Valletta, Malta's tiny but mighty capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage city packed with Baroque architecture, knights' history and Mediterranean charm. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, this fortified city sits on a peninsula with stunning harbour views on both sides.
What to Do in a Day in Valletta
Walk from the cruise terminal through the city gates to Republic Street, the main thoroughfare. Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio's masterpiece, then explore the Grand Master's Palace. Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Try traditional Maltese pastizzi at a local café, and if time allows, take a ferry across to the Three Cities for a quieter historical experience.
The tours below are not organised by the cruise lines. Bookings are made directly with GetYourGuide and you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. If you prefer the cruise line's guarantee, contact our travel advisors after booking.
Cruise Port Address
Malta International Airport (MLA)
MLA is about 8 km from Pinto Wharf — 15–20 min by road. Express bus X4 runs between MLA and Valletta/Floriana in ~30 min (€2.50 in summer / €1.50 in winter) in both directions. Flat-rate taxis are around €20.
City Gate / Republic Street
Pinto Wharf sits below the Valletta bastion walls. The Barrakka Lift (€1) takes you up to Upper Barrakka Gardens in ~30 seconds; alternatively a 10–15 min uphill walk via Lascaris Battery brings you to City Gate. Several bus routes also stop at the Waterfront.
Valletta Weather by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High °C | 15° | 15° | 17° | 19° | 24° | 28° | 31° | 32° | 28° | 24° | 20° | 16° |
| Rainfall mm | 🌦️ 89 mm | 🌤️ 52 mm | 🌤️ 37 mm | ☀️ 17 mm | ☀️ 7 mm | ☀️ 3 mm | ☀️ 0 mm | ☀️ 7 mm | 🌤️ 40 mm | 🌦️ 77 mm | 🌦️ 93 mm | 🌧️ 107 mm |
Available cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean all offer excursions in Malta. Options include guided walks of Valletta, trips to the ancient temples of Hagar Qim, visits to Mdina (the Silent City), and boat tours to the Blue Grotto.
Ships typically dock for 8–10 hours. The cruise terminal is right at the waterfront, a short walk from the city centre and the Barrakka Lift.
Valletta is one of the most walkable cruise ports in the Mediterranean — the entire city is just 1 km long. Independent exploration is easy. Book an excursion if you want to visit Mdina, the Blue Grotto or Gozo island.