I visited Valletta, Malta for the first time this spring during a cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl, and it quickly became one of my favorite cruise ports in Europe!
I loved how easy the Valletta Malta cruise port was to explore independently, and we walked everywhere directly from the ship. We spent our day wandering through Malta’s narrow limestone streets, charming staircases, and historic squares filled with cafés and stunning harbor views.
One thing that really surprised me about Valletta was how hilly the city is. If you plan to explore on foot, be prepared for steep inclines, uneven streets, and plenty of stairs throughout the city.
Comfortable walking shoes are definitely a must, especially during the warmer months when the Mediterranean sun can feel intense.
Even still, Valletta’s compact layout makes it one of the best cruise ports for a DIY walking day. Whether you want to visit historic churches, admire panoramic harbor views, or spend the day café hopping through the city, you can easily experience many of Malta’s highlights in one port stop.
Where do cruise ships dock in Valletta, Malta?
Valletta, Malta Port address: Vault 1, Upper Floor, Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront, Floriana FRN 1913, Malta
The Valletta Malta cruise port is located directly below the fortified city walls at the Valletta Waterfront. One of the best parts about this port is that you can walk straight into the city without needing a shuttle or expensive excursion.
Because the old town is located uphill, many cruise passengers use the Barrakka Lift. This is a $1 elevator ride that quickly transports visitors from the waterfront up to the city center near the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and it’s a great option for those with mobility concerns.
There were also plenty of taxis right outside of the cruise terminal for those looking for quick transport and offering tours for the day.
If you prefer walking, which is what we did, you can expect around 15 to 20 minutes uphill from the cruise terminal.
Highlights of the Valletta Malta Cruise Port
From historic cathedrals and scenic harbor viewpoints to cute cafés and colorful limestone streets, Valletta is one of the easiest Mediterranean cruise ports to explore on foot.
Whether you want to wander through the historic city center, visit famous landmarks like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, or just enjoy the atmosphere of Malta’s capital, there’s plenty to see within walking distance of the Valletta Malta cruise port.
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens
One of the most popular places to visit in Valletta is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and they absolutely lived up to the hype during our visit! The gardens are free to visit and shouldn’t be missed while visiting Valletta.
Perched above Malta’s famous Grand Harbour, the gardens offer some of the best panoramic views in the city. From the terrace, you can look out over the harbor, historic fortifications, and the picturesque Three Cities across the water.
The gardens are also home to the famous Saluting Battery, where visitors gather daily to watch the traditional cannon firing ceremony around noon. If your cruise schedule allows, it’s definitely worth timing your visit to catch the short but memorable event.
For me, the Upper Barrakka Gardens perfectly captured Valletta’s atmosphere. The combination of historic architecture, peaceful gardens, sweeping harbor views, and relaxed ambiance made it one of my favorite spots in the city.
Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral
The biggest surprise of our day in Valletta was probably St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is located right in the heart of the old town.
We pre-purchased tickets online ahead of time for around $15 per person, which made the process much easier once we arrived. Although the line moved fairly quickly when the cathedral opened in the morning, we were still glad to already have our tickets in hand.
From the outside, St. John’s Co-Cathedral looks quite plain compared to many of Europe’s grand churches. But once you step inside, the interior is absolutely stunning and far more elaborate than we expected.
Nearly every inch of the cathedral is covered in gold detailing, ornate carvings, painted ceilings, and colorful marble.
A major highlight of the cathedral is Caravaggio’s famous masterpiece, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” displayed inside the cathedral’s oratory. The dramatic painting is considered one of the artist’s most important works and is one of the cathedral’s biggest attractions.
One of the most fascinating features is the floor itself, which is made up of hundreds of intricate marble tombs belonging to the Knights of St. John. Each tomb is decorated with detailed crests, symbols, and artwork honoring important figures from Malta’s history.
Have breakfast at Malta’s oldest café
One of the most memorable parts of our day was stopping for breakfast at Caffe Cordina. When we first arrived at 7:00am in the city, most of the main attractions weren’t open yet. So, we enjoyed a delightful cup of coffee and light breakfast before exploring.
Located right in the heart of Valletta, the historic café dates back to the 1800s and feels like stepping into old Europe with elegant interiors, pastries, espresso drinks, and outdoor seating perfect for people watching.
We grabbed coffee and pastries before continuing our walk through the city, and it ended up being one of those simple travel moments that really sticks with you.
If you have time, I highly recommend slowing down and enjoying a leisurely breakfast or coffee break somewhere in Valletta. The city has a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for wandering without a strict itinerary.
Wander through Valletta’s streets
One of the best things to do at the Valletta Malta cruise port is wander around and explore on foot. We didn’t have much of a plan for our day in Valletta, so this ended up being one of the best ways to experience the city.
Valletta is filled with narrow streets lined with colorful wooden balconies, tiny cafés, historic buildings, churches, and scenic viewpoints around nearly every corner.
Because the city is relatively small, it’s easy to explore without a plan. Some of our favorite moments were wandering downhill toward the waterfront, discovering side streets, and shopping at many of the local stores.
If you enjoy photographing cruise ports, Valletta is especially photogenic thanks to its honey-colored limestone architecture and dramatic sea views!
Tips for visiting Valletta, Malta on a cruise
Here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting the Valletta Malta cruise port:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Expect steep hills and stairs throughout the city
- Bring water during warmer months
- Start early if you want to avoid crowds, especially the co-cathedral
- Check cathedral and museum opening times in advance
- Consider using the Barrakka Lift if mobility is a concern
Despite the hills, I found Valletta incredibly walkable and easy to explore independently from the cruise port. An excursion definitely isn’t needed, as the city is conveniently located near the cruise terminal.
Also, don’t miss the sailaway from Malta! Departing Valletta by cruise ship is an experience on its own, as your ship slowly passes through the massive Grand Harbour surrounded by historic fortifications, limestone buildings, and scenic waterfront views.
Watching the city fade into the distance from the open deck was one of the highlights of our port day and offered an entirely different perspective of Valletta’s stunning harbor.
Best Malta cruise excursions from the Valletta cruise port
While Valletta is very easy to explore on your own, there are also plenty of shore excursions available for cruisers who want to see more of Malta beyond the capital city.
During our cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl, there were more than 20 different excursions offered in Valletta ranging from historical tours and scenic drives to food experiences, beach days, and boat excursions.
Here are some of the most popular Malta excursions commonly offered from the Valletta Malta cruise port:
Explore the Three Cities
One of the most popular excursions is the “Three Cities & Boat Ride” tour, which visits Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa. These historic waterfront cities sit directly across the harbor from Valletta and offer a glimpse into Malta’s maritime history and local culture.
Many tours also include a traditional Maltese boat ride through the harbor for scenic views of the fortifications and waterfront.
Visit Mdina, Malta’s Silent City
Several excursions combine Valletta with a visit to Mdina, Malta’s famous medieval walled city often called the “Silent City.”
These tours allow visitors to explore the narrow streets, historic buildings, and panoramic viewpoints of the island’s former capital. Mdina is one of Malta’s most photographed destinations and a favorite for history lovers.
See Malta’s Prehistoric Temples
Malta is home to some of the world’s oldest free-standing structures, and excursions like “Prehistoric Temples & Views” focus on the island’s UNESCO-listed archaeological sites.
These tours typically include visits to the Temples of Tarxien and Hagar Qim, where visitors can learn more about Malta’s ancient civilizations and prehistoric history.
Visit Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto
Another popular option is a Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto excursion, which combines a visit to Malta’s colorful fishing village with a boat trip to the famous Blue Grotto sea caves.
The bright blue water and dramatic coastline make this one of the island’s most scenic excursions, especially during good weather.
