Valletta Cruise Port Guide: Top Things to Do in Valletta & Malta

LAST UPDATED August 18, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a small Mediterranean gem packed with history, culture, and stunning sea views.

The UNESCO-listed Old Town is the southernmost capital in Europe and the smallest in the EU, which makes it perfect for cruise passengers to explore in just a day.

The cruise port sits right below the city and is within walking distance of Valletta’s main attractions.

Sailing into Valletta is an experience in itself: the skyline of fortresses, domes, and bastions instantly transports you back to the time of the Knights of St. John.

Because of its beauty and variety, Valletta Cruise Port is a highlight on many Western and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.

In this guide, you’ll find practical port info, tips for getting around, and the best things to do in Valletta and across Malta.

Valletta Cruise Port Overview

Operated by Global Ports Holding, Valletta Cruise Port sits in the Grand Harbour, a deep-water harbour that can accommodate ships of all sizes. There are seven berths and three passenger terminals, with space for up to three cruise ships at once.

The main terminal, located in the historic Magazino Hall, offers modern facilities such as check-in counters, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and duty-free shops.

Right outside the terminal is the lively Valletta Waterfront, a row of restored 18th-century warehouses now home to restaurants, cafés, and bars overlooking the harbour.

Valletta Old Town lies just 1.2 km (0.8 miles) away, about a 15-minute uphill walk. Most passengers choose the Barrakka Lift, only 300 m from the terminal, which takes you directly up to the city walls for just €1 round trip.

Getting Around Valletta and Malta

⬆️ Barrakka Lift

The Barrakka Lift is the easiest way to reach Valletta Old Town from the cruise port. It’s just a 3–5 minute walk (300 m) from the terminal and takes you up to Upper Barrakka Gardens in 25 seconds.

• Cost: €1 round trip (coins or small bills recommended)
• Hours: 7 am–9 pm in winter, 7 am–midnight in summer

With space for 21 passengers per cabin, it’s the quickest way to avoid the uphill walk into the city.

🚶‍♂️ Walking

Valletta Old Town is only 1.2 km (0.8 miles) from the cruise port, about a 15–20 minute uphill walk. If you enjoy walking and have the time, it’s an option, but most cruise passengers prefer the lift.

🚌 Public Buses

Malta has a reliable bus network that covers the whole island. The nearest bus stop is “Waterfront”, right outside the cruise terminal at Valletta Waterfront, in front of Magazino Hall.

• A single ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for 2 hours
• You can buy tickets directly on the bus with cash or a card
• Travel cards are also available for longer stays and can be purchased at ticket machines or sales points inside the terminal
• From the Waterfront stop, you can take Route 130, a circular line around Valletta Old Town. It’s the easiest way to see the city without walking uphill

For buses to the rest of Malta, head to the Valletta bus station next to City Gate (about a 10-minute walk from the Upper Barrakka Lift).

👉 Check routes and schedules at Malta Public Transport.

🚖 Taxis & Private Transfers

Taxis are available right at the cruise terminal and operate at fixed rates.

If you prefer comfort and no waiting, you can also book a private transfer to or from Valletta Cruise Port in advance for peace of mind.

⛴️ Ferries & Water Taxis

• Gozo Ferry – Fast ferries to Gozo, Malta’s sister island, depart from the terminal below Fort Lascaris, only a 5-minute walk from the cruise port. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way, with departures every hour. Check schedules here.
• Comino & Blue Lagoon – Several boat operators also run trips to Comino.
• Water Taxis – Traditional Maltese dgħajsa boats connect the Grand Harbour with the Three Cities.

🚗 Car Rental

Driving in Malta is on the left-hand side, and renting a car is a great way to explore at your own pace. Expect heavy summer traffic (July–August).

👉 Compare Malta car rental deals here.

🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses are a popular way to explore Malta at your own pace. Three routes are available:

• South Malta (Red Route)
• North Malta (Blue Route)
• Gozo Route

The nearest stop is about 250 m from the cruise terminal, near the local bus stop. Tickets are sold at the colored booths directly on the Valletta Waterfront promenade, so you can easily buy them as soon as you disembark.

👉 Check tours for route maps and combo tickets.

Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors

💶 Money & Language

Malta uses the Euro (€), and you’ll find ATMs and exchange offices both at the terminal and in town. Credit cards are widely accepted.

English is an official language alongside Maltese, so communication is simple for cruise visitors.

♿ Accessibility

The port area and Valletta Waterfront are flat and wheelchair-friendly. The Barrakka Lift is fully accessible and takes you straight up to Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Once in the Old Town, the main streets such as Republic Street and Merchants Street are mostly flat and manageable, though some side streets are steep or cobbled and may be difficult to navigate.

🛍️ Shopping

Most shops in Valletta are clustered along Republic Street and Merchants Street, where you’ll find everything from international brands to local crafts, lace, glassware, and handmade souvenirs.

Many stores close for an afternoon break between 1 pm and 4 pm, so it’s best to shop in the morning or later in the day.

✈️ Airport & Transfers

Malta International Airport (MLA) is only 7.2 km (4.5 miles) from Valletta Cruise Port, about a 10-15 minute drive.

👉 For convenience, many visitors choose to pre-book a private transfer to or from the port.

🎟️ Tours & Accommodation

Guided tours and hop-on hop-off buses are an easy way to see Malta’s highlights in just one day.

Cruise lines often overcharge for excursions, so I personally book mine through Viator or Get Your Guide, as they usually cost less, offer more choice, and still guarantee great service.

👉 Browse top-rated Malta tours and activities here.

Malta is also a popular homeport, so many cruisers choose to spend extra time here before or after their sailing.

If you’re staying overnight, accommodation in Valletta or the Old Town is the best choice, as you’ll be close to the port, restaurants, and main attractions.

👉 Check out hotels in Valletta and Malta for every budget, from boutique stays to larger resorts.

📘 Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide

If Valletta is just one stop on your itinerary, my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide ebook covers 45 ports across the Med, with insider tips, shore excursion ideas, and printable checklists to help you plan every stop.

👉 Check out the Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide here.

Top Things to Do in Valletta (Walking Distance)

Valletta was founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, and their legacy is still visible in the city’s palaces, churches, and massive fortifications.

For cruise visitors, it’s the perfect stop: compact, walkable, and filled with history just minutes from the port.

There are many things to do and see in Valletta, but if you only have half a day, the Old Town is where you’ll find most of the major attractions within easy reach.

⬆️ Upper Barrakka Gardens & Barrakka Lift

Just minutes from the terminal, the lift brings you up to Upper Barrakka Gardens — the best viewpoint in Valletta. The gardens are free to enter and open daily from morning to evening.

From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and can watch the Saluting Battery cannon fire at noon, a tradition dating back to the 16th century.

It’s also one of the best spots for photos of your ship in port.

👉 Explore Upper Barrakka Gardens tours

⛪ St. John’s Co-Cathedral

This 16th-century cathedral is Valletta’s crown jewel. Its plain stone exterior hides one of the most ornate Baroque interiors in Europe, with marble tombs of the Knights of St. John and richly decorated chapels.

The highlight is Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, housed in the cathedral’s museum.

The cathedral is open daily (except Sundays and public holidays) with an entrance fee, and audio guides are included. Modest dress is required and shoulders and knees should be covered.

👉 Browse St. John’s Co-Cathedral tours and tickets

🏛️ Grandmaster’s Palace

Built in the 16th century as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John, this palace is one of Valletta’s most important landmarks.

Today, it houses the Office of the President of Malta, but parts of it are open to the public, including the richly decorated State Rooms and the impressive Palace Armoury with its collection of weapons and armor.

The palace is located on St. George’s Square, right in the heart of Valletta. Entrance requires a ticket, and visiting is best combined with a stroll along Republic Street, Valletta’s main thoroughfare.

👉 Check out top-rated Valletta walking tours.

🌊 Valletta Waterfront Promenade

Right outside the cruise terminal, the Valletta Waterfront (also known as Pinto Wharf) is a lively promenade of restored 18th-century warehouses overlooking the Grand Harbour.

Today, they house cafés, restaurants, and shops, including well-known names like Hard Rock Café and Starbucks, alongside local spots serving Maltese dishes such as fresh seafood, pastizzi, rabbit stew, and Lampuki pie.

It’s the perfect place to relax with harbour views before or after sightseeing, and a common meeting point for guided tours around Valletta and beyond.

If you follow the promenade to the right, you’ll eventually reach the Lower Barrakka Gardens, another peaceful public park with sweeping harbour views.

🎥 The Malta Experience & Fort St. Elmo

At the tip of Valletta’s peninsula, you’ll find The Malta Experience, a 45-minute multimedia show that tells the island’s 7,000-year story in an engaging way — perfect if it’s your first visit and you want a quick overview.

Right next door is Fort St. Elmo, where the Knights of St. John defended Malta during the Great Siege of 1565. Today, it houses the National War Museum, which covers Malta’s military history, including World War II.

Both are within walking distance from the cathedral and Republic Street, making them a great final stop before heading back to the cruise port.

👉 Check out Valletta Old Town tours and activities

Best Things to Do in Malta (Day Trips from Valletta)

Not all cruise visitors will have time, but if your ship is in port for a full day or Malta is your embarkation/disembarkation port, you can explore beyond Valletta.

The island is small and well-connected, so you can easily reach historic cities, fishing villages, beaches, and natural landmarks within an hour.