Malta, a tiny archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, packs 7,000 years of history into just 316 square kilometers. This fortress island has been coveted by every major Mediterranean power—from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Knights of St. John and the British Empire. Today, cruise visitors discover a destination where honey-colored limestone cities rise from azure waters, where medieval streets lead to baroque masterpieces, and where every stone seems to whisper tales of knights, sieges, and maritime glory.
For cruise passengers, Malta offers an extraordinarily concentrated cultural experience. The capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, sits just minutes from the cruise terminal. With over 320 monuments in less than half a square kilometer, it's officially recognized as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Yet Malta is more than monuments—it's a living Mediterranean culture where baroque churches host village festas, where fishermen paint eyes on their boats for protection, and where the local language uniquely blends Arabic with Italian and English.
Language: Maltese and English (both official), Italian widely spoken
Currency: Euro (€) - Cards widely accepted, ATMs plentiful
Best Months: April-June and September-November (avoid August heat)
Getting Around Malta
Malta's cruise port is brilliantly positioned in the Grand Harbour, one of the world's most spectacular natural harbors. Ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront in Floriana, a beautifully restored baroque wharf with restaurants, shops, and cafés built into 250-year-old warehouses. The location couldn't be more convenient— Valletta's city gates are just a 15-minute walk or a quick €10 taxi ride uphill.
Transportation Options
- • Barrakka Lift: €1 elevator from waterfront to Upper Barrakka Gardens (must-do!)
- • Traditional Dgħajsa: €2 per person water taxi to the Three Cities
- • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: €20 for routes covering Valletta, Mdina, and more
- • Public Bus: €2 for 2-hour ticket, reaches all major attractions
- • Taxi/Bolt: Fixed rates posted at port, Bolt app works well
Must-See Valletta Attractions
St. John's Co-Cathedral
Don't let the austere exterior fool you—stepping inside St. John's Co-Cathedral is like entering a golden jewelry box. Every inch of this baroque masterpiece is covered in gold leaf, paintings, and marble. The floor contains 400 tombs of Knights of Malta, each a unique marble masterpiece. The Oratory houses Caravaggio's largest painting, "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist," painted during his stay in Malta. Entry: €15, includes audio guide. Tip: Book online to skip lines.
Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery
These gardens offer the best views in Malta—a panoramic sweep across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. Time your visit for noon to witness the firing of the ceremonial cannon, a tradition dating to the Knights. The gardens themselves are a peaceful oasis with statues, fountains, and shaded colonnades. Free entry. The Saluting Battery below costs €3 and explains the cannon tradition.
Grandmaster's Palace
Former residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Malta, now housing the Office of the President. The State Rooms and Armoury showcase one of the world's finest collections of arms and armor. Entry: €12.
Casa Rocca Piccola
A 16th-century palace still lived in by Maltese nobility. The Marquis himself often conducts tours through 50 rooms including WWII shelters carved into rock. Entry: €9, tours every hour.
National Museum of Archaeology
Houses artifacts from Malta's prehistoric temples (older than the pyramids!), including the famous "Sleeping Lady" and "Venus of Malta" figurines. Entry: €5, essential for history buffs.
Fort St. Elmo & War Museum
Star-shaped fort that bore the brunt of the 1565 Great Siege. Now houses the National War Museum with sections on the Great Siege and Malta's WWII role. Entry: €10.
Beyond Valletta: Half-Day Excursions
Mdina: The Silent City
Malta's former capital, this medieval walled city sits atop a hill in the island's center. With only 300 residents and no cars allowed, Mdina maintains an otherworldly quiet that earned its nickname. Walk the narrow alleys, visit St. Paul's Cathedral, and don't miss Fontanella Tea Garden's cakes with views across half of Malta. 30 minutes by taxi (€20-25) or bus 51/52/53 from Valletta (€2).
The Three Cities
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—collectively known as the Three Cities—face Valletta across the Grand Harbour. These were the Knights' first home in Malta and retain an authentic, less-touristy atmosphere. Vittoriosa's Inquisitor's Palace and Maritime Museum merit visits, while Senglea's Gardjola Gardens offer spectacular harbor views. Take the traditional dgħajsa boat from the cruise port (€2).
Blue Grotto Sea Caves
Weather permitting, boat trips explore these stunning sea caves where sunlight creates ethereal blue illuminations. Best visited before noon. 45 minutes by taxi (€30-35), boat trips €8.
Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Picturesque harbor filled with colorful luzzu boats painted with protective eyes. Sunday market is excellent for local produce and seafood. Great seafood restaurants. 30 minutes by taxi (€20-25).
Malta's Food Scene
Maltese cuisine reflects the island's position at the Mediterranean crossroads, blending Sicilian, Arabic, and British influences into something uniquely delicious. Don't leave without trying pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), ftira (Maltese sandwich), and rabbit stew (the national dish).
Where to Eat in Valletta
- Nenu the Artisan Baker: Traditional Maltese ftira and local dishes in a restored bakery. Try the platter for two (€25).
- Café Cordina: Historic café on Republic Street since 1837. Perfect for pastizzi and coffee (€8-12).
- Rubino: Family-run since 1906, serving authentic Maltese cuisine. Rabbit stew is legendary (€15-20).
- Harbour Club: Waterfront dining with harbor views. Fresh seafood and local fish (€20-30).
Shopping in Malta
Malta offers unique shopping opportunities, from traditional crafts to designer boutiques. Republic Street and Merchant Street in Valletta are the main shopping arteries, while Ta' Qali Crafts Village showcases local artisans.
Authentic Maltese Products
- • Filigree jewelry (silver and gold)
- • Mdina glass (handblown art pieces)
- • Gozo lace (handmade)
- • Limestone sculptures
- • Local honey and olive oil
Best Shopping Spots
- • Republic Street: Main shopping street
- • Merchant Street: Local market (Mon-Sat AM)
- • Is-Suq tal-Belt: Food market hall
- • Ta' Qali: Crafts village (taxi needed)
- • Valletta Waterfront: Duty-free at port
Beach Options from Port
While Malta's beaches require some travel from the cruise port, several beautiful options are reachable within 30-45 minutes. Note that many Maltese beaches are rocky rather than sandy—bring water shoes.
Nearest Beach Options
- St. George's Bay: Sandy beach with facilities, restaurants, and water sports. 20 minutes by taxi (€15-20).
- Balluta Bay: Small beach in upscale Sliema, good swimming, nearby cafés. 15 minutes by taxi (€12-15).
- Pretty Bay: Sandy beach near Marsaxlokk, less crowded, local atmosphere. 30 minutes by taxi (€20-25).
- Blue Lagoon (Comino): Stunning but requires full day— ferry from Sliema (€20-30 return) plus 90 minutes each way.
Essential Tips for Your Malta Port Day
Practical Information
- • Free WiFi throughout Valletta
- • EU roaming charges apply
- • Tap water is safe but tastes salty
- • Pharmacies close 12-4 PM
- • Tipping: Round up or 5-10%
What to Wear
- • Comfortable walking shoes essential
- • Sun protection crucial year-round
- • Modest dress for churches
- • Light layers for wind
- • Small bag for narrow streets
⏰ Sample Port Day Itineraries
Culture Focus (6-7 hours):
Barrakka Lift → Upper Barrakka Gardens → St. John's Co-Cathedral → Grandmaster's Palace → Lunch on Republic Street → Stroll Valletta → Return via waterfront shops
Island Explorer (7-8 hours):
Taxi to Mdina → Explore Silent City → Fontanella tea stop → Continue to Marsaxlokk → Seafood lunch → Return via Blue Grotto (weather permitting)
🌟 Local Secret
Skip the crowded Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon (cannon firing time) and instead head there early morning or late afternoon for photos without crowds. For the noon cannon, watch from the less-crowded Lower Barrakka Gardens—you'll hear it perfectly and have equally stunning views. Also, download the Bolt app before leaving the ship— it's much cheaper than port taxis and widely available.
Weather Considerations
Malta enjoys 300+ days of sunshine annually, but summer (July-August) can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C/95°F. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) offer perfect weather with warm days and cool evenings. Winter is mild but can be windy and rainy. The island's limestone amplifies heat, so summer visitors should plan indoor activities during midday.
Malta rewards curious travelers with layers of history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality packed into one of Europe's smallest nations. Whether you spend your day exploring Valletta's baroque splendor, venturing to medieval Mdina, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere at a harborside café, you'll understand why this tiny archipelago has captivated visitors for millennia. The island's compact size means you can sample multiple experiences in a single port day, yet Malta's depth ensures you'll leave planning a return visit.