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Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua - also known as Isla, Birgu and Bormla - are known as Malta’s Three Cities, but don’t let the name deceive you, as these so-called cities are more like quaint little seaside towns that have seen a whole lot of action over the years!
They are a must-visit for tourists who want to discover the rich historical side of Malta, and you’re bound to fall in love with their charm.
Staying in the Three Cities is easy, as there are numerous boutique hotels and quirky Airbnb maisonettes, but if you’re only visiting for the day, here’s a handful of things we’d recommend fitting into your itinerary!
1. Haggle at the flea market
Start your day like a local with a couple of hot, flaky pastizzi in Bormla. You’re going to want to get a good start to your morning if you’re visiting this vibrant car boot sale! Held every Sunday at the football pitch next to Birgu bus terminus, the market is definitely worth a visit for vintage and antiques lovers. Follow up with a cappuccino in the pretty backyard of Cafe Riche before heading down to Birgu square to take in all the sounds of the morning.
2. Visit the museums
There’s loads to see in Vittoriosa, from decked-out churches to the Maritime Museum, to forts and even haunted houses! The Malta At War Museum is definitely worth a visit, where you can discover the integral part that the island played during World War II. The air raid shelters are humbling, to say the least. Going back even further in history is the Inquisitor’s Palace, which was built in the 1530s, and is the only one of its type open to the public!
3. Have a refreshing drink at the yacht marina
After checking out the beautiful yachts docked in Vittoriosa Marina, cool down with an Aperol Spritz as you relax in the sunshine at one of the outdoor restaurants — that’s what Mediterranean life is all about! You can even take a boat trip from the Marina in a traditional Maltese dgħajsa, which will take you across the Southern Harbour to Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Simply spectacular.
4. Enjoy an al fresco lunch in Senglea
Senglea is a little more rugged than Vittoriosa, but just as pretty! You can get there by walking along the seafront from Birgu and crossing over the bridge on the Bormla Waterfront. After you’ve taken a few snaps of the snazzy colourful wooden boats, you can treat yourself to a glorious lunch of freshly caught fish at one of Senglea’s waterfront restaurants.
5. Hunt out some postcard-perfect doors
The Three Cities are an Instagram lover’s dream! Get off the beaten track and get lost down the old city streets of Vittoriosa, taking some great photos as you go. Look out for interesting door knockers and traditional galleria balconies. Vittoriosa residents are very house-proud and you’ll find some of the prettiest doors to pose in front of. Why not take a sketchbook and watercolours with you? It’s an artist’s paradise!
6. Enjoy a Maltese platter at a local wine bar
After a whole day wandering around the picturesque alleyways and visiting all the sights, you can end the day with a traditional platter of Maltese sausage, sundried tomatoes, peppered goat’s cheese, galletti (water biscuits) and bigilla (bean paste). Pair with a glass of local red wine and wind down after a full day of discovering the Three Cities!