Cospicua (Bormla) waterfront - Image 1
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Cospicua Waterfront

4.9
·57 reviews·Cospicua, Malta

A tranquil waterfront promenade in Malta's historic Three Cities, blending WWII dry docks with scenic harbor views and relaxed dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy the serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Cospicua (Bormla) waterfront - Image 1

Cospicua Waterfront

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy the serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil waterfront promenade in Malta's historic Three Cities, blending WWII dry docks with scenic harbor views and relaxed dining.

4.9
(57 reviews)

"Quite a beautiful area with many restaurants and bars along the waterfront. Very quiet and peaceful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚎 Bus or Ferry?

Both bus #1/2 from Valletta and the ferry are great options. The ferry offers scenic views!

🚶‍♀️ Explore Birgu Too

Many beautiful photos are taken in Birgu, so don't miss exploring it after your waterfront visit.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

WWII Dry Dock Transformation

WWII Dry Dock Transformation

Cospicua Waterfront

A historic WWII dry dock now a scenic waterfront with a modern bridge. A testament to Malta's past and present.

Charming Waterfront Promenade

Charming Waterfront Promenade

Cospicua Waterfront

Stroll along the water, lined with restaurants and bars, offering a peaceful ambiance reminiscent of French riverside towns.

Modern Bridge Views

Modern Bridge Views

Cospicua Waterfront

Admire the contemporary bridge that spans part of the waterfront, offering unique photographic opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Bus vs. Ferry

While buses #1 and #2 from Valletta are convenient, consider the ferry for scenic views. Redditors suggest the ferry offers a different perspective of the Three Cities, making the journey part of the experience. Reddit

Embrace the Pace

Cospicua Waterfront offers a tranquil escape from the usual tourist hustle. It's a place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the local atmosphere, rather than a destination for bustling nightlife. Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy the serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Dine with waterfront views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Questions about living in Cospicua, Malta

🚎 Bus or Ferry?

Both bus #1/2 from Valletta and the ferry are great options. The ferry offers scenic views! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Birgu Too

Many beautiful photos are taken in Birgu, so don't miss exploring it after your waterfront visit. Reddit

😌 Relax and Unwind

This is a peaceful spot. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon by the water. Reddit

📸 Scenic Photo Ops

Capture the blend of historic dry docks and modern architecture. Great for photography! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚎 Bus or Ferry?

Both bus #1/2 from Valletta and the ferry are great options. The ferry offers scenic views! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Birgu Too

Many beautiful photos are taken in Birgu, so don't miss exploring it after your waterfront visit. Reddit

😌 Relax and Unwind

This is a peaceful spot. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon by the water. Reddit

📸 Scenic Photo Ops

Capture the blend of historic dry docks and modern architecture. Great for photography! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(57 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cospicua Waterfront for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, offering a tranquil escape from busier tourist spots. The transformation of the historic dry docks into a pleasant promenade is a highlight, with many enjoying the waterfront dining and relaxed ambiance. Some note it's less touristy, which is a positive for those seeking authenticity.

"My partner and I took the #2 bus from Valletta, (the #1 takes you there as well) and we got off the bus at the Bormla stop and walked around the waterfront area. Quite a beautiful area with many restaurants and bars along the waterfront.

Very quiet and peaceful area, not many tourist near that area of the Three Cities.

Worth the bus or ferry ride."

Jamie Wojciechowski

"I learned about this place after watching a youtuber posted this place. We went here first by bus. The 2nd time by boat from Valetta. We walked inside Birgu. Most of the pictures here were taken in Birgu."

Travellingisagift

"There is no doubt that the charming scenery makes you feel like traveling in France. You can spend the whole afternoon sitting by the river. Super recommend!"

Vienna

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Scenic waterfront views
Historic dry docks

What People Dislike

Can be very quiet

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Cospicua Waterfront from Valletta via bus routes #1 or #2, getting off at the Bormla stop. Alternatively, a scenic ferry ride from Valletta offers beautiful views of the harbor and the Three Cities. Reddit

Yes, Cospicua Waterfront is well-served by public transport. Buses from Valletta are frequent, and ferry services provide a pleasant alternative. Reddit

While walking is possible, especially within Birgu, using the local ferry service or buses can be more efficient for traveling between Cospicua and other areas like Birgu and Senglea. Reddit

Parking can be limited in the historic areas. It's generally recommended to use public transport like buses or ferries to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, you can walk between the Three Cities, but it can be quite a distance. The waterfront promenade connects Cospicua to areas like Birgu, offering a pleasant walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Cospicua Waterfront is a public area, so there is no entrance fee to walk along the promenade or enjoy the views. Reddit

As a public waterfront, it is accessible at all times. Restaurants and bars along the promenade will have their own operating hours. Reddit

While not always necessary, booking a table at popular restaurants, especially during peak evening hours, is advisable to secure a spot. Reddit

While dedicated tours for just the waterfront might be rare, many tours of the Three Cities include this area. You can also explore independently. Reddit

The dry docks themselves are operational or repurposed. While you can see them from the waterfront, access to the historical structures may be limited or part of specific historical tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the promenade, dine at waterfront restaurants, admire the historic dry docks, and take in the scenic views of the Grand Harbour. It's a great spot for relaxation. Reddit

Compared to Valletta, Cospicua Waterfront is generally much quieter and less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

You'll find a variety of restaurants and bars along the waterfront, offering local Maltese cuisine and international options. Reddit

Absolutely! The charming scenery, waterfront dining, and peaceful ambiance make it a perfect spot for a romantic evening. Reddit

The modern bridge, the historic dry docks, and the reflections on the water are excellent photo opportunities. The views across the harbor are also stunning. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Evenings provide a lovely ambiance with lights reflecting on the water. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide waterfront scenes and details of the dry docks. A tripod can be useful for evening shots. Reddit

The juxtaposition of the historic WWII dry docks with the modern bridge, along with the boats in the harbor, offers unique photographic subjects. Reddit

Drone regulations in Malta can be strict. It's essential to check current aviation authority rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Reddit

Experiment with different angles from the promenade. Shots that include the modern bridge in the background can create an interesting contrast. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cospicua Waterfront offers a relaxed environment for families. The open promenade is great for kids to walk around, and the presence of benches provides spots for parents to rest. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views can be engaging for children. Consider combining a visit with a short ferry ride, which is often an exciting experience for younger ones. Reddit

Pack some snacks and drinks, as the focus here is more on enjoying the scenery and a meal rather than extensive kid-centric activities. The nearby areas of the Three Cities also offer historical insights that can be simplified for older children to appreciate. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Cospicua Waterfront is an excellent choice for budget travelers. Accessing it via public bus from Valletta is very affordable. While dining at the waterfront restaurants can vary in price, you can opt for more casual eateries or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll and the views without spending much. Reddit

Consider packing your own picnic to enjoy by the water, or look for local pastizzi shops nearby for a very inexpensive and authentic Maltese snack. The main attraction – the waterfront itself – is free to enjoy. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Three Cities: A Historical Journey

Cospicua, along with its sister cities Birgu (Vittoriosa) and Senglea (Isla), forms the historic 'Three Cities' of Malta. These fortified cities have played a pivotal role in Malta's defense, most notably during the Great Siege of 1565 and World War II. The waterfront in Cospicua showcases this rich history, with the prominent WWII dry docks serving as a stark reminder of its strategic importance. Reddit

Visitors can spend hours wandering through the narrow streets of the adjacent Birgu, discovering ancient churches, palaces, and museums. The maritime heritage is palpable, and the recent revitalization of the Cospicua waterfront has beautifully blended its industrial past with modern leisure facilities. It's a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into Malta's resilient spirit. Reddit

Waterfront Dining and Ambiance

The Cospicua Waterfront is lined with a charming selection of restaurants and bars, offering a delightful dining experience with picturesque views of the Grand Harbour. Whether you're seeking traditional Maltese cuisine or international flavors, there's something to satisfy every palate. The atmosphere here is notably more relaxed and less commercialized than in some of Malta's busier tourist hubs, making it an ideal spot for a tranquil meal or a leisurely drink. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the peaceful ambiance, perfect for enjoying a sunset dinner or a quiet afternoon coffee. The gentle lapping of waves and the gentle breeze create a serene backdrop, enhancing the overall dining experience. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and savor the moment, away from the hustle and bustle. Reddit

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