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Marsamxett Harbour

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Marsamxett Harbour is one of Malta's primary natural deep-water inlets, located on the northern side of the Sciberras Peninsula. It serves as a natural boundary between the capital city of Valletta and the bustling commercial districts of Sliema and Gżira. Historically, the harbour was a strategic focal point during the Great Siege of 1565, as Ottoman forces utilized Dragut Point to launch artillery attacks against Fort St. Elmo. Today, Marsamxett has transitioned into a premier leisure hub, housing major yacht marinas in Msida, Ta' Xbiex, and around Manoel Island. The island itself is home to the 18th-century Fort Manoel and a historic quarantine hospital known as the Lazzaretto. The sheltered nature of the harbour makes it a handy anchorage for private vessels and high-end yachts throughout the year. Extensive waterfront promenades line the harbour, offering spectacular views of Valletta's fortifications and facilitating an animated tourist and local economy through regular ferry services and seaside establishments.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Fort Manoel · The best Valletta view · Il-Port ta' Marsamxett
Nearby: St. Helen's Basilica (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Marsamxett Harbour is Malta's second major natural harbour, used chiefly by yachts, ferries and leisure vessels. It serves as a key anchorage for the island's nautical tourism.

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Visiting

The waterfront promenades like Ta' Xbiex Seafront and Sliema Promenade are public and offer good views of the harbour. The yacht berths are clearly visible from the walkways.

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Where to view it

From Fort St. Elmo in Valletta you get a spectacular view over the entire Marsamxett Harbour. The upper part of Sliema Front, near Stella Maris Church, also provides an excellent perspective.

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Local products

Along the Sliema and Ta' Xbiex waterfronts there are many restaurants serving fresh seafood and Maltese specialities like 'Aljotta' (fish soup). Crafts and souvenirs can be found in Valletta's shops.

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Active season

The harbour is busy year-round, with a peak in the summer months when many yachts are out. The ferry links between Sliema and Valletta run frequently all year.

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Nearby

A stroll along Marsamxett Harbour can be combined with a visit to Malta's capital Valletta and Fort St. Elmo. The Sliema waterfront promenade with its shops and cafés is right next door.

Geography

Coordinates

35.90500, 14.50500

Facts

Natural deep-water harbour north of the Sciberras Peninsula.
Strategic site during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Contains Manoel Island with its 18th-century star fort.
Primary location for Malta's largest leisure yacht marinas.
Daily ferry services connect Sliema directly to Valletta.
Shorelines border the towns of Gżira, Msida, and Ta' Xbiex.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Manoel Island<1 km · SWExplore →

Valletta Waterfront2 km · SExplore →

St. Julian's Tower2 km · NExplore →

Pietà2 km · SWExplore →

Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve2 km · WExplore →

Fort Ricasoli2 km · EExplore →

Medserv plc Base3 km · SExplore →

Swieqi3 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Marsamxett Harbour (10)

Fort Manoel

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

The best Valletta view

Viewpoint overlooking the harbour entrance and the city of Valletta.

Il-Port ta' Marsamxett

Second largest natural harbour in Malta, separating Valletta from Sliema.

Lazzaretto Ruins

Ruins of a former quarantine station on Manoel Island.

Jesus of Nazareth Church

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

R Gallery

Art gallery in Sliema featuring rotating exhibitions.

Cambridge Battery

19th-century military installation on the Tigné peninsula.

Garden Battery

1889 artillery battery in Malta, part of the coastal defences.

The Fortress Builders - Fortifications Interpretation Centre🏛 museum

Museum about the history of Maltese fortifications.

Panoramic View of Valetta

Viewpoint offering a panoramic view over the city of Valletta.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Marsamxett Harbour located?

It is located to the north of Valletta, separating the capital from Sliema.

Are there yacht marinas there?

Yes, the harbour hosts several large marinas, particularly at Msida and Ta' Xbiex.

Do ferries operate there?

Yes, the Sliema ferry connects Sliema to Valletta in just a few minutes.

What is Manoel Island?

An island within the harbour featuring a historic fort and shipyard facilities.

Can you walk along the shore?

Yes, the promenade from Sliema to Gzira features great views across to Valletta.

Marsamxett Harbour: where is it located?

Marsamxett Harbour is located in Malta.

Marsamxett Harbour: what is there to see?

Highlights include Fort Manoel, The best Valletta view, Il-Port ta' Marsamxett.

Marsamxett Harbour: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Marsamxett Harbour: why is it worth visiting?

Marsamxett Harbour is one of Malta's primary natural deep-water inlets, located on the northern side of the Sciberras Peninsula.

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