Fort Campbell Selmun
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Fort Campbell Selmun, an abandoned WWII British fortification with stunning sea views and a sense of raw discovery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Fort Campbell Selmun
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Fort Campbell Selmun, an abandoned WWII British fortification with stunning sea views and a sense of raw discovery.
"It's a great place to hike to and visit. Had the place to myself which was great."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rubble require good footwear. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities. Pack essentials for your exploration. :water_buffalo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gun Turrets
Within the fort structures
Explore remnants of World War II military history, including gun turrets and magazines overlooking the sea.
Panoramic Sea Views
Overlooking the Mediterranean
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the sea, with views stretching towards Sicily and Italy on clear days.
Abandoned Barracks
Fort complex
Wander through the ruins of former British Empire army barracks, imagining life during its active years.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Safety First: Explore with Caution
Embrace the Discovery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rubble require good footwear. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities. Pack essentials for your exploration. :water_buffalo:
Consider a Helmet
For added safety due to potential falling debris. :helmetwithwhite_cross:
Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash to help preserve the site. :recycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rubble require good footwear. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities. Pack essentials for your exploration. :water_buffalo:
Consider a Helmet
For added safety due to potential falling debris. :helmetwithwhite_cross:
Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash to help preserve the site. :recycle:
Explore from Mistra Bay
A popular starting point for a scenic hike to the fort. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Fort Campbell Selmun to be a fascinating historical site offering a unique, undeveloped exploration experience with stunning sea views. However, the significant structural decay and litter present safety concerns and detract from the overall appeal for some. Restoration and better maintenance would greatly enhance its potential.
"This is a great place to hike to and visit. Started at mistra bay. This place is deserted - had the place to myself which was great. Some of the buildings are falling down, so just take a bit of care, but well worth a visit. Gun turret stands and magazines still in the buildings looking over to Sicily and Italy. Well worth the hike up!"
A K
"Very cool place.. there are buildings where people used to shoot the incoming enemy ships and where they burned things very nice to visit bc you get the feeling that you are in that time. It is also fun to explore but you must be carefull because some buildings are not really stable and could collapse so i sugestije to bring a helmet and be carefull when it comes to entering these buildings or if possible avoid some of them"
Uros Slavkovic
"Trails and narrow beaten roads provide hiking access to this area open to an undated, free roaming exploration. The fort itself is undeveloped as a tourist attraction, and is more or less in its 'natural' state - this made exploring it an especially meaningful experience -- like a true discovery it was not a paid-experience.. instead, it was a found-experience. Wandering around I was curious and Inquisitive.. looking to see what's around each corner or behind each bush. CAUTION - as an undeveloped space it has the same risks as a natural landscape such as a slippery hills, collapsed building wreckage or cave like spaces - there are holes to fall into, slopes to slide on, bushes to get tangled in, dark spaces and rubble everywhere.. To me, this further added to the authentic experience of exploring. I didn't feel as though I was being shown a recreated artifact for the low-low price of admission. Instead, there was the joy of solving the puzzles that come from exploring anything new. what is that? What did this used to be? I wonder how that happened? You start to see the evidence of history for myself - charred remains of a fire, collapsed roofs, large impact craters, crushed gates, bent bars, hastily evacuated spaces. Void rooms. Collapsed tunnels. Filled caches and wells. .. it feels like you are doing what you are doing.. authentically exploring an abandoned world war 2 fort.. with all its history - recent and distant, including the graffiti... Now I insist on you treating this place with respect, like any natural park -- pack out anything you bring in with you, and leave no trace. There are broken bottles and garbage left from decades of youth partying and leaving behind trash.. a little cleanup wouldn't hurt but certainly I hope it doesn't accumulate more trash... what is there is enough to tell you its own story. I think it needs nothing added. I only wish there was information about the site on the road up. A story to set the backdrop to the environment. When I got back I immediately googled the site looking for info and wished there was more of what's known available to read. What kind of action did it see? What spaces were used for what? When did it get built, what were the challenges, when was it decommissioned and how. What happened to the armaments? A great experience and worth the hike."
Andrew Formosa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common approach is hiking from Mistra Bay. The trails are narrow and beaten roads, offering an adventurous access. Some visitors start their exploration from outside the Selmun Palace gates.
While not explicitly mentioned, parking is likely available near Mistra Bay or Selmun Palace, but be prepared for a hike to reach the fort itself.
No, the fort is an undeveloped site and not accessible by car. Access is primarily on foot via hiking trails.
Many visitors recommend starting from Mistra Bay for a rewarding hike. The paths are natural and require sturdy footwear.
While public transport can get you to nearby areas like Mistra Bay or Selmun Palace, the final approach to the fort is on foot via hiking trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fort Campbell Selmun is an undeveloped historical site and is open for free exploration. There are no admission fees.
As an open, undeveloped site, there are no official opening or closing hours. Visitors can explore at their own pace, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety.
There is no entrance fee to explore Fort Campbell Selmun. It's a historical site open to the public for free exploration.
While there are no official hours, it's best to visit during daylight for safety reasons due to the unstable structures and terrain.
No booking is required as it's an open, undeveloped historical site. You can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore abandoned World War II British Empire army barracks, gun turrets, magazines, and enjoy panoramic sea views. It's a place for historical discovery.
Caution is advised. Many buildings are unstable and roofs can collapse. Stick to marked paths and avoid entering damaged structures. Consider wearing a helmet.
Sturdy hiking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain and rubble. Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking is recommended.
No, there are no facilities at the fort. Visitors should bring their own water, snacks, and any other necessities.
Yes, the abandoned structures and sea views offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Fort Campbell Selmun is an undeveloped historical site with no dining facilities. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
You'll need to travel to nearby towns like Mellieħa or St. Paul's Bay for restaurants and cafes.
Yes, you can have a picnic, but remember to pack out all your trash to keep the site clean.
While not directly at the fort, exploring nearby towns like St. Paul's Bay might reveal local eateries favored by residents.
The surrounding areas offer typical Maltese cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The gun turrets, abandoned barracks, and the expansive sea views offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the fort's atmosphere and the surrounding landscape.
Regulations regarding drone usage in Malta can be complex. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but be mindful of safety and respect the historical nature of the site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and structures. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site can spark imagination about military history, the lack of safety infrastructure means it might be more suitable for older children who can understand and follow safety instructions. Stick to the more open, stable areas and well-trodden paths. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities available.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The exploration of the fort itself adds an element of discovery to the hike. You can wander through the ruins, imagining its past, and enjoy the panoramic sea vistas. Be prepared for an 'undated, free roaming exploration' that feels like a genuine discovery. Remember to pack out everything you bring in to help maintain the natural beauty of the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Today, the fort stands as an abandoned testament to its past. While it offers a unique opportunity for exploration, it's crucial to remember its historical significance. The remnants of barracks, firing positions, and other structures tell a story of military life and strategic defense. Visitors can piece together the fort's history through the evidence left behind, such as charred remains and collapsed structures.
Despite its current state of disrepair, the fort provides a tangible connection to Malta's military heritage. The experience of wandering through its ruins is often described as a 'found experience,' allowing for personal discovery and reflection on the events that transpired there.
Navigating the Exploration
Safety is a paramount concern. Many of the buildings are in a state of disrepair, with unstable roofs and debris. It's strongly advised to be cautious, avoid entering severely damaged structures, and consider wearing a helmet for protection.
While the lack of facilities adds to the authentic feel, it also means visitors must come prepared. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and any other essentials. It's also important to practice 'leave no trace' principles, packing out all trash to help preserve the site for future explorers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit