Marsamxett Harbour

Marsamxett Harbour – Valletta, Malta

Overview

Marsamxett Harbour is one of Malta’s two main natural harbors, lying on the northwestern side of Valletta and facing the bustling districts of Sliema and Gżira. Often overshadowed by the larger Grand Harbour on the opposite side of the peninsula, Marsamxett offers a more relaxed, scenic experience that highlights everyday Maltese life along the waterfront. With its marinas, fortifications, and views of Manoel Island, this harbor is an essential part of Malta’s maritime heritage. Today, Marsamxett is a hub for sailing, ferries, and leisure cruises, making it a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the island’s seafaring culture from a different perspective.

Why Visit

• Enjoy panoramic views of Valletta’s fortifications from Sliema’s seafront
• Take a ferry across the harbor for one of the best city skyline views
• Discover Manoel Island and its historic 18th-century fort
• Experience a quieter, more authentic side of Valletta compared to the Grand Harbour
• Join a sailing or harbor cruise to explore Malta’s coastline

Highlights

• Manoel Island: Home to Fort Manoel, built by the Knights of St. John in the 1700s, offering history and scenic walks
• Sliema Ferries: A quick and affordable way to cross between Valletta and Sliema, with unbeatable harbor views
• Seafront Promenades: Lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect for sunset strolls along Sliema and Gżira
• Sailing Hub: Popular with yachts and sailing boats, Marsamxett Harbour is the starting point for many cruises

History & Cultural Significance

Marsamxett Harbour has played an important role in Malta’s maritime history for centuries. During the time of the Knights of St. John, the harbor was used primarily for leisure and secondary naval purposes, while the Grand Harbour was the main commercial and military base. The construction of Fort Manoel in 1723 reinforced the harbor’s defenses, protecting Valletta from attacks coming from the northwest. Over the centuries, Marsamxett became a focal point for small craft, fishing boats, and ferries linking Valletta with Sliema and beyond. Today, the harbor continues to blend tradition and modernity, serving as a living reminder of Malta’s seafaring identity.

Typical Costs & Tickets

Visiting Marsamxett Harbour is free, as it is a public waterfront area. The Sliema–Valletta ferry service costs around €1.50–€2.80 ($2–$3 USD) per ride, making it both affordable and scenic. Harbor cruises and sailing trips vary in price, generally starting from €15–€25 ($17–$28 USD) for short tours and up to €50 ($55 USD) or more for longer excursions.

Best Time to Visit

Marsamxett Harbour can be enjoyed year-round, but the best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant without the peak summer crowds. Early morning ferry rides offer calm waters and soft light perfect for photography, while evening visits reward travelers with beautiful sunsets over Sliema’s promenade. Summer evenings are particularly lively, with locals and visitors gathering at the waterfront cafés and bars.

Nearby Experiences

From Marsamxett Harbour, visitors can easily explore Manoel Island, take the ferry to Sliema, or walk along Valletta’s bastions overlooking the water. Within Valletta, highlights like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just a short stroll away. On the Sliema side, the waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife, making it a perfect complement to the historic charm of Valletta.

Travel Tips

• Take the ferry instead of taxis — it’s faster, cheaper, and more scenic
• Bring a camera or phone with a good zoom lens for capturing Valletta’s skyline from across the harbor
• If visiting Manoel Island, wear comfortable shoes as parts of the island are undeveloped
• Plan a sunset dinner along Sliema’s promenade for the best harbor views
• Join a small-boat cruise for a more intimate way to experience Marsamxett and the surrounding coastline

Fun Facts & Local Legends

• “Marsamxett” comes from the Arabic word for “harbor of ships,” reflecting Malta’s long history of maritime influence
• Fort Manoel was featured in the popular TV series Game of Thrones as the setting for the Great Sept of Baelor
• Unlike the Grand Harbour, which is dominated by cruise ships, Marsamxett retains a more relaxed, small-boat character
• Local ferries across Marsamxett are one of the cheapest and most scenic forms of transport in Malta