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Manoel Island

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Manoel Island (Malta)

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Manoel Island is a small island located in Marsamxett Harbour, off the coast of Gżira, and is home to a wealth of military and medical history. It is named after Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who commissioned the construction of Fort Manoel in the early 18th century. The fort is a masterpiece of Baroque military engineering, designed to bolster the defenses of Valletta and the harbor. Prior to its military usage, the island housed the Lazzaretto, a quarantine hospital established in the 17th century to isolate plague victims and sailors. During World War II, the island served as a crucial submarine base for the Royal Navy, designated as HMS Phoenicia, and was heavily targeted by Axis air raids. Following years of neglect, the fort has undergone extensive restoration, returning it to its former glory. Today, Manoel Island is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering some of the best vantage points for photographing the bastions of Valletta across the water.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Manoel Island is a small island in Marsamxett Harbour, partly open to the public. Visitors can tour Fort Manoel interior during events.
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Typical hours
The island is accessible during the day, but the fort is only open for special occasions. Exact hours vary - check locally or online.
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Photography
Photography on the island and at the fort is generally allowed. The harbor scenery with Valletta in the background provides great photo opportunities.
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Time needed
Visiting the island takes about 1-2 hours depending on fort access. Allow extra time for a walk along the waterfront.
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Combine with
Combine the island visit with a boat trip in Marsamxett Harbour or a walk through Valletta. Nearby Sliema beach is also easily reachable.
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Getting there
The island is reachable by ferry from Sliema or Valletta. Ferries run regularly, but the schedule should be checked in advance.
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Insider tip
Visit during a cultural festival at Fort Manoel to see the interior. Bring a picnic - there are no restaurants on the island.

Geography

Coordinates
35.90390, 14.50190

Facts

  • Fort Manoel was constructed between 1723 and 1733.
  • The island is named after Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena.
  • The Lazzaretto quarantine hospital was established in 1643.
  • Manoel Island was a submarine base known as HMS Phoenicia in WWII.
  • The island is connected to the mainland town of Gżira by a bridge.
  • Fort Manoel was used as a filming location for 'Game of Thrones'.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Marsamxett HarbourMarsamxett Harbour<1 km · NEExplore →
Msida Parish ChurchMsida Parish Church1 km · SWExplore →
St. Publius Parish ChurchSt. Publius Parish Church2 km · SEExplore →
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off BusCity Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus2 km · NWExplore →
Fort RicasoliFort Ricasoli2 km · EExplore →
MaltaPost Head OfficeMaltaPost Head Office3 km · SWExplore →
Farsons BreweryFarsons Brewery3 km · SWExplore →
Immaculate Conception Parish ChurchImmaculate Conception Parish Church3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Manoel Island (10)

Fort Manoel

Star fort in Gzira, Malta, built in the 18th century.

Lazzaretto Ruins

Ruins of a former quarantine hospital on Manoel Island, Malta.

Il-Port ta' Marsamxett

Second largest natural harbour in Malta, located between Valletta and Sliema.

The best Valletta view

Viewpoint on Manoel Island offering a panoramic view of Valletta.

Saint John of the Cross Parish Church

Church building in Ta' Xbiex, Malta, dedicated to Saint John of the Cross.

Orpheum

Theatre in Gzira, Malta, venue for cultural performances.

Gżira Parish Church

Church in Gżira, Malta, central to the Catholic community.

Jesus of Nazareth Church

Church building in Sliema, Malta, consecrated to Jesus of Nazareth.

111 Art Gallery

Art gallery in Gzira, Malta, hosting rotating exhibitions.

R Gallery

Gallery in Gzira, Malta, showcasing contemporary art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Manoel Island?
The island is easily accessible on foot or by car via a short bridge from Gżira.
Can Fort Manoel be visited?
The fort is often closed for renovation but opens for guided tours on special open days.
What is the 'Duck Village' on Manoel Island?
It is a small, colorful sanctuary for ducks and other animals right at the island's entrance.
Can you swim on the island?
There are some rocky spots popular with locals for swimming, but no official beaches.
What was the previous use of the island?
It previously served as a quarantine station (Lazzaretto) and later as a British naval base.
Manoel Island: where is it located?
Manoel Island is located in Malta.
Manoel Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Manoel, Lazzaretto Ruins, Il-Port ta' Marsamxett.
Manoel Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Manoel Island: why is it worth visiting?
Manoel Island is a small island located in Marsamxett Harbour, off the coast of Gżira, and is home to a wealth of military and medical history.
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Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Manoel Island (Malta)
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Qawra — Manoel Island (Malta)
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History & landmarks

Gżira Promenade — Manoel Island (Malta)
Gżira Promenade
A bustling waterfront with views of Manoel Island and Valletta.
Żabbar Sanctuary Museum — Manoel Island (Malta)
Żabbar Sanctuary Museum
A museum adjacent to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces.
Xgħajra Promenade — Manoel Island (Malta)
Xgħajra Promenade
A quiet coastal promenade.
Top of the World — Manoel Island (Malta)
Top of the World
A popular viewpoint offering wide views over northern Malta.
Żonqor Point — Manoel Island (Malta)
Żonqor Point
The northern tip of Marsaskala Bay.
Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Manoel Island (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.
Pretty Bay — Manoel Island (Malta)
Pretty Bay
A large sandy beach in the heart of the town.

Nature

Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Manoel Island (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
Victoria Lines Fault — Manoel Island (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.

More places

Marsamxett Harbour — Manoel Island (Malta)
Marsamxett Harbour
The second major natural harbour, mainly used by yachts and leisure craft.
Msida Parish Church — Manoel Island (Malta)
Msida Parish Church
A landmark church situated at the edge of the creek.
St. Publius Parish Church — Manoel Island (Malta)
St. Publius Parish Church
One of the most impressive parish churches, located just outside Valletta.
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Manoel Island (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Fort Ricasoli — Manoel Island (Malta)
Fort Ricasoli
The largest fortress in Malta, frequently used as a filming location.
MaltaPost Head Office — Manoel Island (Malta)
MaltaPost Head Office
The central sorting hub and head office for the national postal service.
Farsons Brewery — Manoel Island (Malta)
Farsons Brewery
Malta's largest beverage producer, the maker of Cisk lager and Kinnie.
Immaculate Conception Parish Church — Manoel Island (Malta)
Immaculate Conception Parish Church
A large baroque parish church that survived WWII bombings.