Manoel IslandAbout Manoel Island
Manoel Island is a small island in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta, administratively part of the Gżira area. It is dominated by an 18th-century star-shaped fort and lies close to Malta’s central harbours.
The island’s main structure is a large fortification built by the Knights of St. John in the early 18th century, and there is a narrow bridge linking the island to the Gżira waterfront. The island also has quays and a small marina area used by local boats.
Fort Manoel was constructed as a coastal defence during the Knights’ rule and retains its characteristic bastioned plan and internal buildings; restoration work has been undertaken in recent decades to conserve the structure. The island has seen continuous maritime use linked to the harbour since the 18th century.
Manoel Island sits in Marsamxett Harbour close to Valletta and Sliema, within short boat or road distance of central Malta’s main towns and harbours.
- Fort and bridge: The fort was built in the 18th century by the Knights of St. John and occupies the island’s central position; the island is linked to Gżira by a short bridge.
What to See#
- Fort Manoel: Fort Manoel
- Marina and seafront: Marina and seafront connection
Nearby Attractions to Manoel Island
Best Time to Visit Manoel Island
Spring and autumn provide mild temperatures and comfortable sightseeing; summers are very busy and hot.
Weather & Climate near Manoel Island
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (520 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 4.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Very Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Very Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 21 mm | some cloud | 83% | 4.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 82% | 4.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.9h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 2 mm | clear | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.4h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 27° | 5 mm | clear | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.3h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 25° | 43 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 18° - 25° | 21° | 78 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to Manoel Island
Regular ferry and private launch services run from Valletta, Gżira and Sliema to Manoel Island; from Valletta’s Grand Harbour it is a short 10-20 minute boat ride. By road the island is accessible from Gżira and Sliema promenades.
Tips for Visiting Manoel Island
- Walk the island's ramparts at sunrise for the best light and solitude before boat traffic increases.
- Combine a Manoel Island visit with the nearby Sliema-Valletta ferry for an easy hop and good views of the harbour.
- Check local event listings: the fort occasionally hosts concerts or historical reenactments that change the visiting experience.
- Respect private marina areas; much of the island's shoreline is used by yachts.