St Elmo’s Fortification, located at the entrance to Valletta’s Grand Harbour, is a historic fortress of great military significance. The Grand Harbour has played a central role in Malta’s defensive history and continues to offer sweeping views across both the harbour and the open sea. Its imposing architecture and grandeur create a striking sense of awe and admiration when entering the harbour by sea.
A View with Layers of History - The Three Cities
From Fort St Elmo in Valletta, you get that iconic view across Grand Harbour. The panorama stretches from Fort St Angelo at the tip of Birgu (Vittoriosa), across Bormla (Cospicua) nestled inland, and ending with the Gardjola watchtower at the tip of Isla (Senglea). These three fortified cities—Birgu, Bormla, and Isla—are collectively known as the Three Cities, and each has its own unique history dating back to the time of the Knights of St. John. Throughout the year, various events—open to the public—take place at Fort St Elmo. Be sure to keep an eye out for any happening during your stay in Malta. This stunning location is especially magnificent during the night-time hours, when all the bastion lights are swtiched on.
If you visit any of the Three Cities, make sure to take your time to roam the narrow streets, and to take in the local culture on this side of the island whilst enjoying all the history and beautiful views of the Harbour.
National War Museum
When visiting the Fort, learn about its design and strategic location during the Great Siege in 1565 against the Ottoman Empire, and its continued use until the Second World War. This beautiful fort has extensive grounds, impressive architecture and two chapels dedicated to St Anne. The National War Museum, is divided into seven sections and covers 7,000 years of Maltese Military History from the Bronze Age until Malta’s accession in the EU. Make sure to visit the immersive experience depicting scenarios in Fort St Elmo during the Great Siege, the First World War and the Second World War.
How to get there
By Car
Parking is available at the MCP Valletta car park. On-street parking is available, but make sure to park in the correct coloured boxes.
By Public transport
Take a bus to the entrance of Valletta and walk through the City to Fort St Elmo, or take a bus that leads directly in front of the Fort.
Dolphins in the Harbour
Some of the most magical moments happen in the most unexpected places. Bottlenose dolphins, following their prey, have been spotted right in the heart of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett — surprising visitors and locals alike with their presence in these busy, bustling waters.
How to Spot Them
Look for the dorsal fin: tall, curved, and triangular, it’s the most visible part when a dolphin surfaces. Watch for movement: smooth arcs breaking the water’s surface, sometimes in small groups or high and acrobatic jumps!
A Natural Harbour
The Grand Harbour, known in Maltese as il-Port il-Kbir, is a naturally deep-water inlet stretching approximately 3.6 km. It extends from the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula—on which Valletta and Floriana are built—into the inner harbour as far as Marsa, and is bounded at its entrance by Ricasoli Point.
The Boating Industry
Malta has the largest ship registry in Europe and 6th in the world, making it a key player in the nautical sector. The Grand Harbour houses many different uses from the tip to the inland area. These uses vary from high-end tourism to heavy industry.
A spot for birdwatchinig?
While Valletta is not the best-known birdwatching site in Malta, it is still possible to spot seabirds hiding in the crevices of the walls of the breakwaters during different times of the year.
Seagulls are the most frequent, with several species present. The most iconic in this area is the Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), also known as the Gawwija Rasha Kannella in Maltese. It is common in the Maltese Islands and is a protected species.