Southern Harbor of Malta

The Southern Harbour of Malta extends around the natural harbour between Valetta and the Three Cities, with numerous settlements, most of them dating back centuries, on rocks and cliffs immediately around the harbour bay, as well as further inland. The country has grouped them in a statistical district to aid with the administration of Malta's numerous small municipalities. It includes municipalities such as Floriana, Luqa, Marsa and Żabbar, along with a number of smaller townships and localities, as well as Valetta and the Three Cities, which have their own separate guides at Wikivoyage.

Get in
The Malta International Airport is located at the southern end of the Southern Harbour District, in the Luqa municipality. From there, bus line X4 goes to Floriana, while pretty much all other airport lines will stop in Marsa, where you can change to one of the other bus lines serving the Southern Harbour.

From other parts of Malta, take any bus that heading for Valetta, as the bus terminus for Valetta is actually in Floriana and you can change there.

When arriving on the ferry from Sicily, you will land in the Southern Harbour directly, as this is where the ferry docks.

Get around
Malta Public Transport bus lines 1 to 4 serve the Southern Harbour, with slightly different routes south of the harbour bay. Additionally, lines 90 to 94 go from Valetta to or through Żabbar.

Understand
The Southern Harbour of Malta is called the Grand Harbour, as it has been the most important port on the island historically. While much of the commercial shipping has been moved to Kalafrana, the Grand Harbour still houses extensive docklands, while its former military significance left a rich structural heritage, much of which can now be visited as tourist attractions.

Buy

 * Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker
 * Marsovin

Sleep

 * 23 Boutique Hotel
 * Sally Port Senglea
 * B & B Casal Annunzia

Go next

 * Valetta is obviously the highlight of any visit to the Southern Harbour
 * The Three Cities, directly opposite Valetta, are also chock-full of architectural heritage