Things to do in Senglea, Malta

Enjoy a half-day the stunning cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. Learn about the history and rich culture of this unique Mediterranean island and sample some of Malta’s full-bodied wines at the Marsovin Cellars. Be picked up from any hotel in Malta and board an airconditioned bus and relax on the drive to Cospicua. Pass through the city to admire sights like its double-fortified harbor city.  Continue to Vittoriosa, which is significant for its long history of maritime, mercantile, and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands, needed control Vittoriosa, due to its Grand Harbor. Head to the city of Senglea, which managed to resist the Ottoman invasion at the Great Siege of 1565. Walk through the charming narrow streets of the town, shaded by dozens of historic churches and buildings. Make your way to the Marsovin cellars in Marsa. Start your cellar tour with a historical introduction, followed by an explanation about the process of how locally grown grapes are pressed, fermented, and eventually transformed into wine. Go for a walk through the 400-year-old ageing cellars, which provides an authentic piece of Maltese heritage. Visit the wine bar, where trained staff guide guests through a wine-tasting session paired with snacks like Maltese bread and cheese.

Set sail from Sliema and see some of Malta's most beautiful harbors on a boat tour. Board your boat and relax as you cruise through the two natural harbors - Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbor. En route, pass by Valetta, busy dockyards, marinas, bastions, historic forts, and much more. Listen to detailed audio commentary to uncover the history of Valletta and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Thanks to the numerous creeks around Valletta including the Sliema, Lazzaretto, Menqa, and Marsa, and the Inner basin, you can enjoy unique views of the city without the touristy crowds.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since prior to the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area. Pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation! We start with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the three cities, to reach the city of Vittoriosa, this glorious city has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, but the current city dates back from the time of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Vittoriosa was chosen as the capital city of Malta instead of Mdina upon the arrival of the Order in the year 1530. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the narrow streets of the city admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. Upon arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa waterfront, board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks. The tour ends at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565. The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Sant Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

Travel long Malta's Harbours in a traditional Maltese boat. See historical forts, battlements and creeks. Experience Malta's living past at busy dockyards and marinas. This cruise leaves from Sliema Ferries. You will go around the two natural harbours and their ten creeks. A detailed, live commentary will provide you with information about the history of Valletta and the Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa which date back to 1565. Learn about the role the three cities played in the seige of Malta during World War II. While onboard, you have access to a fully stocked bar to help you relax.

Enjoy an interesting and relaxing cruise through two natural harbors, the Marsamxett Harbour, and the famous Grand Harbour. Delight in the beauty of these harbors rich in history and traditional Maltese culture. On this tour, you will also visit ten of Malta's creeks. As you depart the Strand Sliema, you will cruise inside Sliema Creek, around Manoel Island to Lazzaretto Creek, better known as the Yacht Marina, round Ta'Xbiex to Msida & Pieta Creeks, cruising by the battlements and fortifications surrounding Valletta and Floriana to the Grand Harbour. Then, you will proceed to Menqa Creek, Marsa Creek, and the inner basin to see the Malta Ship Building Yard. You will continue on to the French Creek and the Dockyard Area, round the Three Cities Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa, and back to Sliema, cruising right inside 10 creeks.

Benefit from pick-up outside the cruise terminal at Valletta and see the city's Unesco World Heritage monuments. Visit Barracca Gardens to get panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Admire the colored balconies of Merchant Street and look inside St. John's Co-Cathedral. Walk down to the waterfront to take a private water taxi to Vittoriosa on the opposite side of the harbor. Explore the historical "3 Cities" of the Cottonera area to get a feel for the spirit of Malta and its culture. Go to the Gardjola Gardens to get a magnificent view from the old watch tower. Walk along the imposing city walls and venture down tiny streets to explore the old city of Vittoriosa and the Inquisitor's Palace. Meet your private driver and accompanied by your guide return to the waterfront in Valletta, where you will be accompanied back to the cruise terminal or to your Hotel.

Book this 5-day excursion package to experience all of the culture, charm, and history of Malta and Gozo Islands. Visit the archipelago's main highlights with two full-day tours and three half-day tours over 5 days. Get picked up and dropped off at your hotel every day of your experience. Browse through the many available itineraries and select the option that best fits your plans. See the day-by-day itinerary when selecting your preferred option. Drive to the city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a half-day tour. Explore imposing fortifications, bastions, and palaces. Watch an immersive audiovisual show on Malta's history and tour St John's Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barraka Gardens, and Grand Harbour. Take a day trip to Mdina, the country's old capital city. Admire the fortified walls and its spectacular panoramas. Visit the village of Rabat, the Catacombs of St Cataldus, Dingli Cliffs, San Anton Gardens, Ta' Qali Artisan Village, and the Rotunda of Mosta with its dome. Enjoy lunch and a glass of wine. Embark on another half-day excursion to the famous Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Copiscua. Appreciate these historic fortified cities and discover their magnificent churches, piazzas, fortifications, and architectural treasures. Take a boat trip of the creeks aboard a Maltese 'frejgatina'. Immerse yourself in the landscape of Gozo on a scenic day trip. Take the ferry from Malta and visit the city of Victoria, the Ggantija temples, and the Citadel, a majestic medieval fortress. Gaze at Xlendi Bay, Dwejra Bay, and Inland Sea, with an optional boat trip. Eat lunch with a glass of wine. Head over to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk on a half-day adventure. See the largest fishing harbor in Malta, lined with traditional “luzzus”, brightly colored boats. Wander around the open-air market, visit the town of Qrendi, and marvel at the Blue Grotto, with an optional boat trip.