Cruise around Malta's Harbours and Creeks from Sliema

We depart from Sliema Ferries and cruise through Sliema Creek. Sliema Creek is a very busy waterway, with harbour cruise boats operating from it that are constantly plying in and out with tourists. The advantage of mooring on this jetty is that it's located at the centre of Sliema, a very busy area with all kinds of shops, restaurants, bars, etc., which is a short walk from the jetty; therefore, before or after the trip, one can enjoy a walk along the beautiful promenade, have a meal or a coffee in the many eateries in the area, or browse through the many shops located at the centre of Sliema.

Passing by Manoel Island. Manoel Island, formerly known as Bishop's Island or the Isolotto, is a small island that forms part of the municipality of Gżira in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta. It is named after the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who built a fort on the island in the 1720s. Manoel Island is a low, rather flat hill, shaped roughly like a leaf. It is located in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, with Lazzaretto Creek to its south and Sliema Creek to its north. The island is connected to mainland Malta by a bridge. The whole island can be viewed from the bastions of the capital, Valletta.

Passing through Lazzaretto Creek. The Lazzaretto is a former quarantine facility and hospital on Manoel Island. It is a complex of various buildings dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Most of the structures still exist, although they are in a bad state due to damage sustained during World War II and over 30 years of abandonment. It is planned that the Lazzaretto be restored.

Passing by the beautiful Manoel Island Yacht Marina.

Passing through Ta' Xbiex Creek.

Passing through Msida Creek. On entering Marsamxett Harbour, straight from the entrance is Msida Creek. Msida Creek is easy to distinguish by the breakwater on the starboard side of its entrance.

Passing through Pieta Creek.

Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Valletta.

Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Floriana.

Passing by the imposing Valletta Grand Harbour. Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour is one of the most spectacular ports in the world. A wide stretch of water separating the capital city of Valletta from the historic towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, the harbour has been a hive of activity for over two thousand years. With its imposing fortifications and vast panorama, the Grand Harbour is Malta’s principal maritime gateway and a popular port-of-call for ships that are cruising the Med.

Passing by the Marsamxett Harbor. Marsamxett Harbour, historically also referred to as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbour located to the north of the larger Grand Harbour. The harbour is generally more dedicated to leisure use than the Grand Harbour.

Passing through the Menqa and Marsa Creeks and the inner basin of the Malta Ship Building Yard.

Passing by Cospicua, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as "The Three Cities". The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands. Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

Passing by Senglea, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as "The Three Cities". The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands. Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

Passing by Vittoriosa, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as "The Three Cities". The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands. Their harbor inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

Passing through Kalkara Creek. This is the second creek to the port side on entering the Grand Harbour. There is a very picturesque village overlooking the bay.

Passing through Rinella Creek. This is the first creek to port side on entering Grand Harbour. There is a small, sandy beach at the extreme end.

Return to Sliema Ferries.