What is the best walking tour Valletta offers for views?

The 'Garden Terraces and Harbour Horizons' walk is widely considered the best for vistas. It covers both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, providing 360-degree views of the island's coastline from the city's highest fortifications.

How long does it take to walk around Valletta's gardens?

A leisurely stroll through the main gardens typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The distance between the Lower Barrakka and Hastings Gardens is approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) if you follow the fortification walls.

Are the gardens in Valletta free to visit?

Yes, all the public gardens in Valletta, including Upper and Lower Barrakka and Hastings Gardens, are free of charge. They are maintained by the state and open to the public daily from early morning until late evening.

Can I see the Three Cities from this walk?

Absolutely. The Upper Barrakka Gardens provide the most famous panoramic view of the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) across the Grand Harbour. You can see their forts and churches clearly from the terrace.

What time is the cannon fired in Valletta?

The Saluting Battery typically fires its cannons twice daily, at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. It is a popular event, so if you wish to see it from the Upper Barrakka balcony, arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Is this route suitable for strollers?

Yes, the route is mostly stroller-friendly. While there are some steps in Valletta, the main paths connecting these gardens can be navigated using ramps or by following the main road level (Triq il-Repubblika or Triq il-Lvant).

Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Valletta?

Hastings Gardens is the premier spot for sunset. Unlike the Barrakka gardens which face East/South-East, Hastings faces West over Floriana and Marsamxett Harbour, making it ideal for evening light.

Garden Terraces and Harbour Horizons | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Valletta is a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen, but it is the city’s green lungs and fortified terraces that offer the most spectacular perspective on this Mediterranean gem. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the perimeter of Malta’s capital, where limestone bastions meet lush horticultural escapes. As you follow this walking route, you will experience the dramatic contrast between the massive military architecture of the Knights of St. John and the serene, flower-filled gardens that now crown these ancient defenses. The journey provides unparalleled views of the Grand Harbour, often cited as one of the most beautiful deep-water ports in the world. Beginning at the tranquil Lower Barrakka Gardens, you will discover a neoclassical temple nestled among Mediterranean flora, overlooking the Siege Bell War Memorial. The path then leads you along the harbor’s edge, passing the historic Liesse Steps, where the city’s maritime soul truly comes alive. A highlight of this neighborhood stroll is the Saluting Battery, where centuries of naval tradition are preserved against a backdrop of the Three Cities across the water. You will then ascend to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the city's most iconic viewpoint, offering a panoramic sweep that has captivated travelers for generations. The final leg of this audio walk takes you through the lesser-known Herbert Ganado Gardens and concludes at Hastings Gardens on the opposite side of the peninsula. Here, the view shifts to the Marsamxett Harbour and the modern skyline of Sliema, providing a complete 360-degree understanding of Valletta’s strategic geography. This nature and viewpoint-themed route is perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking to escape the bustling main streets of Republic and Merchant Street. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this walking tour Valletta experience offers a peaceful way to absorb the city’s grandeur at your own pace.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Panoramic views of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
The neoclassical Monument to Sir Alexander Ball in Lower Barrakka
The historic daily cannon fire at the Saluting Battery
Hidden pathways and quiet retreats in Herbert Ganado Gardens
Stunning sunset vistas over Marsamxett Harbour from Hastings Gardens
The architectural grandeur of the Knights of St. John's fortifications

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Lower Barrakka Gardens

Welcome to the Lower Barrakka Gardens, a peaceful enclave perched atop the St. Christopher's Bastion. Unlike the more crowded Upper Barrakka, this garden offers a reflective atmosphere. At its center stands a monument resembling a Greek temple, dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, the British Admiral who led the Maltese against the French in the late 18th century. From the terrace, you have a prime view of the Siege Bell War Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the Second Siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943. Take a moment to breathe in the scent of hibiscus and oleander while watching the massive cruise ships and traditional luzzu boats navigate the mouth of the Grand Harbour below.

2

Liesse Steps Viewpoint

As you walk toward the heart of the harbor front, you encounter the Liesse Steps. This area is steeped in maritime history and takes its name from the nearby Church of Our Lady of Liesse. These steps have for centuries been the gateway for sailors and merchants arriving in Valletta. Looking down toward the water, you can see the old customs house and the waterfront warehouses that once stored the riches of the Mediterranean. This viewpoint captures the 'working' side of the harbor, where the limestone walls seem to rise directly from the sea, showcasing the incredible engineering of the Knights of St. John who carved this city out of solid rock.

3

The Saluting Battery

Positioned directly below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Saluting Battery is perhaps the oldest saluting battery still in operation in the world. For over 500 years, these cannons protected the harbor from naval assault. In times of peace, they were used to fire signals to regulate the pace of life in the city and to greet visiting dignitaries. If you time your visit for midday, you might witness the traditional firing of the noon day gun. The precision of the battery against the vast blue of the harbor serves as a powerful reminder of Valletta's history as a formidable fortress city.

4

Upper Barrakka Gardens

You are now at the highest point of the city walls: the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Originally created as a private exercise ground for the Knights of the Italian Langue in 1661, these gardens were opened to the public in 1800. The tiered arches provide a framing effect for what is arguably the best view in Malta. Across the water, you can see the 'Three Cities'—Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—which predated Valletta as the home of the Knights. Look for the bronze statue group known as 'Les Gavroches' by Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino, which adds a touch of artistic poignancy to this grand limestone terrace.

5

Herbert Ganado Gardens

Leaving the main tourist path, we arrive at the Herbert Ganado Gardens. This spot is a local favorite for its relative solitude. Named after the famed Maltese lawyer and author, the garden offers a unique southern perspective of the Grand Harbour and the town of Floriana. From here, you can see the deep fosses and ditches that were dug to protect the landward side of Valletta. It is an excellent place to observe the geometric precision of the city's bastions. The garden's lush greenery provides a soft contrast to the stark, sun-bleached stone of the surrounding fortifications.

6

Hastings Gardens

Our final stop is Hastings Gardens, located on St. John's and St. Michael's Bastions. This garden is unique because it faces inward toward Marsamxett Harbour rather than the Grand Harbour. It is named after Lord Hastings, a former British Governor of Malta who is buried here in a neoclassical monument. From this vantage point, you can look across the water to the yacht marinas of Ta' Xbiex and the bustling skyline of Sliema. It is the perfect place to conclude your stroll, especially as the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Valletta is very walkable, and this specific route follows the flatter perimeter bastions. While the city center has some steep hills, the garden-to-garden path is relatively level and offers plenty of benches for resting.