Dghajsa Tour of the Grand Harbour

The Grand Harbour is, well, grand and, in good weather at least, I find getting out on its waters irresistible. The traditional way to do it is in a little dghajsa, a small open harbour boat, traditionally rowed standing up (Venetian-style), but now aided by a motor. There were once hundreds of these little boats ferrying people to and from their larger ships. Now there are only a few left but they will pick you up from Valletta or Vittoriosa Waterfront (in the Three Cities) and take you on a half hour tour of the harbour and all its creeks. This is a great way to get a real sense of the magnitude of the Valletta fortifications as well as the value of the Grand Harbour and its hidden creeks to any Mediterranean maritime power. And if the sun is shining, it is just a delightful ride.

Several small companies run these boats. I have found this one to be efficient and reliable: A&S Water Taxis, +356 21 806 921, www.maltesewatertaxis.com, or drop into the kiosk on the Vittoriosa Waterfront.