Valletta

Valletta

Malta

Wander through magnificent baroque palaces and honey-colored limestone streets in Europe's smallest capital, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress city.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Maltese, English
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May–Oct
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range From $459 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage capital city with stunning Baroque architecture, fortified harbors, and rich Mediterranean history, making it one of Europe's most picturesque cruise destinations.

Cruises that visit Valletta

Build Your Day in Valletta

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Upper Barrakka Great day out full of history with local crafts and cuisine. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 41k Open now
St. John's Co-Cathedral The interactive art history section worth the queue. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 27k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Lower Barrakka Try to be there at 12pm or 16pm to see the daily Time-machine (Canon) shoot! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 15k Temporarily closed
The Valletta Waterfront You can even enjoy a horse carriage ride through the harbour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 13k
The Point Shopping Mall Good selection of cheap and expensive clothing brands. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 12k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum Very nice museum with interactive exhibits! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 10k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Bay Street Shopping Complex Lovely shopping mall, beautifully decorated and full of designer brands. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 8k Open · Closes 10 PM
Caffe Cordina Oldest café in Valletta with plenty of character and great drinks menu. Coffee shop · ★ 4.1 · 7k
Zero Sei Trattoria Romana Fantastic food, great atmosphere, and service that is second to none. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 6k
St. George’s Square Do have much to do at the square but tones of stuff to do around it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k
AKI - Japanese Restaurant & Cocktail Bar The food was good, but the chocolate dessert was epic, well worth the visit. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 4k
National Museum of Archaeology | Valletta Student pricing made this a super affordable and entertaining morning Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 4k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ta' Nenu Valletta Fantastic food, their rabbit and special seafood pasta are incredible. Maltese · ★ 4.5 · 4k
St John's Co-Cathedral Museum A lot see using the free guided app.is a must Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 4k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Casa Rocca Piccola Eccentric, informative, eclectic home/art gallery/museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Grand Master's Palace There are a variety of exhibits and rooms to visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Valletta a very nice setting with great food, great drinks, and great atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k
The Malta Experience Very reasonable admission charge. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
La Pira Maltese Kitchen The food was pretty great with some unique and genuinely enjoyable flavours. Maltese · ★ 4.2 · 3k
Palazzo Preca Restaurant The food, wine, cocktails, service and atmosphere were great. Maltese · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Saluting Battery Amazing canon shoot every noon and 16 p.m. Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
67 Kapitali Great selection of beer and a lovely bohemian vibe inside with great music. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Balluta Bay Beach The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming. Beach · ★ 4 · 2k
Legligin Restaurant The food was amazing, and the wine pairings were perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed
Lot 61 Coffee Roasters Amazing coffee, probably best I had in Malta and definitely in Valletta. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
TRiBE Valletta Innovative fun menu for food and cocktails with super trendy interior. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Grano We had the pulled local pork and the burrata and they were amazing! Sandwich · ★ 4.5 · 2k
The Lascaris War Rooms Lots of interesting boards to read, rooms to visit and objects to see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Kamy Cocktail Bar Valletta The cocktails were expertly crafted, and the atmosphere was chilled. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Cheeky Monkey Gastropub Valletta Relaxed atmosphere, good for a casual stop rather than a full evening out. Gastropub · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Fort St Elmo The museum has really interesting displays and exhibits through the ages. Heritage preservation · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Cafe Society Valletta Delicious cocktails, great music and friendly staff Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Coffee Circus Lisboa Good coffee with Lisbon vibes in Valletta and a great view of the sea. Espresso bar · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Cafe Jubilee Place for a good maltese or english breakfast and the atmosphere is serene. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Ġnien Hastings It is a fun experience for people who are not afraid of tight spaces. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open now
Grana Cucina - Valletta Quality food, attentive service, nice quiet atmosphere downstairs. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Browns Kitchen Valletta Waterfront Delicious food, friendly service, and cozy vibes. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k
1522 a food story The food was delicious, the portions were large, and the drinks were great. Mediterranean · ★ 4.9 · 1k
ORTYGIA Food Experience Especially for a casual more intimate atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar Quality drinks, good on street atmosphere, excellent service. Tapas Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
The Submarine Excellent food, high selection of ingredients and very kind staff. Sandwich · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closes soon · 8 PM
SUNDAY IN SCOTLAND Thoroughly decent coffee (large cappuccino), especially so for Malta. Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Tigné Point Best view of Valetta, no crowds and great swimming spot Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Elephant Shoe The prawn pasta was delicious — creamy, juicy, and perfectly cooked. Brunch · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Mina's Good atmosphere, good food and friendly staff. Maltese · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Piadina Caffe A nice tiny café located in a narrow street of Valletta. Wine bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Beati Paoli Restaurant The pasta, beautifully cooked, the steak was incredible. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Drunken Dumpling Great vegan options, fans inside, and absolutely delicious! Chinese · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Adesso Great welcome, good cocktails, great food, copious portions. Mediterranean · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Angela's Valletta The food was outstanding—rich in flavor and beautifully presented. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
La Bottega Great live music, friendly staff and beautiful atmosphere! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Fond Għadir Beach Beach is busy in summer as there are showers and a lifeguard. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
De Bono Coffee Shop Best Coffee in Valetta ❤️ service is very friendly, food is very yummy! Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closes soon · 8 PM
Siege Bell War Memorial This place has something that amaze me every single time i come here. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Grain Street Everything tasted excellent, and each course was beautifully prepared. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
59 Republic Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with creativity and precision. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Mysterium Fidei Museum St Catherine's Monastery and Secret Garden It was a great immersive and educational experience. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Focacceria Dal Pani Foccacia Sandwich:Amazing, crunchy and full of flavors Tiramisu: Amazing Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Noni The tasting menu was surprising at every step of the way and tasted amazing! Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 1k
The Harbour Club The cuisine was refined, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Kaiseki The price blown us away for a michelin guide restaurant. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
O’Sole Rooftop Garden The rooftop atmosphere and views are beautiful, and the food was delicious. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k
The Little Cucina Great food with creative presentation, outstanding personable wait staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
ION Harbour By Simon Rogan Each dish perfectly paired with a beautiful wine. Fine Dining · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Qui-Si-Sana Beach Nice place with natural pools. Beach · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Cheers Fantastic espresso Martini cocktail , good value and fast service. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Il-Gifen restaurant The food was so delicious ans the service was excellent and very welcoming. Maltese · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Risette Gorgeous atmosphere, attentive staff, and food is stunning. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Tal-Kafe' Serves traditional Maltese coffee as well as great espresso. Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
OZZY’S BAR - VOODOO TİKİ COCTEYL Great atmosphere, unique concept, good quality drinks and friendly staff! Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k
St Elmo’s Fire Jewellery Unique pieces at competitive prices. Jewelry store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Rock Beach the water is crystal clear. Beach · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Fat City Bar Great cocktails, great place, well decorated and amazing service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Under Grain Excellent meal and wine pairings, along with a very attentive service. Fine Dining · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Wuestenwinds beach Gorgeous non-beach: access is sliding over rocks into blissfully warm water. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Souvenirs That Don't Suck - Valletta Great Souvenirs , original,well priced, things you won't get anywhere else Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Valletta viewpoint They shoot canons at noon! Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open now
The Capital Souvenir Shop Only open till 7pm but great souvenir shop with many items Luggage storage facility · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Ta'Lonza The ambiance is beautiful, and the beer tastes absolutely fantastic. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Underground Valletta It is just a lot of tunnels and water/grain storage. Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
The Silversmith's Shop Great service, great products and well priced Goldsmith · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Rocky Beach A great place for a quick jump in the water. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Central Business Centre Valletta - The Savoy In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Over Grain | Rooftop Cocktail Lounge Great location, good drinks and excellent service Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Tigne beach Nice place for a sunset with swimming options on the coast. Swimming facility · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open now
Ċekċik Amazing shop ,great selection worth a visit Clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Natural Pool Really cool pool, great place to snorkel - we saw an Octopus! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Next Valletta Excellent service, with a smile and good selection, true to size. Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Blue Shop Valletta The clothing is great quality and not like anything else you will find here. Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
St Elmo Bay Bay · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Valletta is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Valletta

About Valletta

Valletta stands as one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant cruise hubs, welcoming ships from sixteen major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and luxury operators like Silversea and Seabourn. With nearly 1,500 upcoming cruises and peak seasons spanning May through October, this Maltese capital thrives as a port of call for seven-night Mediterranean itineraries that typically explore Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Messina, and Naples. The sheer variety of cruise options means you'll find everything from family-friendly mega-ships to intimate expedition vessels calling here.

When your ship docks, you'll step into a UNESCO World Heritage capital that seamlessly blends maritime history with Mediterranean charm. The harbor itself is one of Europe's finest natural anchorages, surrounded by centuries-old fortifications and waterfront architecture that tell stories of Malta's strategic importance. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day ashore, Valletta's compact, walkable layout makes the most of your port time.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

UNESCO World Heritage Architecture

Explore Valletta's stunning 16th-century fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of Malta. Wander through narrow limestone streets lined with ornate balconies, visit the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral with its breathtaking baroque interior, and discover centuries of Mediterranean history within walking distance of your ship.

2

Authentic Maltese Cuisine & Markets

Savor traditional Maltese dishes like pastizzi (flaky pastries) and rabbit stew at family-run restaurants throughout the capital. Browse the vibrant food markets near the harbor for fresh local produce, then enjoy waterfront dining with views of the Grand Harbour while tasting authentic Mediterranean flavors unique to Malta.

3

Grand Harbour Scenic Views

Experience one of the world's most picturesque harbors with dramatic limestone cliffs and historic fortifications surrounding crystal-clear waters. Take a harbor cruise or stroll the waterfront promenade to capture stunning photographs of your ship framed against centuries-old architecture and the charming Three Cities across the water.

4

Valletta Street Shopping & Souvenirs

Discover boutique shops and local artisan stores along Republic Street, Valletta's main thoroughfare, featuring Maltese crafts, lace, and jewelry. Browse traditional handicrafts and contemporary designs in charming storefronts, then relax at outdoor cafés where locals gather for coffee and people-watching in this compact, walkable capital.

5

Knights' Legacy & Museum Exploration

Immerse yourself in the Knights of Malta's fascinating 400-year history at the National Museum of Archaeology and the Palace Armory. These world-class museums showcase ancient artifacts, ornate weaponry, and historical treasures that reveal Malta's strategic importance and the knights' profound cultural impact on the Mediterranean.

Cruise Lines at Valletta

Cruises Departing From Valletta

Cruises Visiting Valletta

Ship Schedule at Valletta

Valletta Location

Other Cruise Ports in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valletta known for?

Valletta is Malta's capital, famed for fortifications, palaces, and museums.

When is the best time to visit Valletta?

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

How can I explore Valletta on foot?

The city is compact with walkable streets, plus scenic harbor views.

What are must-see sites in Valletta?

The Grand Harbour, St. John's Co-Cathedral, and the City Gate area are highlights.