The Grand Harbour
The Grand Harbour (Il-Port il-Kbir) is one of the most magnificent natural harbors in the world and has been the heart of Malta for over 2,000 years. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights, Napoleon, and the British Navy—all used this deep, sheltered harbor. Today, it is a vast open-air museum, surrounded by bastions, fortresses, and historic cities.
Harbour Tour
A harbour tour is one of the absolute must-do activities in Malta. The 90-minute boat trip from Sliema Ferries or Valletta Waterfront shows the capital and the Three Cities from their most spectacular side: mighty bastions rise 60 meters from the water, Fort St. Angelo towers over the harbor entrance, and the superyachts in Vittoriosa Marina contrast with the traditional Luzzu boats. Price: about €16–20, several times a day.
History of the Harbour
During World War II, the Grand Harbour was one of the most bombed places in the world. The Axis powers dropped more bombs on Malta than on London. The docks and the Three Cities were heavily destroyed—King George VI awarded the entire Maltese people the George Cross for their heroism, which is still visible on the Maltese flag today. The Siege Bell Memorial at the Lower Barrakka Gardens commemorates the over 7,000 victims.
