Manoel Island
Island Small Maltese island featuring 18th-century Fort Manoel
Manoel Island lies in Marsamxett Harbour near Gżira and hosts Fort Manoel, yacht moorings and waterfront cafés. Visitors explore the 18th‑century fort, sail the harbour and walk the coastal promenade.
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
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.
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.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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