Travel with You, Me, Away

Malta travel guide: Valletta bastions, harbour ferries and Mdina to coastal pools

Malta concentrates 16th-century limestone fortifications around Valletta's twin harbours while connecting the medieval hilltop citadel of Mdina and rugged coastal swimming ledges by island-wide bus routes. Basing yourself on the Grand Harbour lets you cross between Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities by fast passenger boat instead of sitting in road traffic.

Reviewed

Arrival and getting around in Malta

Malta International Airport (MLA) at Luqa sits 8 kilometres south of Valletta; Tallinja bus route X4 and express route TD4 reach the main Valletta Bus Terminus outside City Gate in 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Pay bus fares with a contactless bank card or pick up a multi-day Tallinja Explore card if you plan multiple daily rides to Mdina, Marsaxlokk and the northern bays.
  • Use the frequent Valletta Ferry Services across Marsamxett Harbour to Sliema and across Grand Harbour to Birgu (Three Cities); the lift from the Grand Harbour quay takes you straight up into Upper Barakka Gardens.
  • Valletta's grid climbs steeply from the water along stepped limestone streets such as Triq Sant' Orsla - Valletta, so wear supportive footwear with good grip.

Sources: Malta geographic reference (GeoNames 2562770)

Where to stay in Malta

Because Malta's bus network radiates from the Valletta terminus, staying near the harbours eliminates cross-island transfers.

  • Valletta historic core: boutique 17th-century townhouses with wooden gallarija balconies within a five-minute walk of Upper Barakka Gardens and St. John's Co-Cathedral.
  • The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua): peaceful marina quays across Grand Harbour, connected to Valletta by a ten-minute boat ride.
  • Avoid Paceville and northern St. Julian's if you want quiet nights, as that strip concentrates late-night clubs and congested coastal roads.

Sources: Malta geographic reference (GeoNames 2562770)

Two-day route for Malta

Dedicate day one to Valletta's harbour ramparts and the inland citadel of Mdina, then spend day two along the island's northern and southeastern bays.

  • Day 1: walk Valletta's stepped residential lanes including Triq Sant' Orsla - Valletta, take in the Grand Harbour breakwater from Lower Barakka Gardens and the noon Saluting Battery from Upper Barakka Gardens, then catch bus 51, 52 or 53 inland to pass through Mdina Gate into the car-free Silent City.
  • Day 2: head to the southeastern limestone ledges of St. Peter's Pool near Marsaxlokk for a morning swim in clear water, then continue north to Anchor Bay in the afternoon to view the colourful wooden film-set buildings of Popeye Village.
  • If strong winter winds stir up the open coast at St. Peter's Pool, ride the harbour ferry across to Birgu to explore Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor's Palace.

Sources: Malta geographic reference (GeoNames 2562770)

Seasonal timing and practical rhythm

Malta has one of Europe's warmest, sunniest Mediterranean climates, with mild green winters and hot, dry summers moderated only by sea breezes.

  • April to June and September to November combine warm sea swimming temperatures at St. Peter's Pool with comfortable 20 to 27 degree Celsius walking weather in Valletta.
  • Minimal shade exists on the limestone slabs at St. Peter's Pool and along Valletta's ramparts; bring reef-safe sun protection, water shoes and a hat.

Sources