Cruise port · Malta · Western Mediterranean
Valletta cruise port guide
Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital, offers one of the Mediterranean’s most dramatic arrivals through the Grand Harbour, with ships docking right below the city walls. Inside, St. John’s Co-Cathedral holds a Caravaggio masterpiece, and the medieval hill town of Mdina, prehistoric temples and the Three Cities are all close by.
- Fortress cities
- Caravaggio
- Prehistoric temples
- Harbor views
- English-speaking port
Photo: Bengt Nyman, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Malta
- Region
- Western Mediterranean
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Maltese and English are both official languages; English is spoken everywhere.
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- Best time to visit
- May–September
- Average highs
- 60–83°F through the year
About Valletta
Built by the Knights of St. John after they withstood the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta is a compact grid of honey-colored limestone streets lined with balconies, churches and palaces. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its ramparts overlook the Grand Harbour, one of the finest natural harbors in the world.
A typical day combines Valletta’s highlights with a trip to Mdina, the silent walled city inland, or a boat across the harbor to the Three Cities. History buffs can go deeper with megalithic temples older than Stonehenge. Malta suits English speakers, history lovers and anyone who appreciates a good view. The city’s steps and steep streets can be tiring, and summers are hot.
Where cruise ships dock in Valletta
Ships dock at the Valletta Cruise Port along the Valletta Waterfront, a row of restored Baroque warehouses below the city walls. To reach the city, walk up steep streets and steps (about 15–20 minutes), or walk along the waterfront to the Upper Barrakka Lift, which rises to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in seconds for a small fee. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are available at the port. Mdina is about 30 minutes by road. Ferries and traditional dgħajsa water taxis cross to the Three Cities.
Best things to do in Valletta on a cruise
- 1
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
culture
Plain on the outside, the Knights’ church explodes with gilded Baroque decoration and a floor of inlaid marble tombstones inside. The oratory holds Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, his largest painting. Cover shoulders and knees, and stiletto heels aren’t allowed.
- 2
Upper Barrakka Gardens
scenery
These arcaded gardens on the city’s ramparts give the classic view over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Below, the Saluting Battery fires its cannons daily. The lift from the waterfront makes this a natural first stop.
- 3
Mdina and Rabat
history
Malta’s former capital is a hilltop walled city of quiet lanes, palaces and a fine cathedral, with views across the island. Next door in Rabat, St. Paul’s Catacombs reveal early Christian burial chambers. Both are about 30 minutes from Valletta.
- 4
The Three Cities
history
Across the Grand Harbour, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea and Cospicua predate Valletta. Cross by ferry or dgħajsa, then explore Fort St. Angelo, the waterfront and the narrow streets. It’s quieter than Valletta and wonderful for photos.
- 5
Megalithic temples
history
Malta’s prehistoric temples, including Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast, are more than 5,000 years old, older than Stonehenge. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground burial complex, allows very few visitors per day, so book weeks ahead if you want to go.
- 6
Grandmaster’s Palace and Fort St. Elmo
history
The Grandmaster’s Palace has opulent state rooms and an armory of the Knights. At the tip of the peninsula, Fort St. Elmo houses the National War Museum, covering Malta’s history from prehistoric times to its role in World War II.
Valletta weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 6016 | 6015 | 6016 | 6317 | 6820 | 7624 | 8228 | 8328 | 8027 | 7524 | 7021 | 6418 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5714 | 5714 | 5814 | 6016 | 6518 | 7222 | 7826 | 8027 | 7725 | 7323 | 6719 | 6116 |
| Rain in (mm) | 1.539 | 1.539 | 1.436 | 0.614 | 2.768 | 0.512 | 0.24 | 0.719 | 1.744 | 3.487 | 3.590 | 1.537 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Valletta
Pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, are Malta’s favorite snack. Try ftira, a ring-shaped bread filled with tuna, olives and capers, and stuffat tal-fenek, a rabbit stew considered the national dish. Imqaret are date-filled pastries. Wash it down with Cisk lager or Kinnie, a bittersweet orange soft drink. Valletta’s Merchants Street and Strait Street have plenty of cafés and wine bars.
Tips for your port day
- Use the Upper Barrakka Lift to avoid the steep climb from the cruise port.
- Book the Hypogeum well in advance if it’s on your list; tickets are extremely limited.
- Malta drives on the left, uses British-style three-pin plugs and has English as an official language.
- Don’t miss the sailaway. Watching the ship leave the Grand Harbour past the forts is a highlight; head to an open deck early.
- Summers are hot, and Valletta’s pale stone reflects the heat. Carry water and duck into churches and cafés to cool off.
Cruise lines that visit Valletta
Often on the same itinerary
Valletta cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Valletta cruise port to the city?
Yes. It’s about 15–20 minutes uphill on steps and steep streets, or you can walk along the waterfront to the Upper Barrakka Lift, which takes you up to the gardens in seconds.
Is Mdina worth visiting from Valletta on a cruise?
Yes. Mdina is a beautiful walled hilltop city about 30 minutes away, and it pairs well with Rabat’s catacombs.
Do they speak English in Malta?
Yes. English is an official language alongside Maltese, so communication is easy for American and Canadian visitors.
What is the dress code for St. John’s Co-Cathedral?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid stiletto heels, which can damage the marble floor.
Can you visit Gozo from Valletta on a cruise?
It’s possible but rushed. A fast ferry runs from Valletta to Gozo, but on a single port day most visitors are better off focusing on Malta’s main island.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.