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Three Cities Malta: Explore Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua

Discover the soul of Malta through its fortified gems — the Three Cities Malta.
Nestled across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, these historic towns offer a timeless journey through culture, architecture, and local life.
Our exclusive tour takes you through Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, each with its own story, view, and character.

Vittoriosa (Birgu): The Knight’s Stronghold

Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is the oldest of the Three Cities and rich in historical importance. Before Valletta existed, Birgu became the base of the Knights of St. John when they arrived in Malta in 1530. They chose it for its strategic position and transformed it into a powerful center of naval and religious command.
Fort St. Angelo, located at the tip of the city, played a crucial role during the Great Siege of 1565. As Ottoman forces tried to take the island, the fort held firm. Its success helped secure Malta’s future. Today, visitors can explore the restored fort and enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Nearby, the Inquisitor’s Palace offers a rare glimpse into religious and civil justice from centuries past. Originally built as a courthouse for the Knights, it later housed the island’s inquisitors. Now a museum, it holds stories that span hundreds of years.

Senglea (Isla): Views That Take Your Breath Away

Senglea, or L-Isla in Maltese, extends into the Grand Harbour with elegance and strength. It is the smallest of the Three Cities, but its character runs deep. Built in the 1550s and named after Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, the city was part of Malta’s expanding defense system.
During the Great Siege of 1565, Senglea faced continuous attacks. The city never surrendered. That bravery earned it the name Città Invicta — The Unconquered City.
A walk through Senglea feels like turning the pages of history. Narrow streets lead to graceful churches and houses with traditional Maltese balconies. In addition, the harborfront path reveals stunning views of Valletta’s fortified skyline.

Cospicua (Bormla): The Hidden Gem

Cospicua, or Bormla, is the largest of the Three Cities. It has deep ties to Malta’s maritime history. For generations, it was the center of shipbuilding and dock work. Families here supported the island’s naval presence in the Mediterranean.
The city is protected by two sets of massive walls: the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines. The Knights of St. John built these in the 1600s. Their purpose was to guard Malta’s main harbor and its growing urban population.
Inside the fortifications, the city unfolds slowly. Narrow alleyways pass restored stone houses, small chapels, and peaceful courtyards. The atmosphere reflects the rhythm of daily life and the strong local identity that still thrives here.
Recent improvements along the harborfront have opened new spaces to walk and relax. Older buildings now stand beside calm promenades with views across the marina. Though Cospicua has evolved, it remains rooted in tradition and history.

Explore It All with Our Exclusive Excursion

Guests of Grand Hotel Excelsior can experience the Three Cities Malta firsthand with our private South Tour. This curated half-day journey includes visits to Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, along with stops at the Tarxien Temples, Ghar Dalam, Blue Grotto, and Marsaxlokk.

If you’re seeking history beyond the guidebooks, let our team show you the Three Cities Malta in a way that’s personal, memorable, and filled with insight.

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Blue Ocean Bar: Where Jazz Meets Sea

It started with a vision—to turn one of Malta’s most iconic waterfront locations into something unforgettable.

With full support from our management team, we proudly reopened Blue Ocean Bar after months of dedicated planning and design. Every detail reflects our commitment to delivering more than just a beautiful space. Instead, we’ve built something soulful. Something alive.

Located at the edge of Marsamxett Harbour, Blue Ocean Bar has long drawn guests with its golden sunsets, peaceful sea breeze, and views of Fort Manoel. However, this summer marks a new beginning.

Inspired by the rhythm and flavour of New Orleans, the bar now offers a sensory experience unlike any other in Malta. What was once a quiet cocktail stop is now a vibrant venue—alive with jazz, full of flavour, and made for slow, meaningful evenings.

The transformation included a full redesign of both indoor and outdoor spaces. New ambient lighting, refined seating, and rich textures create a setting that feels warm and timeless. As a result, every evening becomes a celebration.

Starting June 23rd, guests can enjoy live jazz music every evening at Blue Ocean Bar. As the sun sets over Marsamxett Harbour, the atmosphere fills with soulful sound—from the smooth vocals of Desi Campbell and Sandro Cassar, to the rich melodies of Paul Giordimania and the vibrant energy of Angela’s jazz trio and full band.
Paired with expertly crafted cocktails and flavourful bar bites, every night offers a complete sensory experience, where music, taste, and setting come together in perfect harmony.

This isn’t just a reopening. It’s a shift in spirit. A celebration of sound, sea, and soulful connection.

So come. Rediscover Blue Ocean Bar—where New Orleans meets the Mediterranean, and every evening begins with a view.

For enquiries or reservations, please contact the Food & Beverage Team at +356 21250520 or fb@excelsior.com.mt.

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Valletta by Candlelight: A Night of Culture, History, and Art

This June, Valletta will glow with something truly special. For the first time ever, Museums by Candlelight Valletta transforms Malta’s capital into a candlelit stage of heritage, art, and live performance. On Saturday, 21st June, from 7:00 PM to midnight, five iconic sites will open their doors for an unforgettable night of discovery.

For just €5, you gain access to all five locations—each illuminated by hundreds of candles and brought to life with music, theatre, and ambience.

Explore Valletta’s Treasured Landmarks

Start your journey at the National Museum of Archaeology, set inside the elegant Auberge de Provence. The museum offers a deep dive into Malta’s ancient roots, featuring artefacts such as the Sleeping Lady, Venus of Malta, and the majestic Gran Salon.

Next, visit the Grand Master’s Palace, a commanding symbol of Maltese history and power for over 450 years. This special night includes the first-ever public unveiling of the restored state carriage—a highlight not to be missed.

Continue on to MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum, housed in the Auberge d’Italie. Spanning six centuries of creativity, MUŻA’s collection blends silverware, painting, sculpture, and antique furnishings—all shaped by Malta’s Mediterranean influences.

Then, step into St John’s Co-Cathedral, transformed by candlelight into a Baroque wonder. Admire its intricate marble floors, Preti’s painted ceilings, and Caravaggio’s only signed masterpiece, The Beheading of St John the Baptist.

End the evening at the Church of St Catherine of Italy. Designed by Girolamo Cassar, this architectural gem is opening to the public for the very first time. It’s the last remaining Hospitaller church still connected to its original auberge.

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for Museums by Candlelight Valletta can be purchased online or at the door. The €5 donation covers all venues and applies to everyone—students, seniors, and Heritage Malta members included.

This is a rare opportunity to see Valletta’s most treasured sites as you’ve never seen them before. Step into the past. Let candlelight guide your way.

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Embrace the Festivities of the Maltese Carnival

The Malta Carnival remains a lively time-honoured spectacle that locals have embraced for almost five centuries, proving that costumes, cake, and a bit of mischief are a winning formula for the Maltese. In 2025, these festivities will run from February 28th through March 4th, delivering five days of rollicking parades, dazzling costumes, and vibrant street shenanigans that will give you plenty to write home about.

 

Head to Valletta for the Biggest Festivities

Valletta’s historic streets transform into a carnival playground, awash with colourful floats, energetic marching bands, and fabulously over-the-top outfits. You’ll see satirical themes woven into the displays—trust the Maltese to poke fun at just about anything. As you wander through the capital, do keep your camera ready for hilarious moments and outlandish get-ups.

 

 

Don’t Miss These Quirky Must-Sees

Don’t miss “Il-Parata,” a centuries-old sword dance dating back to the Knights’ era. Then there’s “Il-Qarċilla,” a mock wedding that keeps everyone giggling with its slapstick twists and playful banter. If you’re someone who lives for random belly laughs, you’ll be in your element.

 

Why Nadur Should Be on Your List

While Valletta delivers organised glamour, Nadur in Gozo steals the show with its off-the-cuff revelry. Here, carnival-goers sport grotesque masks and darkly comic costumes, giving the whole town a deliciously eerie vibe. It’s a far cry from the polished parades—think cheeky mischief rather than choreographed performances.

 

Treat Yourself to Maltese Carnival Delicacies

Expect Food stalls to tempt you with “Prinjolata,” a creamy dome of sponge cake, biscuits, almonds, and tangy fruit, crowned with cherries. Meanwhile, pastel-coloured “Perlini” (sugared almonds) get tossed from floats, so keep your eyes peeled for free sweets (and flying projectiles).

 

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be navigating winding streets and bustling carnival routes all day long. On the bright side, all that walking might just help burn off the Prinjolata and Perlini you couldn’t resist!

 

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Malta Weddings: Celebrate Love at the Grand Hotel Excelsior

Imagine a wedding set against the backdrop of Malta’s azure seas and golden sunsets—this is what the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta offers. Renowned for its romantic ambiance and excellent service, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is the perfect venue for your dream wedding in Malta.

A Romantic Venue with Breathtaking Views:

Set in the heart of Valletta, the Grand Hotel Excelsior presents a stunning venue that blends historical elegance with modern luxury. Picture your ceremony on the Bastion Terrace, where you can exchange vows with panoramic views of Marsamxett Harbour and the age-old fortifications of Valletta—a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tailored Wedding Experiences:

At the Grand Hotel Excelsior, each wedding is a bespoke affair. Whether you desire a lavish celebration in the Grand Ballroom or a more intimate gathering, our dedicated wedding planners are committed to personalizing your day to reflect your unique style and preferences.

Gourmet Culinary Offerings:

Delight in a wedding menu crafted by our skilled chefs who fuse traditional Maltese flavors with contemporary cuisine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Each dish is prepared with the finest local ingredients, ensuring a feast that is as memorable as the day itself.

Explore Malta’s Charms:

Encourage your guests to discover the beauty of Malta beyond the wedding festivities. From exploring the historic streets of Valletta to relaxing on picturesque beaches, Malta offers a variety of activities that will enhance their experience. For the newlyweds, start your journey in one of our luxurious suites, where romance and comfort are intertwined for an idyllic start to your new life together.

Start Planning Today:

Your wedding at the Grand Hotel Excelsior promises to be a magical day filled with love, joy, and beautiful memories. Reach out to our wedding team to begin crafting your perfect day in one of the most enchanting wedding destinations in the Mediterranean.

Celebrate your love at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, where every wedding detail is handled with care, ensuring a celebration that mirrors the depth of your commitment to each other. With its splendid settings, custom experiences, and heartfelt hospitality, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is not just a venue, but a cornerstone for beginning your life together.

 

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Where Indulgence Meets Mediterranean Elegance
Embrace the Festivities of the Maltese CarnivalValletta by Candlelight: A Night of Culture, History, and Art