Welcome to the port of Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, welcomes you with its historic charm and Mediterranean beauty. The port is strategically located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to its cultural treasures.
The Port of Valletta
This guide is tailored for cruise passenger visiting Valletta.
Described as a city ‘built by gentlemen for gentlemen’, Valletta is home to over 300 places of interest. Imagine sailing into a historic port which hosted famous explorers and traders, from the Phoenicians to the Romans and many others. Cruising into Malta’s Grand Harbour is to arrive in one of the most breathtaking ports in the world which has been celebrated by numerous famous authors and poets. A moment away is the island’s capital city of Valletta, a 16th century masterpiece built by the Knights of St. John, with the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago islands are centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea, truly a melting pot of major world civilizations and the point where cultures converge. This marriage has allowed Malta to the reputation as an internationally diverse community that is known for its hospitality.
Valletta Cruise Port, Malta
Things to Do
Top attractions, not to be missed
• Valletta Waterfront
• Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta
• St. John’s Co Cathedral, Valletta
• Mdina (Malta’s old capital city)
• Palazzo Falson (Mdina)
• Catacombs (Rabat)
• Blue Grotto
• The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua)
• Neolithic Temples (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Mosta’s Rotunda (the third largest dome in Europe)
· Gozo (Malta’s sister island)
Historic Valletta Waterfront, adjacent to where your cruise ship berths
Touristic Information
Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts Baroque architecture, museums, and stunning views of the Grand Harbor. Explore the city's rich history, from St. John's Co-Cathedral to the Barrakka Gardens.
Nice to Know Facts
- Valletta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, with 320 monuments within 55 acres.
- Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English.
- The Maltese Cross, a symbol of bravery, originated with the Knights of St. John in Malta.
Transportation
Distance ship to city
Valletta city center is a 15- 20 minute walk (uphill) away from the terminal.
The Malta Tourism Authority information booth distributes free maps to all persons requesting them from the information booth.
Numerous transportation services are available to and from Valletta Cruise Port, thus making it well-connected to Valletta itself and the rest of the Maltese Islands.
By Air – The Malta International Airport services major regional and international air carriers. Valletta Cruise Port is approximately a 15 minutes drive from the airport, where taxis are readily available.
By Taxi - A booking office is available on the Valletta Waterfront promenade providing taxi services and tours at established rates.
By Bus - Hop-on, hop-off bus services are available offering transport to diverse place of interest. Booths from where to book your bus service to Valletta are available on the Valletta Waterfront promenade. A public bus service to Valletta is also available.
By Horsecab – Available in the road adjacent to the Valletta Waterfront. These offer traditional horsecab rides to the City.
By Traditional Dghajsa (boat) and Water Taxi – Tours around the historic Maltese waters including the Grand Harbour, using traditional boats and also water taxis are available.
On Foot – One may opt to stroll to Valletta which takes approximately 20 minutes through Crucifix Hill. However this uphill walk is not recommended on hotter days or for persons who do not walk on a regular basis.
Discover nearby attractions with these transportation options:
- Mdina - 13km (8 miles) - 30 minutes by bus
- Blue Grotto - 12km (7.5 miles) - 25 minutes by taxi
- Three Cities - 4km (2.5 miles) - 15 minutes by ferry
Local Foods
Savor Maltese cuisine with dishes like Rabbit Stew, Pastizzi (flaky pastries), and Lampuki Pie (fish pie). Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant or visit the bustling food markets for an authentic experience.
Top 5 Attractions
- St. John's Co-Cathedral - Entry fee: €15
- Upper Barrakka Gardens - Free panoramic views of the Grand Harbor
- Valletta Waterfront - Quaint shops and dining by the waterfront
- Grand Master's Palace - Entry fee: €10
- National Museum of Archaeology - Entry fee: €12
Museums
With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage. This historic legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections.
There are so many areas of heritage and culture to be explored including the 16th century masterpiece Grandmasters’ Palace, the St. James Centre for Creativity – a superbly restored fortification where contemporary works of art are exhibited against the original rough-textured walls and rediscovered spaces.
Internet
Free WIFI is available in a number of catering outlets along the Valletta Waterfront, opposite where the cruise ship berths.
Local Customs
Maltese people are warm and welcoming. When meeting someone, a simple nod or a handshake is customary. Dress modestly when visiting churches, and it's polite to greet with "Bongu" (Good morning) in the daytime.
Fun Things for Children
- Up to 6 years old: Play in the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the view.
- 7-12 years old: Visit the Esplora Interactive Science Centre for hands-on exhibits.
- 13-18 years old: Explore Fort St. Elmo and its historical reenactments.
Google Maps
Explore the location near the cruise port on Google Maps.
Main Tourism Office Website
For additional information, visit the official tourism website: Visit Malta.
Embark on a day of discovery in Valletta. If you have more questions or need assistance, the local tourism office is ready to make your visit extraordinary. Enjoy your time in the captivating capital of Malta! Safe travels!
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.