Where to Stay in the Three Cities, Malta

Accommodation near Valletta — inside the Cottonera walls

Magdalena is located in the Cottonera — the collective name for the towns of Birgu and Bormla, enclosed within two lines of fortifications: the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines. Both were erected in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Knights of the Order of St John. They are among the most complete military fortifications in Europe, and you can walk their full circuit.

This guide is part of our complete guide to the Three Cities of Malta — Birgu, Bormla and Senglea.

Bormla — previously “Bur Mula” meaning “the higher land” — overlooks Dockyard Creek, one of the four creeks of Malta’s Grand Harbour. In 1722, Grand Master Marc Antonio Zondadari awarded Bormla city status, renaming it Città Cospicua — “the Conspicuous City.” Population today: around 6,000. Archaeological evidence suggests the area has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years. Choosing self catering accommodation near Valletta in the Three Cities means staying where Malta’s history is most tangible.

From the 16th to 18th centuries, the Knights Hospitaller’s naval and military activities drew thousands of labourers and traders. Malta’s first dockyard was established in Galley Creek in 1776. The British Royal Navy later made the Grand Harbour the headquarters of their Mediterranean Fleet — which is why many street names in Bormla are English: Scottish Alley, Irish Street, Hanover Street. The local band club and football team are both named St George’s.

Which of the Three Cities should you stay in?

All three towns share the same advantages — historic fortified settings, a ten-minute ferry to Valletta, lower prices than Sliema or St Julian’s, and a pace of life that hasn’t been reshaped for tourism. The difference comes down to atmosphere.

Birgu (Vittoriosa) — the boutique quarter

The most polished of the three, with a redeveloped waterfront of restaurants and wine bars beneath Fort St Angelo. Accommodation leans towards boutique hotels and upmarket rentals — pricier than Bormla or Senglea, but still well below Valletta.

Best for: couples who want waterfront dining on the doorstep, and history lovers.
Consider: compact, and busy on cruise-ship days; narrow streets make parking tight.

Bormla (Cospicua) — the local heart

The largest and most lived-in town, wrapped by the Cottonera Lines. No souvenir shops — just church bells, the Tuesday market, and a real Maltese community. This is where Magdalena is: a restored 19th-century townhouse on Triq Il-Gendus with original tile floors and timber beams, sleeping up to three, five minutes from the ferry.

Best for: authentic Malta at a fair price, and anyone who prefers a traditional house to a hotel room.
Consider: fewer restaurants within walking distance than Birgu (about fifteen minutes on foot) — but free, easy parking.

Senglea (Isla) — the quiet peninsula

The smallest peninsula, and the quietest. The Gardjola Gardens at its tip have one of the finest harbour views in Malta. Almost entirely residential, with few rentals and no hotels.

Best for: maximum peace and quiet, and sunset views over nightlife.
Consider: little dining or shopping in Senglea itself; about twenty minutes’ walk to Birgu’s restaurants.

So which one?

Choose Birgu for waterfront restaurants and a curated historic quarter, Senglea for sunset views and absolute quiet, and Bormla for a working Maltese town with the best transport links, the largest market, and the most space for your money. Whichever you pick, the other two are a short walk away.