjoy the sea are mostly small places within the harbor shared between Birgu and Senglea. Swimming among the boats is not great, of course, so tourists usually look for the beach life elsewhere. The closest tourist beach is St. Julian’s, just 7 km away, by car. But the most beautiful seaside resorts are Xgħajra Beach, 12 km away, or Zonqor Beach, about 13 km from the three towns. You could have a try!
