Valletta Waterfront and Grand Harbour (Il-Port il-Kbir) are two of the most notable landmarks for people arriving at Maltese island directly from Mediterranean, they welcome millions of cruise passengers every year with a quantity of excellent services.
Valletta Waterfront, also known as Pinto's Wharf, is a very versatile center, a multi-purpose area and one of the most frequented meeting points of Valletta due to its extraordinary offer including high quality entertainment, a complete mix of retail, dining, leisure experiences and shopping, festivities and outdoor themed events all year round and much more...a dream destination become increasingly popular over the years for tourists and locals. Its origins date back to the 18th century, when was commissioned by the Knights of St. John's Grand Master Manuel Pinto de Fonseca as a simple pier and place where merchants used to unload their wares, once renovated, the old warehouses of this Baroque masterpiece were replaced with a leisure complex for locals and million cruise passengers as well as a famous cruise and ferry terminal also providing efficient and affordable transport services within the Grand Harbour and neighbouring areas; Valletta Waterfront is certainly worth a visit, whether we're looking for luxurious restaurants, events or simply a moment for a walk along the promenade, Valletta Waterfront has it all, either day or night a simple stroll while admiring all breathtaking panoramic views around, including a lovely view of Senglea (o L-Isla), can turn into a marvelous experience!
Also known as Isla, this stunning city, one of the heaviest fortified cities of Malta, belongs to Three Cities (or Cottonera Lines) also including Cospicua (Bormla) and Vittoriosa (Birgu), rightly claimed to be the cradle of Maltese history. Although its smaller dimensions, it boasts a rich historic heritage, many buildings and massive bastions and fortifications, which give spectacular views on the Grand Harbour, were built during the age of the Knights of St. John, Senglea is also nicknamed 'Civitas Invicta' as unconquered during the Ottoman invasion at the Great Siege of 1565, however it was mostly destroyed by bombings during the WWII and suffered heavy losses including rare architectural masterpieces dating back to its first construction in the 16th century; originally a small island later partially connected to the mainland for strategic reasons by the Knights Hospitaller (the Maltese name 'Isla' derives from the Italian 'isola', island) it protrudes with its oldest part into the Grand Harbour and is still enclosed by massive fortifications guarding the harbour and the opposite side where the capital Valletta (Il-Belt Valletta) is located as they did a longtime ago.
There are a variety of activities and events taking place in Senglea throughout the year as well as tourist attractions all worth a visit, most of them still a reminder of its glorious past, through a simple stroll it is possible to reach them, just a few words to mention the most important must-sees: the look-out garden (Gnien il-Gardjola) and the stone vedette where one can enjoy a blend of history and the Mediterranean, a variety of architectural buildings in British style, Senglea Point with its magnificent views of Valletta and Grand Harbour, narrow streets still holding a number of ancient buildings, religious treasures such as the miraculous statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer (Ir-Redentur ta `l-Isla) situated in the Basilica dedicated to The Birth of the Virgin Mary or the statue Madonna of the Middle (il-Madonna Tan-Nofs), originally placed in the main road as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin for protecting Senglea from the 1813 plague; moreover a stroll along the nearby Vittoriosa's promenade will offer magnificent views of Senglea, among the most beautiful in the world. We can't forget to mention the famous boatyard, enlarged and developed by British, it has become increasingly important over the years for its role in the economic growth of the city, it sees thousands of cruise passengers embarking and disembarking every day and offers all types of services and works to make more comfortable the stay of the big cruise ships, a real attraction for tourists and locals.
Comments
Mmm, not exactly the 'rule of thirds' on the framing of this shot. Not been on this cam for ages, deffo needs a tweak to have more of the view of the harbour as opposed to the acres of concrete pavement slabs.....
MSC Grandiosa doing a U turn on a sixpence before tying up without tug support. Experienced pilotage well done.
hopefully we will board a ship here in July...we visited here about 3 tears ago and wished it was longer.
This year it is an we visit three times in 14 days, but probably on ship-organised trips to stay in line with covid rules? Malta is on my bucket list for retirement holidays out of the high season, i want to see the classic British cars from the 70's that have not suffered from rusting to death in their weather.
Japanese reefer Goutamaru unloading tons of tuna into containers, for Japan maybe?
I really don't enjoy seeing so much of the sidewalk. I would rather the camera concentrate on the harbor and the boats. I am really happy it's back but they really need to adjust the angle.
Not liking this webcam at all. I don't see the point of it. I guess I won't be watching it very often:-(
This camera i no longer giving a pleasant view - in fact it actually hurt my eyes
Costa Firenza arriving
There is a new underwater webcam from the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra now live on Skyline.
Is it just me, or is the superwide angle of this camera spoiling the view for everyone else as well?
9/24/2020 09:36
I see the floating 'petri dishes' are back.
Roughly 30 coaches dropping off people who have been on excursions, the coaches have been blocking the traffic as there’s only space for 2 of them in the lay-by area!
Grandiosa on her way to Genoa to arrive on Sunday. No stopping on the way. Has much reduced passenger numbers.
Hi JCC
There are unlikely to be any taxis, as those disembarking will not be allowed to explore on their own. Instead, they will visit places as part of groups organised by MSC.
MSC Grandiosa from Genoa. Hardly any disembarking. Taxi rank empty. Not back to the old days yet.
Hi George the problem we have is that the nearest airport will be Leeds Bradford which adds time and more expence with car parking. Here I can walk up the street get on a metro with one change and off the other end and walk into the airport.