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Malta is strategically positioned in the centre of the Mediterranean offering endless possibilities for Eastern and Western itineraries.

Step off the ship immediately onto the neighbouring Valletta Waterfront, an award-winning and favourite landmark on the Island of Malta. There are nineteen beautifully restored 18th century warehouses and bastions, built during the late Baroque period.

Malta's convenient size makes everything witin close proximity. Whether for homeporting or turnaround operations, Valletta Cruise Port is just minutes away from Malta International Airport.

Valletta Cruise Port Vault 1, Upper Floor, Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront, Floriana FRN 1913, Malta

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Best Things to Do in Valletta, Malta on Cruise Day in Port

What are the best cruise excursions to do in Valletta, Malta, with only one day in port? Here are our recommendations to make the most of your cruise day in Valletta, starting in this ancient and fascinating cruise port in the western Mediterranean . 

Best Things to Do in Valletta, Malta

In This Post...

Getting Around in Valletta

Valletta, the capital of the small independent island of Malta, is one of three islands in the Maltese Archipelago. It is located in the western Mediterranean, 52 miles south of Sicily. Your ship docks fairly close to the old walled city. Even though it’s a short walk (about 20 minutes), keep in mind that Malta was inhabited over 5,000 years ago.

English is commonly spoken in Malta, mainly because it was a British colony from 1813 until the end of World War II. Italian is also commonly spoken because of the island’s proximity to Italy, and Catholicism is the major religion.

The currency in Malta is the Euro, and yes, shopping in Valletta is excellent and pricey. 

Life on Malta dates back over 5,000 years to around 3000 BCE. Ancient temple ruins dot the island and may be seen from some of the roads. Shore excursions can take you around the island to view many of these megalithic sights as well as include a visit to Mdina, the historic Old Town of Malta.

Many of the sidewalks are ancient cobblestone, stairways aren’t always level, and even the main shopping area has somewhat uneven terrain. When you visit Valletta, you might want to arrange for a taxi from your ship or take one of the colorful horse and buggy rides to the interior.

Another walled city over 3,000 years old, you’ll want to pay a visit to Mdina Cathedral . The cathedral and cathedral museum house a collection of oil paintings and frescoes, woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer, and beautiful inlaid marble floors.

One of the best things to do back in Valletta, Malta, especially for art enthusiasts, is to head over to St. John’s Co-Cathedral in the center of town. Inside this cathedral is a small museum with several works by Caravaggio. Many of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Malta are buried in this very important cathedral.

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Shopping in Valletta, Malta

Shoppers will find delicately woven Maltese lace, blown glass, and even brass door knockers throughout the island. Silver filigree jewelry and locally made pottery are also popular among tourists. The central shopping area in Valletta is located inside the walls, along Republic and Merchant Streets.

Many of the shops close between 1 pm – 4 pm and reopen until 7 pm. If you’re on a morning shore excursion, you may not have a lot of time to shop.

Where to Eat and Drink in Valletta, Malta

Once again, because of the island’s proximity to Sicily, Italian fare rules the roost. Local specialties include bragioli—spicy beef and olive rolls—and rabbit stew.

Tourists tend to favor traditional pizza and pasta choices but shouldn’t miss a taste of the locally produced cheese, Gbejniet, usually served in soup. Lampuki Pie (fish pie) and Kapunata, (Maltese ratatouille) are also good lunch choices.

If you decide to walk back to the ship, waterfront cafés dot the promenade and make for a nice finish to your day. Taxis are also available for the short distance back to the ship. Be sure to have Euros with you in case the taxi does not accept credit cards. A 10% tip for taxi rides and restaurant servers is standard.

Places to See in Valletta, Malta

St. john’s co-cathedral- valletta, malta.

Also called the Church of the Knights of the Order of St. John, St. John’s Co-Cathedral is located on St. John Street. Completed in 1577 and dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the cathedral is one of the most significant buildings on the island.

An excellent way to see Valletta, Malta, and the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is on a city walking tour with the Cathedral included. We did it, and it was incredible.

The interior was decorated in the “new” Baroque style, ornate and similar to the palaces in Europe. St. John’s is the owner of the largest collection and the most important work by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, on display in the Caravaggio Centre.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of what was once the private gardens of the Italian Knights. Overlooking the Grand Harbour, you can view the fortress towns of Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittorosa.

National Museum  of Fine Arts

Located downtown, this museum is housed in an 18th-century palace. Inside, you’ll find possessions of the Order of St John, including furniture, sculptures, and the world-renowned artworks of Carpaccio, Michelino, and Tintoretto. Local Maltese artists also have their works on display.

When you’re walking through the Old Town in Valletta, remember to pay attention to the architecture.

The short walk to the ship can seem like miles at the end of the day, especially in summer. Treat yourself to a horse and buggy ride back to the ship.

Whether you choose your cruise shore excursion to tour the island or spend the day on your own in the Old Town, a cruise visit to Valletta, Malta, takes you to one of the most unique ports of call in Europe .

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Hi Angus, Lucky you…on both counts…Viking Sun AND a visit to Valletta! Have a wonderful cruise. It sounds like you’ve been there before.

We’ll be there in April on Viking Sun. Beautiful city.

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Princess Cruises Announces Revised 2025 World Cruise Itineraries

Uncertainties in the red sea and surrounding region prompts rerouting of global voyages.

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (April 30, 2024)  – Given the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and following extensive consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Princess Cruises is revising the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, which will no longer visit the Middle East or Asia, and now instead, will offer new port stops in Africa and Europe.   

“A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration with guidance from global security experts and government authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. “These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean.” 

Island Princess World Cruise 

Sailing from North America on Island Princess, the 116-day World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from both Ft. Lauderdale, embarking January 5, 2025, and Los Angeles on January 20, 2025, and ends in Los Angeles on May 17, 2025. This destination dreamers delight will traverse over 36,700 nautical miles, visiting 46 destinations in 24 countries and six continents. The voyage includes visits to historic Bar, Montenegro and Taranto, Italy, along with inaugural World Cruise calls to the idyllic Greek Island of Patmos and to Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.  

The revised World Cruise itinerary, from February 16-April 9, departs Sydney and will travel to Melbourne and Perth, then on to South Africa. From there, the cruise resumes the scheduled itinerary starting in Valletta, Malta on April 9.  

Following is the amended portion of the voyage:  

Those guests scheduled to originally depart or join the cruise from Dubai on March 14, 2025, will now embark or disembark four days earlier on March 9, in Cape Town, South Africa. Booked guests disembarking in Cape Town will be refunded the amount equivalent to four days of the cruise fare and those joining earlier will not incur an added cost to their cruise fare. All these guests will also receive a $300 onboard credit as a gesture of good will.  

Crown Princess World Cruise 

Departing from Down Under, Crown Princess - the largest ship to ever host a World Cruise - is scheduled to depart Auckland May 31, 2025; and Sydney June 4, 2025; and sail on a 113-day adventure visiting 42 destinations in 22 countries, across five continents. This cruise will also bypass the Red Sea and surrounding region, including the transit of the Suez Canal. The ship will travel via Africa instead of the Red Sea and Asia itinerary. The fully revised itinerary is currently being finalized and will be communicated shortly.   

More information about World Cruise itineraries, plus shorter World Cruise segment options can be found at  http://www.princess.com/worldcruise . 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .  

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About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

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Princess Cruises Announces Revised 2025 World Cruise Itineraries

PR Newswire

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., April 30, 2024

Uncertainties in the Red Sea and Surrounding Region Prompts Rerouting of Global Voyages

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Given the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and following extensive consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Princess Cruises is revising the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, which will no longer visit the Middle East or Asia, and now instead, will offer new port stops in Africa and Europe. 

"A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration with guidance from global security experts and government authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. "These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean."

Island Princess World Cruise Sailing from North America on Island Princess, the 116-day World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from both Ft. Lauderdale, embarking January 5, 2025, and Los Angeles on January 20, 2025, and ends in Los Angeles on May 17, 2025. This destination dreamers delight will traverse over 36,700 nautical miles, visiting 46 destinations in 24 countries and six continents. The voyage includes visits to historic Bar, Montenegro and Taranto, Italy, along with inaugural World Cruise calls to the idyllic Greek Island of Patmos and to Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.

The revised World Cruise itinerary, from February 16-April 9, departs Sydney and will travel to Melbourne and Perth, then on to South Africa. From there, the cruise resumes the scheduled itinerary starting in Valletta, Malta on April 9.

Following is the amended portion of the voyage:

Those guests scheduled to originally depart or join the cruise from Dubai on March 14, 2025, will now embark or disembark four days earlier on March 9, in Cape Town, South Africa. Booked guests disembarking in Cape Town will be refunded the amount equivalent to four days of the cruise fare and those joining earlier will not incur an added cost to their cruise fare. All these guests will also receive a $300 onboard credit as a gesture of good will.

Crown Princess World Cruise Departing from Down Under, Crown Princess - the largest ship to ever host a World Cruise - is scheduled to depart Auckland May 31, 2025; and Sydney June 4, 2025; and sail on a 113-day adventure visiting 42 destinations in 22 countries, across five continents. This cruise will also bypass the Red Sea and surrounding region, including the transit of the Suez Canal. The ship will travel via Africa instead of the Red Sea and Asia itinerary. The fully revised itinerary is currently being finalized and will be communicated shortly. 

More information about World Cruise itineraries, plus shorter World Cruise segment options can be found at  http://www.princess.com/worldcruise .

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

SOURCE Princess Cruises

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Valletta, Malta Cruise Port Guide Info

Valetta is the capital of Malta and Europe’s smallest capital city. It is located on the biggest island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean. Three inhabited islands form the Maltese archipelago: Malta, Gozo and Comino. The population in Valetta in 2014 was 6,444, so you can imagine that small piece of land, perfect for walking. Hidden streets and views appear around almost every corner and it is great just to admire the architecture, especially with the sun setting, which adds to its shadows and glow. The city was named after Jean Parisot de Valette, who succeeded in defending the island from an Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta. 

Where do cruise ships dock? Cruise ships typically dock at the Valletta Waterfront Cruise Terminal in Valletta, Malta. The Valletta Waterfront Cruise Terminal is conveniently located just a short walk away from the heart of Valletta, making it easily accessible on foot. You do not need transportation to reach the town center, as it is within walking distance from the cruise terminal. Valletta is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing cruise passengers to explore its historic streets, architecture, museums, and vibrant culture with ease. You can simply walk from the cruise terminal and start your adventure in Valletta without the need for additional transportation.

Malta gained independence from a dwindling British Empire in 1964. Tiny remnants of England are recognizable here and there while walking the streets. History can be seen throughout the city however, with Valetta’s fortified roots on display. Over the last 2,000 years, Malta’s timeline reads a who’s who of coinquirers. Naming only a handful, there are The Romans, The Normans, The Turkish, The Spanish, The French and The British.

The Maltese people are a mixture of many Mediterranean cultures, Catholicism the dominant religion. And even as recent as the second World War, the Maltese Islands were a highly prized base being ought over once again. Due to the courage and bravery shown by the Maltese people during a prolonged attempted invasion, they are the only country to be awarded with the George Cross. Numerous cannons are spread around the city, but the most popular site for all the cannon enthusiasts is the Saluting Battery.

Build following the Great Siege of Malta, the entrance is through the Barrakka Gardens, overlooking the Grand Harbor. Every Monday to Saturday, there is a cannon firing at noon at 4pm. Places to visit:

St. John Co-Cathedral is built by the Order of St John in the 16th century. It is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral, known as Church of the Knights. The street has his name too, St. John Street. It is one of the most important monuments on the island, with all tapestries and silver object. The marble tombstones on the Cathedral’s floor remind us of the lost lives of the Knights and the great Caravaggio’s works found its place in its small museum. 

Palace of the Grand Masters is now a home of the Maltese Parliament. The main hallway is lined with a fresco that pictures the Great Siege. Also, the Armory of the Knights is displayed there. 

National Museum of Archaeology with artefacts from prehistory, Pjhoenician times and a notable numismatic collection. Many paintings, furniture and sculptures from famous artists can be found there.  Upper Barakka Gardens are a public garden in Valetta. Together with the Lower Barakka Gardens in the same city, they offer a panoramic view of the Grand Harbor, the one with the cannons.   

Fort St. Elmo is a star fort, standing on the seaward shore of the Sciberras Peninsula that divides Marsamxsett Harbor from Grand Harbor. It is best known for its role in the Great Siege of Malta in the 1565. The Fort was used as the setting of the film Midnight Express.

Beyond Valetta

Mdina is a fortified city and a previous capital of Malta. With its history spanning 4,000 years, its been dubbed “The Silent City” and has become a perfect time capsule that speaks for itself. 

Mosta is a small but densely populated city n the Northern Region of Malta. The most prominent building is the Rotunda, a large basilica , which features one of the world’s largest unsupported domes, and displays a replica of the World War II bombshell that famously crushed through the dome, but did not detonate upon impact

CRUISE TERMINAL The Valletta port serves as the key entry point to Malta's abundant historical and cultural treasures. This acclaimed Valletta Cruise Port is strategically positioned within a naturally deep harbor, ensuring accessibility for ships of all sizes throughout the year. The port's quays adhere to ISPS compliance standards, making them capable of accommodating even the most sizable cruise vessels. With three dedicated passenger facilities, the primary terminal is housed within the storied Magazino Hall, seamlessly blending history and modern convenience.

Maximum ship dimensions for berth

Length: 360mtr Width: no restrictions Draught: 12mtr

Available: yes Ship tenders allowed: yes Tugs available: yes Tidal movement/range: 0.5mtr max

Total number of quays: 8 Total length of quays: Pinto 1/2: 307mtr, Pinto 3: 171mtr, Pinto 4/5: 252mtr, Gun Wharf: 80mtr, Wine Wharf: 73mtr, Boiler Wharf: 383mtr, Deep Water Quay: 488mtr, Lab Wharf Quay: 443mtr Quay depth: 11mtr Passenger terminals: 3

Distances/Transportation

City centre: 1.5km Airport: 7km

Ultimate Guide To Cruise Port Valletta | 10 Best Things To Do In Malta

Welcome to cruise port Valletta, Malta! (Post updated: March 2024)

Valletta is the capital of Malta, an island country in the Mediterranean Sea known for its rich historic and cultural heritage, breathtaking coastline, scenic bays and beautiful beaches. The UNESCO-listed Valletta Old Town is the southernmost capital of Europe and the European Union’s smallest capital city, which is convenient for cruise passengers who can visit the highlights of the city in a day. 

Sailing into Valletta is spectacular and you’ll be taken back to the 16th century and the era of Knights Hospitaller upon spotting the city’s unique landscape. Due to its beauty and the variety of things to offer, Valletta (Malta) port is often included in both Western and Eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:

• Valletta cruise port (Valletta cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
• 10 best things to do in the port of Valletta and the best Malta shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Florence (Livorno) , Rome (Civitavecchia) ,  Athens (Piraeus) ,  Corfu , Barcelona ,  Villefranche

Valletta Cruise Port

Operated by Global Ports Holding, the Valletta cruise ship terminal is situated in the Grand Harbour, a natural deep-water harbour, which allows easy access to ships of all sizes. There are 7 berths and 3 passenger cruise terminals that can accommodate 3 cruise vessels simultaneously.

The main terminal is housed in the historic Magazino Hall and equipped with all modern facilities, including check-in counters, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and duty-free shopping.

Upon stepping off the terminal, you’ll find yourself on Valletta Waterfront , one of the tourist hotspots that consists of a range of 250-year-old warehouses nowadays housing upscale restaurants and bars overlooking the port.

Valletta Old Town is located about a 15-minute uphill walk (1.2 km/0.80 miles) from the Valletta cruise terminal and the best way to reach it is via Barrakka Lift which will take you to the old town for 1€ round trip. The Barakka Lift is located 300 m from the cruise terminal.

Getting Around Valletta, Malta

• The currency in Malta is EURO (€). ATMs and currency exchange are available in the town. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English because the country was a British colony from 1813 until 1964. Today, Malta is a British Commonwealth nation and a member of the European Union.
• The port area is flat and wheelchair accessible , including the Barrakka Lift and a portion of Valletta’s old town.
• Barrakka Lift connects the harbour with the old town and is the best way to reach the old town area and the city’s main attractions. There are two lifts and each can carry up to 21 passengers at a time, and the opening hours are daily from 7 am to 11 pm. The round-trip ticket is only 1€ and it’s advisable to have a coin prepared in advance or at least small euro bills. The entrance to Barrakka Lift is located 300 m away from the cruise terminal.
• Malta has a great bus network around the island and the main Valletta bus station is located a 10-minute walk from Barrakka Upper Gardens (this is the upper station of the Barrakka Lift) and 150 m from the City Gate. The single bus ticket is 2€ and is valid for 2 hours (starting with the time of the first validation). You can check the routes and schedules at https://www.publictransport.com.mt/ . The nearest bus station to the cruise terminal is about 250 m away.
• Taxis are available everywhere, including the port of Valletta, and they operate at a fixed rate.
• The regular ferry service connects Malta to Gozo Island (a neighboring island that is part of the Maltese archipelago). The ferry terminal is located below Fort Lascaris, around 450 m (a 5-minute walk) from the Valletta cruise terminal. Gozo Fast Ferry operates ferries to Gozo from Valletta and Mgarr town and the ride between Gozo and Valletta takes about 45 minutes each way. Check out the schedules at https://gozofastferry.com/ . Other boat services also connect Malta with Comino, another island of the archipelago.
• Water taxis using traditional Maltese “dghajsa” boats are also available next to the ferry terminal.
• Driving on Malta is on the left and renting a car is a good option to get around the island, however, expect large crowds and lots of traffic in the summer season (July-August). Check out Malta rent-a-car deals
• Malta Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tours are available, and three routes are offered: South Malta Route/Red Route, North Malta Route/Blue Route, and the Gozo Sightseeing Route. The routes cover the major tourist attractions on the island, including Sliema, Blue Grotto, Mdina, popular bays and beaches. The nearest Hop on Hop off bus station is 250 m from the pier, close to where regular local buses stop. Check out Malta Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
• Shopping in Valletta is mainly centered around the Republic and Merchants streets in the old town, where you’ll find local handmade products, artworks, shops, eateries and small businesses. Keep in mind that many shops may be closed between 1 pm and 4 pm.
• Malta International Airport (MLA) lies 7.2 km/4.5 miles (a 10-minute drive) southwest of Malta cruise port in Valletta.
• Explore Malta tours and activities
• Book a private transfer to/from Valletta cruise port
• Book accommodation in Malta

10 Best Things to Do in Cruise Port Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s stunning capital, was built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John as a place to take care of wounded soldiers and pilgrims during the Crusades. The island’s turbulent history nowadays reflects in the architecture and archaeological heritage of Malta.

Before I share the best things to do in Malta, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Malta) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Valletta Old Town

The city of Valletta was founded in the 16th century by Jean “Parisot” de Valette, the 49th Grand Master of the Order of Malta and a Knight Hospitaller who defended the island against Ottomans during the Great Siege of Malta.

Due to its rich history and priceless cultural heritage, the entire city of Valletta has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are so many things to do and see in Valletta , but if you’re coming on a cruise ship just for a half day, you can explore the Old Town as some of the major attractions are located there:

1.1. St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the Catholic cathedral was built by the Order of St. John between 1573 and 1578 and is a symbol of Valletta. The elaborately decorated interior of the church represents one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, compared to the church facade which is quite simple.

The Cathedral houses a series of tombs of 400 Knights and officers of the Order, as well as a crypt that contains the tombs of the Grand Masters.

1.2. Saint John’s Cathedral Museum

Situated next to the Cathedral, the museum is known for its impressive collection of Caravaggio’s artworks, including “The Beheading of St John the Baptist” from 1608.

1.3. National Museum of Archaeology

History buffs’ must-see place, the museum holds stunning collections of artifacts dating from Malta’s Neolithic era (5900-2500 BC), until the early Phoenician period (8th – 6th century BC).

1.4. Upper Barraka Gardens

The Barrakka Lift’s upper station is located at Upper Barrakka Gardens, a wonderful public park offering undoubtedly the most spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. The garden’s terraced arches date from the 17th century and offer perfect photo ops.

You’ll find several monuments and memorials dedicated to notable people, including Thomas Maitland, Winston Churchill, and Gerald Strickland.

1.5. Grandmaster’s Palace

A stone’s throw from the cathedral, the grandiose Grandmaster’s Palace dominates St. George’s Square and was built as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta from the 16th to 18th century.

The Palace used to be the seat of the Parliament from 1921 to 2015, however, it nowadays houses the Office of the President of Malta. Some parts of the Palace including the Palace State Rooms and the Palace Armoury operate as a museum and are open to the public.

1.6. MUZA – Museum of Fine Arts

Housed in the 18th-century knight’s palace, the museum showcases medieval to contemporary masterpieces of local Maltese and Baroque art.

1.7. Is-Suq Tal-Belt – Valletta Food Market

In the heart of the old town, you can visit this colorful market housed in a 19th-century building, featuring all sorts of groceries and a huge food court offering dishes from all across the globe.

1.8. Casa Rocca Piccola

Next to the Grandmaster’s Palace, you can visit Casa Rocca Piccola, the 16th-century palace which belonged to a noble Maltese family. The palace operates as a museum and you can visit dozens of lavishly decorated rooms from that period.

1.9. City Gate

Built on the site of the 16th-century city gate, the present gate consists of a pair of massive sloped stone blocks and was completed in 2014. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, the gate overlooks the Triton Fountain and Valletta Ditch and marks the entrance to the old town.

1.10. Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

With its massive dome that dominates Valletta’s skyline, this church is one of the finest examples of neoclassical 20th-century architecture.

1.11. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Located across from the basilica, St Paul’s Cathedral was built in 1844 in a neoclassical style.

1.12. Triton Fountain

The massive fountain is located by the entrance to the City Gate. A tourist information office and a bus terminal are nearby.

Check out Valletta Old Town tours and activities

2. Valletta Waterfront

Upon exiting the cruise terminal, you’ll spot the bustling promenade lined with restaurants and cafes, including Hard Rock Cafe and Starbucks. Also known as Pinto Wharf, the Valletta Waterfront’s cafes and restaurants overlook the picturesque marina and stretch along the Grand Harbour. You can try some local dishes here such as fresh seafood, “Pastizzi” filled with savory cheese, rabbit stew and Lampuki pie.

If you keep walking along the waterfront promenade to your right, after a half mile you’ll reach the Lower Barrakka Gardens , another beautiful public garden offering sweeping harbour views.

• Explore Lower Barrakka Gardens tours and activities
• Check out Valletta Waterfront tours and activities

3. Megalithic Temples of Malta

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Megalithic Temples consist of several prehistoric temples built between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. Scattered around the island of Malta, these include the Ġgantija temple complex located on the island of Gozo, Tarxien ,  Ta’ Ħaġrat , Mnajdra , Ħaġar Qim and Skorba temples. There are other archaeological sites, however, those temples have not been listed under UNESCO.

All the temples are located within a 20-40 minute drive from the Valletta port, except for Tarxien which is only a 10-minute drive and Ġgantija which you can reach by boat. The archaeological sites are nowadays managed by Heritage Malta.

Check out Megalithic Temples of Malta tours and activities

4. Mdina and Rabat

Situated 12 km/7.5 miles (a 20-minute drive) west of Valletta cruise port, the ancient Mdina is the former capital of Malta. This historic hilltop settlement is also known as the Silent City, nicknamed after the capital was moved out of Mdina to Valletta after the Great Siege of Malta in the 16th century. The city cannot be accessed by car, but parking is available in front of the entrance to the walled city.

Built on a plateau overlooking the verdant countryside, Mdina features an interesting blend of Norman and Baroque architecture reflected mainly in the city’s historic palaces and churches. The main places of interest include the fortified city walls (with Mdina Gate, Greeks Gate and the Torre dello Standardo), St. Paul’s Cathedral and Catacombs , Mdina Cathedral Museum , the National Museum of Natural History (housed in Vilhena Palace), the Norman House , and a few others.

Adjacent to Mdina is the town of Rabat , known as home to the famous Catacombs of St. Paul and of St. Agatha. Rabat is larger than Mdina and is renowned for dozens of churches and historic palaces.

Explore Mdina and Rabat tours and activities

5. Three Cities

The name “Three Cities” refers to three fortified historic cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – located on peninsulas right across the Grand Harbour. Vittoriosa’s foundation dates back to the Middle Ages, while the two other cities were founded by the Order of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries. You can visit the Three Cities by local bus (a 15-minute drive), Hop on Hop off bus, a water taxi, or a traditional Maltese “dghajsa” boat, all leaving from the Valletta cruise port.

Vittoriosa is one of the oldest cities in Malta and is often referred to as the “cradle of Maltese history”. In this ancient city, you’ll find numerous churches and palaces where Malta’s nobility used to live. The must-see landmarks include Fort St. Angelo , which dominates the Grand Harbour; Inquisitor’s Palace , the seat of the Maltese Inquisition for over 200 years; Malta Maritime Museum , which traces 7,000 years of Malta’s seafaring history; St. Lawrence’s Catholic Church , with its beautiful colorful artworks; and Malta at War Museum , depicting the role of Malta in the World War II.

Cospicua is the largest of the three cities and has been reconstructed several times throughout its turbulent yet rich history. The top-rated landmarks include Immaculate Conception Church and Cottonera Lines , the 17th-century fortifications surrounding the city.

Also known as Città Invicta (“the invincible city”), Senglea is a small city that has not been conquered during the Great Siege of Malta. However, a large portion of the city was destroyed during WWII which later resulted in a reconstruction of the majority of historic buildings. Nestled at the tip of the peninsula, Gardjola Gardens offer by far the most spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and the entire city of Valletta.

Explore the Three Cities tours and activities

6. Gozo and Comino

Gozo is part of the Republic of Malta and the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago nestled northwest of the main island. Less developed than Malta island, Gozo is known for Ġgantija and other Megalithic Temples of Malta, marvelous geological formations, scenic hills, lively resorts and watersport activities.

The main places of interest include Ġgantija temples – the oldest Megalithic temples in Malta, older than the Egyptian pyramids; Azure Window , a collapsed natural arch; the Inland Sea – a lagoon of seawater also known as Dwejra; Xwejni Salt Pans – over 350 years old salt pans; Wied il-Mielaħ Window – a limestone natural arch; sandy beaches ( Ramla Bay ) and seaside resorts ( Marsalforn  and  Xlendi ).

On the crossing to Gozo, you’ll spot another small island of Comino , a bird sanctuary and a nature reserve. Between Comino and the adjacent islet of Cominotto lies the breathtaking Blue Lagoon , a picturesque bay with stunningly transparent blue waters, popular for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Besides that, you can also visit the beautiful Santa Maria Bay and Saint Mary’s Tower , one of the most important historic structures on the island.

The best way to reach Gozo and Comino is on guided boat trips and excursions as you’ll get the see the highlights of the islands. Alternatively, regular daily ferries depart from Valletta port or Mġarr harbour town. Check out the schedules and prices at https://gozofastferry.com/

Explore Gozo and Comino tours and activities

7. Malta Beaches and Bays

The best beaches, bays and popular seaside resorts are mainly located on the northern coast of Malta. These include:

• Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) – Nestled on the outskirts of the village of Mellieħa, it’s Malta’s largest and most popular beach awarded with Blue Flag status for its clear waters. You’ll find plenty of facilities and water sports activities on the beach, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. Distance from Valletta port: 26 km/16 miles (a 40-minute drive)
• Golden Bay – This Blue Flag-certified beach boasts golden sands and is popular for its scenic cliffs. Numerous amenities are available, including large parking, water sports, and a few eateries and bars. Distance: 20 km/12.5 miles (a 30-minute drive)
• Għajn Tuffieħa – Situated close to Golden Bay, this wonderful dark sand beach is popular for surfing and is surrounded by picturesque hills. Distance: 20 km/12.5 miles (a 30-minute drive)
• Blue Lagoon – Taking a boat trip to Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon is a must-do in Malta!
• Paradise Bay Beach – The beach lies in the northernmost part of Malta and overlooks the islands of Gozo and Comino. Tucked in a natural secluded cove, this beach is perfect for families and offers nice snorkeling ops. Distance: 28 km/18 miles (a 40-minute drive)
• Ġnejna Bay – A 10-minute drive south of Għajn Tuffieħa, Ġnejna is a secluded gem and a great alternative for some other, busier beaches. It’s a family-friendly sandy beach that is best reached by car. Distance: 20 km/12.5 miles (a 30-minute drive)
• Qawra Point Beach – Located in St. Paul’s Bay , this rocky beach is a great place for snorkeling. Distance: 18 km/11 miles (a 30-minute drive)
• St. Peter’s Pool – Nestled in the southeastern part of Malta, this is a natural pool with crystal clear, blue azure waters, backed by a scenic horseshoe-shaped rock formation. Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles (a 20-minute drive)
• Xlendi Bay Beach – Although very small and crowded in summer, Xlendi Beach is located on Gozo Island and offers incredible views of the bay backed by the panorama of Xlendi village.

Explore Malta beaches/bays tours and activities

Sliema is a seaside town and a popular tourist resort located about 9 km/5.5 miles (a 15-minute drive) north of Valletta cruise port. This vibrant city boasts numerous Baroque churches and a 5 km-long seafront promenade known as “The Front”, popular for walking, jogging, or enjoying the sea views in one of the countless bars and restaurants. Sliema has become a hub for shopping and nightlife and while there, you can check out The Point Shopping Mall and The Plaza Shopping Center for some ultimate shopping experience.

Some of the main Sliema points of interest include Torri ta’ San Giljan (the 17th-century hilltop tower offering panoramic views), Stella Maris Church (Our Lady Star of the Sea), Parish Church of Sacro Cuor (The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart), Ġnien Indipendenza (Independence Garden), Tigné Point peninsula and Fort Tigné with its scenic coastal views and amazing sunsets, Manoel Island with the 18th-century Fort Manoel , and Sliema Point Battery . The best way to reach Sliema is by ferry boat that departs from the Valletta ferry terminal.

Check out Sliema tours and activities

9. St. Julian’s

St. Julian’s is another popular seaside resort town lying just north of Sliema, within a 15-minute drive north of the port of Valletta. Named after Saint Julian, the town’s patron saint who is widely known as Julian the Hospitaller, this historic town boasts churches, forts, historic palaces and scenic bays. Together with Sliema, this lively city is a hub for nightlife and features a wide range of bars and nightclubs. The Bay Street Shopping Complex is one of the most famous shopping and entertainment places in St Julian’s.

St. Julian’s highlights include St. Julian’s waterfront promenade ,  Balluta Bay Beach (a hotspot for swimming and sunbathing), Portomaso Marina overlooking St Julian’s Bay ;  St George’s Bay , the iconic 19th-century Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Balluta Bay, Spinola Palace and Spinola Bay , and Paceville nightlife district. To get to St Julian’s, you can take a ferry from Malta cruise port.

Explore St Julian’s tours and activities

10. Popeye Village

Situated in the north of Malta island, 24 km/15 miles (a 35-minute drive) northwest of Valletta cruise terminal, Popeye Village is a purpose-built film set for the 1980 musical “Popeye”, converted into a small theme park. Inside the complex, you can roam through the streets of the village filled with rustic wooden buildings and several eateries. The best panoramic views can be admired from the road, especially during the sunsets which make the whole scenery truly magical!

Explore Popeye Village tours and activities

Visit also our cruise port guides to  Naples , Taormina (Messina) , Mykonos , Santorini , Dubrovnik , Barcelona , Cannes

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your Mediterranean cruise experience with our “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide “- your ultimate companion to discovering the region’s hidden treasures and creating unforgettable memories; click below to purchase your copy today and embark on the voyage of a lifetime!

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The Cruise Blogger | Cruise Blog

Unpacking the myths about cruise holidays. Tried and tested cruising advice from a thirty-something former officer's wife.

A cruise travel guide to Malta

One of the things I love most about cruising is the opportunity to visit a new port every few days. I really enjoy hopping ashore, jumping on a tour or exploring a place independently. But sometimes I want to spend longer than one day in a port, which was the case during a recent trip to Malta.

When my husband and I found out he would be based out of Malta on the cruise ship Oceana last summer, we decided to book a 7-day stay on the island to get to know it better. His role as deputy captain means that he is often busy working during the day, leaving little time to explore the ports. So this seemed like a great opportunity to have a holiday on an island we’d both only visited for a few hours in the past.

We decided to opt for a self-catering apartment in St. Julian’s owned by our friend Dan Camenzuli at DD Lettings . Dan was one of my Shore Excursions managers when I worked at sea, and he is also Maltese, so he was the perfect person to go to find out more about this fascinating island.

We packed a lot into our 7-day stay before joining Oceana (where we continued to visit Valletta every Thursday throughout the summer on the ship). I would definitely recommend spending a few days pre or post cruise if the opportunity arises. Here are my top tips when visiting Malta.

Cruise ships dock in Valletta, Malta’s capital city. Built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem in 1566, Valletta lies on a small peninsula to the southeast of Malta and it is the southernmost capital of Europe. Its ornate 16 th century sandstone architecture, compact but elegant centre and rich history helped it become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, with an incredible 320 monuments scattered across the 137 acres of city centre. The sail into port is incredible and it is worth getting up early to see.

The fortified city centre sits high up on a hill and there are no shuttle buses, so passengers normally walk five to ten minutes to the Barraka Lift, which takes you up to the Upper Barraka Gardens and Saluting Battery. The lift costs 1 euro for a return journey and you pay before getting into it. Taxis are plentiful for those preferring this option.

Alternatively there are two main hop-on hop-off bus companies with different routes, which stop on the main road next to the marina. We bought a two-day CitySightseeing pass, which allowed us to follow two separate routes. If you are visiting Malta for the first time, I would recommend taking the ‘North/Blue’ route if you want to make the most of the island’s main highlights.

Although Malta became independent in 1964, there are still many links to its previous ruler – Great Britain. British visitors are likely to feel at home with Valletta’s plethora of well-known British high street stores, situated in the compact shopping district. Brands include Marks and Spencer, Monsoon and Costa Coffee. The city centre also has many historical attractions such as Castille Palace and the Lascaris War Rooms. The latter contains a series of operations rooms and complex tunnels that were used during the Second World War.

During one of our turnaround days, I walked through the centre of Valletta, down to Marsamxett Harbour where I picked up the Sliema ferry. The ferry cost €2.80 for a return and the journey takes around 15/20 minutes (departing every 15 minutes). The town of Sliema lies directly opposite Valletta and, in my opinion, has better shopping facilities than the capital. The pretty seafront is peppered with tall apartment blocks, lively cafés and restaurants. It is one of the most popular tourist areas on the island.

When you get off the ferry, turn right and continue walking all the way round the harbour. On your left you will see the main shopping street (with high street store such as Next, Matalan and Oasis). If you keep walking around the harbour – past the numerous cafés and bars – you will come to an enormous shopping centre called The Point. This is a great place to spend some time and you’ll find a number of well-known designer and mainstream stores, such as Debenhams, Tommy Hilfiger and Nike. Just outside The Point, there is a pretty modern square with upmarket restaurants.

Sliema has a number of beach clubs, which you can access for a fee. Malta isn’t really a beach island, so beach clubs serve as the next best thing. Most will feature one or two swimming pools, sun loungers, café facilities and access to the sea.

St. Julian’s

You can walk to St Julian’s from Sliema, or visit it on a public bus or sightseeing bus route. The area is very lively, with a number of trendy restaurants centred around the pretty Spinola Bay. We really enjoyed having breakfast at Cuba, a waterfront bar that served brunch dishes and delicious pizza. There are a number of delightful restaurants along the harbour’s edge, close to Cuba, that are also worth checking out.

St. George’s Bay is a golden sand beach located a ten-minute walk from Spinola Bay. This is a bustling area with lots of bars and nightclubs, but the beach can get very busy. The area is also home to a number of large resorts.

You cannot walk to the fortified medieval town of Mdina from the port, so transport is required. Formerly the capital of Malta, this ‘Silent City’ has very few cars and is incredibly quiet, save for residents, day-trippers and horse and carriages. A network of intricate, winding streets, centre around the impressive Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul. Mdina sits on a large hill and visitors can soak up magnificent views of the surrounding area from the top of the fortification. Aside from Valletta, the town has some of the best examples of sandstone architecture in Malta. There are plenty of restaurants serving traditional Maltese cuisine and you’ll find a number of shops selling the famous Mdina Glass. I found that the glass was cheaper to buy in Mdina, than it was in the cruise terminal. Sadly I lost my photos of Mdina when my phone decided to break!

This historic fishing village located to the southeast of the island, is by far one of the prettiest parts of Malta. Unfortunately we visited on a Sunday during market day, which was unbelievably busy. The sightseeing bus was packed and all of the bars and restaurants were full. I hadn’t seen anything like it for a long time. Luckily, Dan and his girlfriend Terri took us back to the village for dinner when it was much quieter. You cannot really appreciate the beauty of the place when it is so busy, so going back in the evening was a real delight. The cosy seafood restaurants and pizzerias had tables and chairs along the waterfront overlooking the tranquil harbour, which had a sleepy feel to it.

Marsaxlokk has lots to see during the day. As well as a quieter market that runs daily from Monday to Saturday, other key highlights include the 19 th century church, boutique shopping and a number of quiet, isolated coves that rarely get busy.

Popeye Village

Popeye Village is a themed attraction built around the set of the 1980 Robin Williams Hollywood film – Popeye. Located in northwest Malta, this unique site is strangely fascinating but also quite baffling! Visitors can meet a number of Popeye characters (actors in fancy dress), they can go inside some of the buildings and watch clips from the film.

Further afield

There are some other highlights I must mention that you may (or may not) have time to explore. Malta’s neighbour, Gozo, is a small island that is accessed by a ferry from the northwest of Malta. The ferry terminal takes a while to get to from Valletta, so this is not a journey I would embark on unless you are staying on the island (or are on an excursion). Gozo’s key highlights are the Azure Window, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Ggantija Megalithic Temples. The island also has some pretty beaches with some great dive sites.

Malta’s other neighbour is the island of Comino, a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. This too can only be accessed by small boat or ferry. Facilities are extremely limited and there is only one hotel on the island.

Things to know in advance

It might sound obvious but Malta can get extremely hot. From June until August, we experienced a very dry heat as well as a heat wave that lasted several weeks. On several occasions passengers refused to get off the ship because the weather was so warm. Make sure you take plenty of water, sun cream and a hat ashore.

Maltese is the main language, but the majority of nationals speak English very well. Everything is written in English, from bus timetables and street signs to menus and shop frontage. You will see a number of famous British brands such as Marks and Spencer, Next, Dorothy Perkins and George (ASDA).

Public transport

Malta has an exceptionally well-organised public bus system that is cheap and easy to use. Many cruise ship passengers used the bus system to get around, as all timetables and routes are in English. The central bus station is a five-minute walk from the Upper Barraka Gardens.

Eating out in Malta

There are a number of local delicacies in Malta, and you will find rabbit, Kapunata (a type of ratatouille) and fish on most menus. We loved trying the local beer, Cisk which was delicious and inexpensive. Eating out in Malta is relatively cheap, depending on where you go.

I found the best free Wi-Fi in the Marks and Spencer café situated on the main square. It is free and reasonably fast. Costa has Wi-Fi too, but I found the connection to be quite slow. The Hard Rock Café on Valletta waterfront (right next to Oceana’s berth) had decent Wi-Fi, but the bar did get very busy with passengers and crew. You can find out more about visiting Malta on the official tourism website Visit Malta .

If you enjoy my blog and you have a couple of minutes to spare, please consider voting for me under the Best Cruise Blogger category in the Cruise International Magazine Awards. You can find the nomination form here .

You will find more of my destination guides on the Port Guides section of this website.

One comment

Very interesting blog. I visited Malta last year I had not been there before and I thoroughly enjoyed it I spent a week there. I do about 3 cruises a year and I am going on Oceana in September from Malta to the Greek islands.

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Valletta (Malta)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-05-01 18:29

Port Valletta cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Valletta, Malta. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Valletta is the principal seaport and capital city of Malta (island country in the central Mediterranean Sea, southern Europe). Malta Island is located midway between North Africa and Sicily Island (Italy). Since 1974, Malta is a British Commonwealth nation. The other Malta cruise port is Mgarr Harbour (on Gozo Island) .

The cruise port is located within the Grand Harbour (port locode MTMLA), which is a natural deepwater harbor waterway.

The Valletta Cruise Port is a subsidiary company of Global Ports Holding. In December 2023, Valletta Cruise Port officially started to provide shore-side power supply to berthed vessels. The first ship ( Viking Saturn ) connected to Boiler Wharf's shore-power system on December 1st. By this project (budgeted EUR 50 million), the Port now provides electricity (from the city's power grid) at the Grand Harbour's five cruise quays.

Valletta Malta is also the port of registry/flag state for many cruise vessels including riverboats.

A fast-ferry service Mgarr/Gozo-Valletta is provided by two companies - Gozo Fast Ferry, and Virtu Ferries. Both operators offer 45-min crossings via high-speed catamaran ferries with max passenger capacity 300. The Gozo-Valletta distance is approx 43 km (27 mi).

La Valletta City was founded by the 49th Grand Master of Knights of St John - Jean Parisot de Valette (1495-1568). Most of the town's medieval structures still remain.

In 2015, Port Valletta handled 668,277 cruise passengers (29% increase over 2014). The cruise port in 2016 reported a record year with a total of 682,222 cruisers (embarking passengers were excluded), or 2% increase over 2015. During 2016, the port was booked by 42 different cruise shipping operators and 81 different vessels. In 2016, Gozo Island received 19 cruise ship calls and around 7,000 passengers.

In 2017, Port Valletta handled 330 cruiseship calls and 700,000+ tourists. With P&O UK 's ship Oceana in the Mediterranean during 2017 season, the port had scheduled 27 calls and over 100,000 passengers via P&O's fly-cruise deals (fares inclusive of flights from UK to Malta and back). The port also had another 5 calls with additional 10,000 passengers (visiting Valletta as port of call).

In 2017, Valletta welcomed its 700,000 cruiser. He arrived on MSC Meraviglia and received a free 3-day Malta vacation package for 2. The package (courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority) was inclusive of flights and a 2-night luxury hotel (provided by The Saint John Hotel). By the end of 2017, the cruise port reported a record year with handled 340 ship calls and around 780,000 passengers. For season 2017, here were homeported liners from the fleets of P&O UK and TUI . In 2017, Malta's inbound tourism results totalled nearly 2,3 million (15,7% increase over 2016). Total overnights in Malta increased by 10,3%. The tourism industry contributed EUR 1,9 billion to country's economy. As demographics, most cruise ship tourists are from North America (USA and Canada).

For 2018, Valletta City was designated "European Capital of Culture". In 2018, Port Valletta handled nearly 800,000 cruise tourists. Season's highlights included Seabourn Ovation 's christening ceremony (held here on May 11).

In 2019 (a record year) were handled 906,000+ cruise passengers via 373 ship calls. Season 2019 included roundtrip departures by P&O UK and TUI liners, representing ~31% homeportng operations.

In the post-COVID 2022, the cruise port handled nearly 530,000 passengers.

For 2023, the Port reported ~65% increase (over 2022) in handled passenger movements (~900,000). The industry contributed ~EUR 85 million to the Maltese economy, of which EUR 32M in cruise tourists spending and EUR 53M in cruise lines spending.

Valletta cruise terminal

Valletta Cruise Port is managed by Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) - currently ranked the world's largest cruise port terminal operator with lease agreements in the regions of Europe-Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia-Pacific.

Cruise ships dock at Valletta Waterfront pier in Valletta Harbour. Currently, the cruise port offers 7 ship berths, of which 4 are within a 15-min walk from city center. In 2020 was inaugurated an extended quay with capacity to handle larger vessels.

Ther terminal features 250-year-old warehouses from the baroque era. This is the city's historical Quay Wall where merchant vessels used to dock and unload their cargo.

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These Are the Five Largest Ships Cruising in the Mediterranean in 2023

• July 24, 2023

The Mediterranean is seeing record-breaking cruise capacity in 2023, with over 170 vessels sailing in the region throughout the year according to the 2023 Cruise Industry News Annual Report .

With its growing popularity, the European region has also been attracting some of the world’s largest cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and MSC Cruises’ new MSC World Europa.

Using data from the  Global Cruise Ship Index  by Cruise Industry News , we have compiled a list of the five biggest cruise vessels sailing in the Mediterranean this year:

Symphony of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Year Built: 2018 Capacity:  5,448 guests Tonnage:  227,625 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain) and Civitavecchia (Italy)

With 227,625 tons, the Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship sailing in the Mediterranean this year.

Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis Class, the 5,448-guest vessel is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean . Sailing from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the ship’s regular itinerary features visits to ports in Spain, Italy and France.

MSC World Europa Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Year Built: 2022 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  205,700 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Genoa, Messina and Naples (Italy); and Marseille (France)

After entering service for MSC Cruises in late 2022 as one of the world’s largest cruise ships, the MSC World Europa kicked off a year-round program in the Western Mediterranean in April .

Now offering week-long cruises to Spain, Italy, France and Malta, the 205,700-ton vessel is currently the second largest cruise ship sailing in the European inner sea.

AIDAcosma Cruise Line: AIDA Cruises Year Built: 2021 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  183,900 Homeports: Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona (Spain); and Civitavecchia (Italy)

Serving the German market, the AIDAcosma holds the third position in the ranking of largest cruise ships cruising in the Mediterranean in 2023.

Part of Carnival Corporation’s XL Clsas, the LNG-powered cruise ship offers a series of seven-night cruises to Spain, Italy and France through the end of the summer. Sailing from Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Civitavecchia, the itineraries feature visits to Ajaccio, La Spezia, Cagliari, Marseille and more.

Costa Toscana Cruise Line: Costa Cruises Year Built: 2021 Capacity:  5,224 guests Tonnage:  182,700 Homeports: Genoa, Cagliari and Civitavecchia (Italy); Marseille (France); and Barcelona (Spain)

Slightly smaller than the AIDAcosma, the Costa Toscana is presently the fourth biggest cruise ship sailing in the Mediterranean .

Part of Costa Cruises’ eight-ship summer program in the region , the 5,224-guest vessel is offering a series of weeklong cruises to Spain, France and Italy that sail to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Cagliari, Barcelona and Marseille.

Costa Smeralda Cruise Line: Costa Cruises

Year Built: 2019 Capacity:  5,224 guests Tonnage:  182,700 Homeports: Savona, Civitavecchia and Palermo (Italy); Barcelona (Spain); and Marseille (France)

The Costa Smeralda holds the fifth position in the ranking of largest cruise ships sailing in the Mediterranean in 2023.

Along with its sister ship, the Costa Toscana, the 182,700-ton vessel is offering a series of weeklong cruises in the Western Mediterranean this summer . S

ailing from several homeports, the ship’s regular itinerary includes visits to Palermo, Savona and Civitavecchia, in Italy; Barcelona and Ibiza, in Spain; and Marseille, in France.

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Malta’s the big sister, the largest island in a seven-strong archipelago just a stone’s throw from Europe… and not far at all from Africa. The island’s history began with the megalithic stone temples at Gozo, which may just be the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. Valletta is Malta’s capital, and its bustling streets are lined with superb Baroque buildings, palaces, gardens and churches. The city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its nickname is Superbissima (“most proud”). Malta has two official languages: Maltese, the national language, and English. Malta was admitted to the European Union in 2004, and four years later became part of the Eurozone.

• Stroll the Old Cathedral and Ramparts of the so-called Silent City.
• See the Palazzo Parisio, a 19th century palace whose gardens have earned it the nickname “the miniature Versailles.”
• Stop in to Casa Rocca Piccola, whose 50 rooms housed Maltese nobility for over 400 years.

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What cruise trip options do I have from Malta (Valletta)?

Most commonly, cruises from Malta (Valletta) go to exciting destinations such as Europe - All, Europe - Eastern Mediterranean, Europe - Western Mediterranean, World Cruise and Mediterranean.

How many days are cruises from Malta (Valletta)?

Malta (Valletta) cruises often range from 10-14 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options.

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Starting at just A$709, choose the perfect cruise from Malta (Valletta) that fits your traveling desires.

Enjoyable cruising, let down by awful food.

Bland, bland, bland

We had a wonderful 15 night Oceania cruise from Valletta to Istanbul

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

4 Best Things To Do When Your Cruise Ship Stops In Malta

• Destinations

Cruising the Mediterranean. What could be more romantic? Endless sunshine. Impossibly blue water. Fascinating ports with sublime food and lovely umbrella drinks. Malta is an archipelago in the center of the Mediterranean and will be the highlight of your voyage.

If you are the independent type, you will find Malta is easy and safe to head out on your own. Public transportation is ubiquitous, efficient, and very inexpensive. In addition, the islands are small, so a car isn’t necessary. English is Malta’s second official language, along with Maltese. Most folks speak English, Maltese, and Italian.

I suggest spending the day in Valletta, Mdina, Victoria, or on a Gozo tour. Choosing just one will be challenging. However, my suggestions will help you immerse yourself in Malta quickly and get the most from your day ashore in captivating Malta.

1. Explore Valletta

A city experience.

Valetta is the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of Malta’s human history has played out in Valetta and left its mark on the architecture, government, art, and faith.

Valletta is ideal for sampling the sumptuous Mediterranean food, admiring the art, and absorbing some history. Get an early start for a less crowded encounter. When the ships are in port, Valletta can be jampacked.

Getting There

From your cruise ship, walk to the Upper Barrakka Lift , about a five-minute walk. Then, via fast elevators, you’ll quickly rise 190 feet to the ancient city of Valletta. The lift is free going up and around €1 coming down.

Visit The Sleeping Lady

The National Museum of Archeology is my happy place in Valletta. Home of the Sleeping Lady, a figurine found when excavating the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the museum beautifully presents Malta’s history. Prehistory, early history, Neolithic, and early Phoenician periods are illuminated with permanent and changing exhibits.

The museum is quiet and calm. A self-guided tour is offered that you can download to your smartphone. Tickets are €2.50–5.00.

A food tour of Valletta is one of the best 3 hours of walking and eating you can experience. Maltese food is fresh and locally sourced. Timeless recipes are influenced by the season and history. Italy, only 60 miles away, has a strong influence on traditional Maltese dishes, as do the Middle East, Africa, and Greece.

Offbeat Malta Food Trails is my choice for a food tour of Valetta. You’ll sample traditional cuisine and learn the history behind the dishes and Valletta. Ask for Daniela Aquilina as your guide. She is a native of Malta, a chef, a historian, and an artisanal chocolate maker at her company Oil and More .

A Stroll In The Shade

Leave Valletta via Republic Street, through the city gates, and across Triton Plaza. If it’s early, the plaza will have few people in the area. That’s the best time to get a photo of the enchanting Triton Fountain. Continue past the fountain to the street and cross to admire the Independence Monument.

From there, take a stroll down the tree-lined mall. Beautifully sculpted memorial statues honor Malta’s leaders and heroes through the ages and create a sculpture garden. Stop at a bench and watch the world go by. There are churches, parks, squares, fountains, and small neighborhoods along the way. When you reach the end of the mall, turn around and retrace your steps.

Afternoon Refreshment

Before the Triton Plaza, stop into the Phoenicia for an afternoon refreshment. The 5-star hotel and resort is the crown jewel of Malta. You have several choices for food and libations, inside and out. A cool beverage at the pool or in the gardens will reveal a “secret view” of Valletta’s ramparts and walls on a sunny day.

Inside the hotel and in the gardens, you’ll find a magnificent art collection. The beautifully curated works cover all genres and several eras. Ask the concierge for guidance as you enter the hotel.

2. Experience Mdina

Especially if you like the cool and mysterious.

Mysterious Mdina, home for centuries to the Knights of Malta and wealthy Maltese citizens. Its narrow passages and twisting streets lined with two-story sandstone buildings and walls will beckon you to investigate. The Maltese call the walled city of Mdina the “Silent City” partly because of the strict no-car regulations.

From the cruise ship terminal, take a direct bus to Mdina; it takes about 26 minutes and costs around €2. You can also catch a taxi that will take half the time but costs several times more.

Pro Tips: Use the “trip planning” feature for local buses at Malta Public Transport . The app can also be downloaded to your smartphone.

If you decide on a taxi, use the taxi booking office on the Valletta Waterfront walkway. You pay in advance for your destination at the regular rate, then give a voucher to the next driver in line.

Things To Do In Mdina

When you arrive at Mdina, go to the tourist information office (take the 2 nd right inside the city gates) for a map. Then, sit in the courtyard and decide which of the numerous attractions you’d like to visit. There are churches, chapels, museums, ramparts with astounding views, shops, and restaurants. You could do as I did and wander the passageways with no destination in mind.

Lunch At Bacchus

Bacchus serves the best Mediterranean food I’ve had in Malta. I’ve enjoyed the beautifully crafted food, excellent service, and historic atmosphere many times. Expect a menu that will change daily according to the season. Many things are made in-house, including the creamy burrata cheese and charcuterie. Take your time; it’s a place for a long, lazy lunch.

3. Take A Deep History Dive At The Citadel In Victoria

Victoria is the capital of Gozo, the main island of Malta’s little sister to the north. It’s a lively town of 6,900 and is the largest town on Gozo. It’s a bustling transportation hub dominated by an imposing citadel, the Cittadella. The sandstone monolith protected citizens from pirates and invaders in centuries past. Today it’s a beehive of history, churches, museums, restaurants, and shops.

Walk to the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal from your cruise ship, just a few minutes along the waterfront. Take the high-speed boat to the ferry terminal at Gozo. In front of the terminal, board a direct bus to Victoria. The cost is around €2 and takes about 15 minutes. Walk north on Triq That Putirjal to Triq ir-Repubblika. Turn west. The Cittadella is 5 minutes away. It’s the highest thing in Victoria.

Once at the Citadella , go to the visitor info office (follow signs). A small fee is charged to visit the center, including admission to several other Cittadella attractions. You can also get a map and decide what you want to see.

Don’t miss the “ historic house ” for a well-presented reproduction of 16 th -century life. Gozo Cathedral has a famous painting that depicts a dome that doesn’t exist. Even though there are a few stairs to climb, go up to the ramparts. The view is outstanding. You can see Gozo, Camino, and Malta.

Stroll The Street Market

Leave the Cittadella and cross Triq ir-Repubblika, then cross the plaza where folks are having refreshments and conversation. You’ll see the street market ahead. It winds and wanders through back streets and squares. It’s an excellent place to shop for locally made products and souvenirs.

4. Get Around Gozo In A Tuk-Tuk

If you’d like to get a sampler of Gozo’s beauty, I suggest a full-day tuk-tuk tour of the island. Yippee , a locally owned and operated Gozo tour company, curates chauffeur-driven tuk-tuk tours, quad tours, self-drive e-Jeeps, and GoCar explorations. Yippee tour guides and drivers know Gozation culture, geography, and history.

From your cruise ship, walk to the Gozo Fast Ferry terminal, just a few minutes along the waterfront. Then, take the high-speed boat to the ferry terminal at Gozo. Your Yippee guide will meet you at the terminal.

On The Road

Tuk-tuk tours are a maximum of six and a driver. The small vehicles can get to places the large tour buses can’t go. You’ll visit villages, towns, cliffs, terraced farms, salt pans, and a Roman laundry. Stops are made frequently with your comfort in mind.

The full-day tours include a Mediterranean lunch at an oceanside café. It’s a wonderful taste of the Mediterranean diet. After your tuk-tuk tour, you’ll hop aboard Yippee’s boat and sail to Camino Island. There, you can swim and walk before returning to the Gozo ferry terminal in time to catch your ferry to the Valletta waterfront.

Why Travel Solo?

Getting out on your own is an adventure in a new country. However, if you are ready to give it a try, Malta is ideal. Malta and Gozo are tiny islands; it’s hard to get lost. Malta is 17 miles long by 9 miles wide. Gozo is 9.5 miles long by 4.5 miles wide. In addition:

• The country’s history and architecture are outstanding.
• Most folks speak English, Maltese, and Italian.
• While many street names are Maltese, other directional signs are in English.
• Public transit is frequent, efficient, and inexpensive.
• Malta has the lowest crime rate in the EU.
• Maltese are friendly and engaging people. They love to talk about their country and help you enjoy it.

Savor your independent adventure in Malta; it will be the highlight of your cruise. For more information, go to Visit Malta and Visit Gozo .

To find out more about things to do in Malta, explore these articles:

• 7 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With This Quaint Mediterranean Island
• Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Magnificent Malta
• 12 Fantastic And Fascinating Things To Do In Malta

Covering 'off-the-beaten path,' 'not well-known,’ and 'in the shadow of' locations is Mary’s passion. She delves into art, music, food, libations, architecture, museums, parks, well-curated tours, history, agriculture, and the unexpected in micro-towns and big cities, both domestic and international.

As a lifelong traveler, her nomadic mother often handed her the map and asked her to choose the destination and route, granting her the nickname, Mary Go.

Today she travels by train, plane, bus, boat, shoe sole, and her Honda, Patty. Mary digs into culture, people, and history wherever she goes, sharing her experiences through words, photos, and video.

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One Day in Valletta From Cruise Port: Things to Do in Malta

Are you headed to Valletta Cruise Port and are wondering how to spend one day in Malta? Then I got you covered!

Malta is a beautiful island in Southern Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. A mix of Arabic, Italian, and British influences makes the island so special and attracts many cruise ships each year.

One day is not nearly enough to see all of the island. So it can be hard to plan on what to do with your precious time.

Luckily, I have been to Malta many times – and I know every spot on the island.

To save you some trouble planning, I have created several itineraries for your 1 day in Malta for you in this post.

Let’s get to it.

Table of Contents

One day in malta itineraries – at a glance, the valletta cruise port, 1. book a shore excursion and tour the island, comino and the blue lagoon, tours to gozo and comino, st. john’s co-cathedral, upper barrakka gardens, fort st. elmo, visit the most instagram-worthy spots in valletta, valletta waterfront, casa rocca piccola, how to get around malta, one day in malta road trip interactive map, mosta rotunda, st. pauls bay, paradise bay beach, popeye village, dingli cliffs, blue grotto, st. peter’s pool, how to get to valletta cruise port from the airport, what language do they speak in malta, the weather in malta, conclusion: one day in malta – from valletta cruise port, more 1 day cruise itineraries, faq: one day in malta – valletta cruise port, about the author, malta bucket list.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

If you are just here to get a quick overview of what you can do in Malta in 1 day, look no further.

The island is too big to see all of it in this short amount of time, so I have come up with a few ideas on how to spend your shore excursion in Malta.

For more details on the itineraries and how to arrange it all from the cruise port keep on reading.

Here are the possible itineraries for Malta:

• Spend the day in Valletta
• Day trip to the islands Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon
• Explore the island with a rental car/ATV
• Guided Island Tours

The Valletta Cruise Port is located directly in the city of Valletta. The port has several terminals on the Triq il-Vittmi Furjaniżi tal-Gwerra in Floriana.

It is not necessary to use tender boats in Malta. You can step off the ship and find yourself directly in the city. It is possible to explore Valletta without using transportation.

The Valletta Cruise Port is located on the Valletta Waterfront. There you will find duty-free shops, restaurants, a pharmacy, and an ATM.

You can also find several transportation options at Valletta Waterfront:

• Bus Station
• Car Parking/Rental Car Pickup

Booking a shore excursion beforehand is a great way to have a hassle-free day in Malta. You will be picked up directly from the cruise ship and brought back in time for your departure.

I suggest booking the excursions not with the cruise line itself. It will be much cheaper to book with an external provider.

I book all of my shore excursions with Viator. They have a great cancellation policy in case the ship is delayed.

Malta is pretty cheap concerning excursions. You can book a private tour and share the cost with your family or friends for a great price.

Here are some of my favorite shore excursions from Valletta Cruise Port that you should consider for a nice day in Malta:

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2. Explore Gozo, Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Ah, the lovely Maltese islands! Gozo, Comino (and the Blue Lagoon) are little gems in the Mediterranean and you can see them on your one day in Malta.

They are perfect for a dip and some lazy sun-soaking . Oh, and don’t forget the camera for those Insta-worthy shots! 🏝️😎

Here is some information about all three of these islands, so you can pick which one you want to visit. It is also possible to visit both on an organized tour (see some suggestions below).

Picture charming villages, rustic landscapes, and laid-back feels. Visiting Gozo is like stepping into a Mediterranean postcard.

On our trip to Gozo, you can check out the stunning Azure Window (RIP – it broke a while ago) or hit up the Citadel for some history.

If you’re into diving or snorkeling, the underwater world in Gozo is pretty amazing as well.

Psst, the local cheese ‘Gozo Għannej’ is a taste you shouldn’t miss.

The mini-island Comino is mostly famous because of the Blue Lagoon . Crystal-clear waters that’ll make your heart skip a beat are awaiting you.

Snorkeling here is a must. But Comino not just beaches. You can wander around, and you might spot the Santa Marija Tower too. It is also possible to take a speedboat to a hidden grotto.

The Blue Lagoon is a special spot famous for its stunning blue waters. Tons of boats drop anchor here, so it can get a bit busy. But if you catch it on a calmer day, it’s like swimming in a dream. 🌊💙

Gozo Tuk Tuk Tour – Chauffeured Day Trip

• Boat Transfer Included
• Private Tour

Private Boat to Blue Lagoon & Comino

• 6 People Max
• Custom Itinerary

Gozo & Comino

Private Boat Trip to Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon

• Private Trip
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Up to 6 People

3. Spending the Day in Valletta

Exploring Valletta is an easy option to spend one day in Malta. The beautiful capital city has a lot to offer.

The Valletta Cruise Port is located right in the city. You don’t need to arrange for a rental car or public transportation upon arrival.

Valletta is walkable. You can reach many major sights in the city on foot.

Find below my suggestions of spots you can visit on one day in Valletta (by yourself) and my favorite walking tour of the city.

The 16th-century high baroque cathedral is one of the most interesting sights in Malta. The ornate gold and art in the church are mind-blowing.

Caravaggio’s painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” is a must-see. If you love art, this place will make your heart sing.

It is very simple on the outside, but the inside is quite surprising.

There is an entrance fee of about USD 20,00. In my opinion, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is definitely worth visiting.

Get your tickets here.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are one of my favorite places in Valletta. They are easy to reach from the cruise port, only a couple of steps away.

These public gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbor.

Perfect for sunset lovers like me. Don’t miss the Saluting Battery at noon; the cannons fire and it’s quite a spectacle!

The entrance to the gardens is free, but you can take a guided tour and see the Saluting.

Fort St. Elmo is famous for its role in the Great Siege of 1565 . Nowadays, this fort houses the National War Museum.

Spend time exploring, and you’ll feel like a time-traveling warrior. Well, maybe without the sword fighting.

It takes up a big part of the city of Valletta and is one of the sights definitely worth checking out.

There are different ticket options for visiting Fort St. Elmo and other sights and museums in the area.

Valletta is not only rich in history, but it is also so instagrammable. Cute little alleys, hidden corners, and bright-red phone booths make the city stand out.

When you walk around the city, you can easily find good photo spots.

But if you are looking for some specific spots in Valletta for your Instagram, I got you covered:

• Lower Barrakka Gardens
• The Parliament’s House Staircase
• The Bridge Bar
• Triq Sant Ursula
• Auberge de Castille
• Triq San Ġwann
• Triq San Żakkarija

When you arrive in Valletta Cruise Port you will exit the ship at Valletta Waterfront.

The promenade is filled with colorful 18th-century buildings. This area is perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

The vibe’s laid-back and cheerful, just like a good vacation should feel.

Casa Rocca Piccola is a 16th-century palace in Valletta that is totally worth visiting.

Nowadays, it is still used as a private residence of the noble family de Piro!

You can see period furniture and bomb shelters from WWII. There is also a restaurant in the house.

If you are interested you can participate in a guided tour. And the guides? They’ll make you laugh and learn at the same time.

Tickets are fairly cheap and totally worth it.

Do you need travel insurance in Malta? Yes, travel insurance is recommended for your stay in Malta. While the island is generally considered safe, there is always a danger of road accidents and water sports accidents. EKTA is my travel insurance of choice – worldwide coverage, no hidden fees or clauses and amazing 24/7 service.

4. Get a Rental Car/ATV and Explore Malta

The last option of my four different one-day in Malta itineraries is getting a vehicle and exploring the island by yourself.

You can either get a car, a scooter, or an ATV. We opted for the ATV, but we got a nasty sunburn.

You can book a rental car or an ATV right on the cruise port, there are usually many different people offering. If you wish to have more certainty for picking, I can recommend using DiscoverCars.

Malta is not too big, so you can drive around and see most of the island in one day.

Driving in Malta is pretty chill, but sometimes the road signs are in Arabic, which can be confusing. Just like in the UK, you drive on the  left-hand side  of the road in Malta. Please keep that in mind.

I would not suggest taking public transport. The buses are not always on time. You can’t risk missing your cruise ship because of that.

One day is not enough to see all of Malta. So I only added my personal highlights to this post.

It is important not to plan too many things, you might end up not enjoying them and being in a rush.

I have created this map with a one-day road trip itinerary in Malta for you. For the interactive map version, click on the link or the map below.

For more information about the stops keep on reading.

Things You Need to See in Malta in 1 Day

Mdina is also known as the “Silent City.” It’s a medieval walled town full of cute and narrow alleys.

You’ll feel like you’re in “Game of Thrones” or something. Because they actually filmed for the series in Malta.

You can walk around the charming little city, take pictures in cute alleys, and have a coffee in a lovely cafe.

The Mosta Rotunda in Malta is a lovely spot to visit on a road trip.

It’s a church with one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Picture this: You walk in, and the dome just engulfs the sky above you. Super impressive.

During WWII, a bomb fell through the dome but didn’t explode. What a miracle. They’ve got a replica of the bomb inside to tell the tale.

If you’re into architecture or just love a good story, it’s a must-see. Plus, the town of Mosta itself is super sweet and great to check out.

St. Paul’s Bay in Malta is a seaside town, perfect for those at a slower pace but still want some action. Fishing boats, casual eateries, a bit of nightlife— St. Pauls Bay got it all, but in moderation.

The area’s got history, too. Legend says St. Paul shipwrecked there. Kinda cool to walk where a saint might’ve walked, right?

Water sports and diving are also possible in St. Paul’s Bay. It is a fun place to hang out for a couple of hours and spend a fun time.

Paradise Bay Beach is an amazing beach: stunning, but not too crowded.

Tucked away near the ferry to Gozo, it’s a little harder to get to. But that’s what makes it so special. The water is like a crystal-clear daydream, perfect for snorkeling.

The vibe is super relaxed. There is not much around except the beach, so it’s all about the sun and sea. If you want to escape the tourist traps but still get those Insta-worthy shots, this is your spot.

Popeye Village is a great spot in Malta and it is like stepping into a live-action cartoon!

Initially, the place was built as a film set for the 1980 Popeye movie. Later, it became an amusement park. It’s quirky as heck, full of colorful wooden houses.

It’s touristy , yes, but in a fun, nostalgic way. You can wander around the village, go on boat rides, or even splash around in the mini water park they’ve got.

You can also just check it out from the cliffs above or go swimming on the other side of the bay. Then you don’t have to pay the entrance fee.

Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. The beautiful golden sand on the beach actually lives up to the reputation.

Golden Bay is more developed, has got some restaurants and bars and even a big hotel there. So it’s not exactly a hidden gem, but it’s a gem nonetheless.

Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and the usual beachy stuff. If you’re into water sports, they’ve got you covered. Surfing, jet skiing—you name it.

The Dingli Cliffs in Malta are definitely worth visiting on your shore excursion. High cliffs drop into the deep blue sea creating a stunning scene.

There are usually minimal crowds, so you really get that “edge of the world” vibe. There’s a small chapel nearby that you can visit as well.

This place is like slow travel gold—quiet, stunning, and thoughtful.

Blue Grotto is a series of caves on the coast. And let me tell you, the water is the kind of blue that makes it almost seem unreal!

You can take a boat to get the full experience. Once you’re inside the caves, the way the light plays on the water is beautiful.

It’s popular , but it’s not overly commercialized. You can also do some diving and snorkeling around the area.

We found it fun to just drive by there and watch from the top of the cliffs.

St. Peter’s Pool is a great spot located down south near Marsaxlokk.

The water is crystal clear and it’s got these natural “pools” formed by the rocks. You can find your own little swimming nook.

Cliff jumping is a thing there. Not too high, but enough for a little thrill. A perfect blend of chill and adventure, I’d say.

It’s not super touristy, but the locals love it, so you can get an authentic vibe. There are no bars or cafes, so pack your own snacks and drinks.

Valletta Airport or Malta International Airport (MIA) is Malta’s only airport. It has quite some flights arriving every day, but it’s not massive.

It mainly serves flights from Europe (like the Czech Republic, Italy, and Austria) and the Middle East. If you are traveling from the US, South America, or New Zealand you might need to step over somewhere.

There is just one main terminal. It’s about 5 miles from Valletta, so getting to the city is a breeze.

Here is how to get to the Valletta Cruise Port from Malta Airport:

• Taxi : Fastest, takes around 20 minutes. Costs around EUR 20,00 – € 25,00.
• Public Bus: Takes longer, like 40-50 minutes, but it’s cheap. Look for buses X4, X5, or X7 to Valletta, then it’s a short walk or another bus to the port.
• Shuttle : Some cruise lines offer shuttles. Convenient but check the price.
• Private Transfer: If you’re feeling fancy, you can book a private car. Costs about EUR 38,00 for one direction.

Malta has a great language culture, that’s as unique as the island itself.

Maltese is the most commonly spoken language in Malta. It is kind of a blend of Arabic, Italian, and a dash of English. It’s the official language and what you’ll hear most locals speaking.

English is also an official language, thanks to the British colonial past.

You can get by without knowing a word of Maltese. Most signs are in both languages and pretty much everyone speaks English to some degree.

If you are wondering about the best time to go to Malta on a cruise, look no further.

Spring (March to May): This is a mild season with temperatures from the 60’s to 70’s Fahrenheit. It’s a good time for hiking, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the outdoors. It is great without the summer crowds. Spring is an ideal time to visit.

Summer (June to August): The weather gets hot, with highs often reaching the 90’s. This is peak beach season. The heat can be intense, especially in July and August. We went in August and it was almost unbearable at times.

Fall (September to November) : Temperatures start in the 80’s in September but drop to the 60’s and 70’s. It sometimes rains, but it’s a pleasant time to visit.

Winter (December to February): This is the coolest season and also the wettest time of the year. Malta still has a lot of sunny days compared to other European destinations.

Most cruise lines don’t run in the Mediterranean in the winter in the first place. I found May/June or September a great time for a Mediterranean cruise.

To sum it up, you have four choices on how to spend your 1 day in Malta on a cruise. You can either book a boat trip to the islands Comino and Gozo or book a full-island short excursion.

Other options are getting a rental car and checking out the island by yourself or exploring Valletta on foot.

Whichever option you choose, I am confident that you will love Malta as much as I did on my Western Mediterranean Cruise.

If you love cruising as much as I did, you might want to check out the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise next .

Of course, you might want to think about your route some more, so keep on reading if Malta is really worth it.

Check my Destination guide for more inspo.

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Yes, you can see Malta in one day! Malta’s small, but packed with stuff to see. One day won’t cover it all. You can see Valletta and a couple of nearby spots. But if you want the full experience—history, beaches, culture—you’ll need more time. So, one day is doable, but you’ll miss out on a lot.

Start your day in Valletta—grab a coffee and stroll the gardens. Then, hit St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Take a short ferry to the Three Cities for lunch. In the afternoon, go to Mdina for epic views and history. End the day at a beach like Mellieha Bay. Quick, packed day but gives you a little taste of Malta!

No, it would take you about 2 weeks to walk around Malta. If you only have one day and want to spend it exploring Malta, you can check out the capital city of Valletta. It is very walkable and you can see tons of interesting stuff.

Absolutely, it’s super close! The cruise port is basically at the foot of Valletta. It’s a 10 to 15-minute uphill walk to the city center. You’ll pass by some cool sights on your way up, too. Start your tour off at the Upper Barrakka Gardens and keep going from there.

Cruise ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront, also known as the Grand Harbour. It’s right below the city, making it easy to get to the heart of Valletta. You’re just a short, uphill walk away from all the action!

The distance from Valletta Airport to the cruise terminal isn’t too far. It’s just a short ride, around 15 kilometers or about 9 miles. You’ll be at the cruise terminal in no time. You can take the bus, taxi or private shuttle transfer to the cruise terminal.

Cruise ships in Malta usually dock at the Valletta Waterfront, a charming area with a mix of history and modernity. This location offers easy access to the heart of Valletta, where you can explore its rich culture and architecture. From here, you’re just steps away from discovering the city’s captivating history and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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Cruise to Valletta, Malta

Valletta shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in valletta.

Have the Malta Experience

Three cannons on the coast of Valletta, Malta

Despite its small size, Malta's history is pretty epic. The audio-visual presentation at Valletta's Malta Experience Museum takes less than an hour of your time and explains everything from the country's early origins as a trade hub to its role in the World War II resistance movements. Or check out Neolithic pottery and prehistoric art at the National Museum of Archaeology.

Get Lost in Valletta's Streets

St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta

Valletta's streets tell a living history, from churches like St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral and St. John's Co-Cathedral, to military buildings such as Fort St. Elmo and the Lascaris War Rooms. Don't miss the Grand Master's Palace, with everything from 16th-century armor to 18th-century tapestries depicting the first expeditions to the New World.

Circle the City Walls

If you still doubt whether Malta is the sparkling treasure it appears to be from afar, take a walk around Valletta's imposing city walls. Hike up to their highest point at Upper Baracca Gardens, where you'll be met with gorgeous views of the historic city and the sparkling blue Mediterranean.

Local Cuisine

Malta's culinary heritage is as eclectic as the rest of its history, with a mix of North African and European influences. Head to Valletta's port area to dine at one of the many seafood-focused restaurants for dishes like pixxispad , swordfrish fried in olive oil with lemon. Or seek out heartier fare like stuffat tal-fenek , a rabbit stew, or bragioli — thin slices of beef stuffed with bacon, egg and breadcrumbs and slowly cooked in red wine sauce.

If you're looking for postcards, keychains and other trinkets, check out the gift shop of the Malta Experience. For a more eclectic shopping experience, take a stroll down the city's Republic street, where vendors sell artisanal Maltese items like blown glass, filligree jewelry and pottery.

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The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world

Cruise ships have evolved into giant vessels, even eclipsing aircraft carriers. So, what are the top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world?

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Modern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas , launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.

Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world, features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.

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All of the heaviest cruise ships in the world were built within the last 20 years, although the majority – six of the ten – were built within the last five years.

So, here are the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world, by gross tonnage. 

10. P&O Cruises MS Arvia : 185,581 gross tonnes

The MS Arvia is P&O Cruises’ fourth ship to be built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. Weighing in at 185,581 gross tonnes, the 345m (1,130-foot) Arvia is slightly larger than her sister ship, the MS Iona . The 20-deck ship is the largest ship commissioned for the British cruise market and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,264 passengers, with 1,800 crew onboard. 

The ship is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excellence-class vessel for P&O, following the Iona . Arvia is powered by a 61,760kW LNG drive system, with a propulsion power of 37 megawatts. The LNG-powered propulsion system allows the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

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After being floated out in August 2022, the Arvia mainly operates itineraries around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

9. Costa Cruises – Costa Smeralda : 185,010 gross tonnes

The Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Costa Cruises fleet. With a gross tonnage of 185,010gt, the 20-deck Excellence-class ship measures 337m (1,106 feet) in length. The second LNG-powered cruise ship to enter operation in the world, she has a maximum capacity of 6,554 passengers with 1,646 crew and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Construction of the Costa Smeralda began at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, in September 2017. Meyer Turku collaborated with the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard to develop and integrate the LNG propulsion plant for the ship. She is fitted with four 16-cylinder, Caterpillar MaK 16VM46DF engines, with 15.4 megawatts (20,710 horsepower) output per engine, resulting in a maximum power of  37 megawatts (50,000 horsepower).

The ship, which was named after the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, entered service in December 2019 , departing Savona on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, where it has sailed since.

8. Costa Cruises – Costa Toscana : 186,364 gross tonnes

The Costa Toscana is the sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and is also powered by LNG . measuring 337m (1,106 feet) long and weighing in at 186,364 gross tonnes, the Toscana has a maximum capacity of 6,338 passengers and 1,678 staff across her 20 decks.

Like her sister ship, the Toscana was also built at the Meyer shipyard in Finland, with construction completed in 2021. She is also powered by four MaK-Caterpillar engines, with a total power of 57.2 megawatts (76,706 horsepower), and two ABB Azipod motors , resulting in a service speed of 17 knots.

Named in homage to the Tuscany region of Italy, Costa Toscana mainly sails around the Mediterranean Sea but Costa Cruises has also used the ship to sail itineraries further afield, such as around Brazil and the UAE.

7. MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa : 215,863 gross tonnes

The only entry in the top ten from MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa measures 333m (1,094 feet) in length. With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Europa ’s LNG-power propulsion system was subcontracted to Finland-based Wärtsilä. Five LNG-powered, 14-cylinder Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines power the vessel, with a propulsion power of 44 megawatts ( 59,005 horsepower). She also features nitrogen oxide reduction (NOR) units, two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems, seven thrusters, and two fixed-pitch propellers. 

The MSC World Europa was floated out at the end of 2021 and was initially used as an accommodation vessel for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the ship berthed at Doha Port in Qatar during the tournament. Following the competition, the ship subsequently travelled several routes around the UAE, before sailing to the Mediterranean, where it has sailed itineraries since.

6. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross tonnes

The first of many entries on this list operated by Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,282 gross tonnes. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet), she is only 50mm (2 inches) longer than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas . The Allure has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew across 18 decks.

Built at the Turku Shipyard in Finland, the Allure took two years to build , floating out in 2010. She features six Wärtsilä 46 diesel engines with a total power output of 97 megawatts (130,053 horsepower). It is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters. The ship can travel at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US, the Allure mainly serves itineraries around the Bahamas but she is scheduled to sail routes around the Mediterranean in 2025.

5. Royal Caribbean International – Oasis of the Seas : 226,838 gross tonnes

The oldest ship on this list, the Oasis of the Seas has been in service for over a decade. She was the biggest cruise ship at the time when floated out in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 226,838gt and a length of 360m (1,181 feet). The Oasis has a maximum capacity of 6,699 passengers and 2,181 staff across 18 decks.

The Oasis took two years to build at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the keel laid on 12 November 2007 and the ship arriving at her homeport of Port Everglades in Florida, US, on 13 November 2009.

The Oasis is powered by eight Wärtsilä V12 diesel engines, which generate 5.6 megawatts (7,500 horsepower) each, alongside four bow thrusters. The main propulsion system consists of three 20-megawatt (26,820 horsepower) electric Azipod motors, resulting in a combined propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and a standard cruising speed of 23 knots.

The Oasis mainly operates routes around the Caribbean, but occasionally repositions to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean.

4. Royal Caribbean International – Harmony of the Seas : 226,963 gross tonnes

The third Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas weighed in bigger than her existing sister ships at launch in 2016, with 226,963 gross tonnage, but she has since been surpassed by newer vessels. With a total length of 362m (1,188 feet), Harmony has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,300 staff across 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean placed an order with STX France for the construction of Harmony of the Seas in December 2012. The first steel for the ship was cut at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in September 2013, while the keel-laying ceremony was held in May 2014.

The Harmony is powered by three 18.9-megawatt Wärtsilä 16V46 16-cylinder main generator diesel engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46 12-cylinder engines producing 13.9 megawatts each. The propulsion power is provided by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters and manoeuvring is assisted by four 5.5-megawatt Wärtsilä CT 3500 tunnel thrusters. The propulsion system results in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and enables the ship to sail at a standard speed of 23 knots.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on her inaugural seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain, in June 2016, and currently operates itineraries around the Western Caribbean from her homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US.

3. Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas : 228,081 gross tonnes

At launch in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas surpassed the Harmony as the biggest cruise ship, weighing in at 228,081 gross tonnes. Measuring 361m (1,185 feet), the Symphony has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 staff across 18 decks and was the testing ground for Royal Caribbean’s new muster drill . With a total length of 361m (1,185 feet), She is roughly 30 metres (98 feet) longer than the largest military ships , the US Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the USS Gerald R. Ford .

The keel-laying ceremony for the Symphony of the Seas was held in October 2015 at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, and the ship sailed out in June 2017. She is powered by six diesel sets, each composed of three Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines, as well as three 20-megawatt electric Azipod main engines – resulting in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) of propulsion power and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Symphony commenced her seven-day maiden voyage from Barcelona in April 2018, and since then has mainly operated itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

2. Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas : 235,600 gross tonnes

Royal Caribbean’s flagship, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship built for the cruise company. Weighing in at 235,600 gross tonnes, the Wonder was the largest ship in the world when she was completed in January 2022. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet) in length, the 18-deck Wonder has a maximum capacity of 7,084 guests across its 2,867 staterooms, as well as housing 2,369 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Wonder is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and four Wärtsilä 12V46D engines; and uses three 20-megawatt electric Azipod engines for propulsion, combining for a propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Wonder sailed her maiden voyage in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has since served itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami and Cape Canaveral.

1. Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas : 248,663 gross tonnes

Weighing 248,663 gross tonnes and measuring 365 metres (1,1967 feet), the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Christened on 23 January 2024, the Icon has a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew across 20 decks. She is the lead ship of the new Icon-class, with a sister ship the Star of the Seas due to be delivered in 2025 and another ship planned for delivery in 2026.

Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, the Icon is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet that can be powered by LNG. It uses three Wärtsilä 14V46DF and three Wärtsilä 12V46DF for its main generator engines, which provide 67.5 megawatts of energy to run the ship. She is propelled by three 20-megawatt Azipod thrusters as well as five 4.8-megawatt Wärtsilä WTT-45 CP bow thrusters, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.

After sailing her maiden voyage on 27 January 2024, the Icon now sails year-round itineraries of seven-night trips around the Eastern and Western Caribbean from her homeport of Miami, Florida.

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Bookworms across the country will be happy to know that the beloved Logos Hope is returning to Malta, specifically the Valletta Cruise Port, from 13th July onwards.

The Logos Hope is a huge ship filled to the brim with books of all kinds, making it the largest floating book fair in the world.

The beloved ship hasn’t been in Malta since September 2010, when around 30,000 visitors were welcomed up the gangways.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @logoshope_in_malta

Logos Hope’s onboard book fair offers an expanded selection of over 5,000 different titles of books at affordable prices. They cover a wide range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages, and faith.

With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases, and more, the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy.

Apart from the myriad of books one can get lost in, visitors can also enjoy the Visitor Engagement Deck and the International Café.

The Logos Hope will be open to visitors on the following days:

• Tuesday to Friday and Sunday: 3pm – 10pm
• Saturdays: 10am – 1pm and 3pm – 10pm

The floating book fair will be closed on Monday.

People aged between 13 and 64 will only have to pay €1 to enter the Logos Hope, whilst kids under 12 and adults over 65 get to enter for free.

Instagram/LogosHope_in_Malta

7th July 2022

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How historic Valletta aims to hit net zero by cutting pollution from cruise ships and cars

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• Cruise industry vital for Maltese economy, with over 800,000 visitors arriving by ship in 2023
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• 2030 plan proposes only EVs to be allowed in city, but public charging infrastructure a hurdle
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Ben Payton is a freelance journalist focused on responsible investment, natural resources and the energy transition. Ben also writes for titles including Responsible Investor, African Business Magazine and fDi Intelligence

Eight people died and 21 are missing due to heavy rains this week in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, the civil defense service said on Wednesday.

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Britain rolls out post-Brexit plans for authorising EU investment funds

Britain set out its "roadmap" on Wednesday for authorising investment funds from the European Union to offer products in the UK, a post-Brexit milestone that reflects how most funds sold to retail investors in the country are still listed in the EU.