Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe and one of the most densely packed with history. Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a grid of baroque streets, churches, palaces, and gardens contained within massive fortifications on a peninsula between two of the finest natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
The Grand Harbour that cruise ships enter is extraordinary. Ringed by the limestone bastions of Valletta on one side and the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) on the other, it was the scene of some of the most dramatic naval battles in Mediterranean history and remains one of the most visually impressive port approaches anywhere in the world. Ships berth at Pinto Wharf on the Valletta Waterfront, directly below the city walls.
St John’s Co-Cathedral, within the walled city, is the reason many passengers come to Malta. The baroque interior, every surface covered in marble inlay, gilded carving, or painted vault, contains Caravaggio’s largest surviving painting, ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, displayed in the Oratory. Entry requires booking in advance in peak season, and the Co-Cathedral rewards the effort.
Port of Valletta: Where Ships Dock in Malta
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Type | Dock |
| Distance to Town | 10 min walk from Valletta Waterfront to City Gate |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Maltese and English (English is an official language) |
| Best Known For | The Grand Harbour (one of the finest natural harbours in the world), St John's Co-Cathedral (containing Caravaggio's largest painting), and Mdina, the medieval walled city in the island's interior. |
- Pinto Wharf Cruise Terminal , Valletta Waterfront, Floriana
- Valletta City Gate , Main entrance to the walled city
- St John's Co-Cathedral , Knights of Malta baroque masterpiece
- Upper Barrakka Gardens , Grand Harbour panorama viewpoint
- Mdina , Silent City: 12 km west of Valletta
Valletta: Valletta Waterfront (Pinto Wharf) · View larger map
Getting From the Port to Town
Walking: The Best Option
Free- Walk time: 10 min walk from Pinto Wharf to Valletta City Gate
- The Valletta Waterfront terminal at Pinto Wharf is at the foot of the city walls. A 10-minute walk uphill (or a short ride on the free Barrakka Lift) brings you to the City Gate and the centre of the old town. All of Valletta's main sights are within the walled city and walkable from the gate: the Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens are all within 10 minutes of each other.
Local Bus
€1.50 to €2 anywhere in Malta- Malta's bus network radiates from Valletta's bus terminus, just outside the City Gate, and covers the whole island. Services to Mdina (bus 201 or 202), the Blue Lagoon ferry at Cirkewwa (bus 222), and the Three Cities (bus 3) are all accessible directly from the terminus. Tickets are purchased from the driver. The network is comprehensive and inexpensive but buses can be slow.
Taxi
€10 to €20 within Valletta area; €15 to €25 to Mdina; €30 to €50 to Gozo ferry- Taxis and ride-share apps (eCabs, Bolt) are available from the terminal and are reliable. For Mdina, a taxi is faster than the bus and practical if shared. For the Blue Lagoon on Comino, the ferry from Cirkewwa (45 min drive from Valletta) is more practical by organised excursion than by taxi.
Top Excursions
Cruise-Friendly Malta Mdina Valletta Tour from Cruise Port
Are you a cruise passenger docking in Malta, eager to experience the island's breathtaking beauty and magic? As a first-time visitor, join us on an exceptional shore excursion that promises to captivate you. Explore the quiet charm of Mdina, the 'Silent City,' and marvel at the historic grandeur of
Book This ExcursionCruise around Malta's Harbours and Creeks from Sliema
This 90-minute scenic cruise is the perfect introduction to the city of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, and its surroundings.nnEnjoy a scenic cruise around the two natural harbours of Malta, the majestic Valletta Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour.nnSet sail from Sliema Ferries and take i
Book This ExcursionMalta Shore Excursion: Private tour of Valletta and Mdina
While you’re in port in Malta, get to know its two capitals – Mdina, the ancient one, and Valletta, the current one – on this shore excursion that will introduce you to Malta’s history and architecture. You’ll visit many sights like the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Cit
Book This ExcursionPhoto Tour in Malta's Most Iconic Spots (Valletta /Mdina /Other)
Bring home the best souvenir—a stunning photoshoot in Malta! Choose from beautiful spots like Valletta, Mdina, Birgu & more. Perfect for couples, families, friends or solo travelers. Book yours today!nnHighlightsnOne-hour photo session at a location of choicenPerfect for couples, families, friends,
Book This ExcursionMore Experiences in Valletta
Valletta Harbour Cruise
A Cruise around the largest natural harbours in the Meditteranean, Marsamxett and Grand Harbours and their various creek and nooks. where you will experience the past and view the magnificent forts, battlements and creeks situated in Valletta and the 3 Cities.nnA detailed commentary in English will
Malta Valletta, Cruise Liner Excursion – Blue lagoon Boat Tour
Make the most of your time in Malta with this 4-hour tour designed for cruise passengers. We’ll pick you up from the Valletta Cruise Terminal and drive you to the boat departure point, where a semi-private cruise begins. Kindly note this tour is for cruise ships guests only.nnExplore the stunning co
Guided Night Tour of Valletta Waterfront, Mdina and Rabat
Visit some beautiful locations during night-time and experience the splendor of Malta under the stars. During this guided night tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate Malta under a different lens, an entirely different setting, away from the hustle and bustle of daytime, when the nocturna
Vintage Bus to Valletta and Sliema and Rabat and Mdina
Explore Malta's impressive estates, learn about its fascinating history, and take in the island’s sights at your own pace in an iconic vintage bus. Discover Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat.nnStop at any of the included locations along the route and visit the city’s main attractions. Benefit from
The best excursions in Valletta fill up ahead of peak sailings. Compare options and book before you leave port.
Things to Do in Valletta
Valletta’s main sights are compact enough that a determined walker can see them all in half a day: the Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Lascaris War Rooms (the underground headquarters from which the Allied Mediterranean campaign was directed in 1942 to 1943). The other half day is for Mdina, the Three Cities, or, if the season is right, the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
Malta is a small island, 27 km long and 14 km wide, and almost everything is reachable from Valletta within 45 minutes. The combination of a morning in the walled city and an afternoon somewhere else on the island is entirely feasible on a full port day.
- St John’s Co-Cathedral. The Knights of Malta’s baroque cathedral (consecrated 1578) is Valletta’s masterpiece. Every surface of the interior is covered: marble tombstones inlaid with coloured stone, gilded carving on every arch and vault, and painted panels above. The Oratory contains Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ (1608), the largest painting he ever made and one of the most important works of Western art. Entry €15; book online in advance.
- Upper Barrakka Gardens and Grand Harbour View. The gardens on the upper bastion above the cruise terminal offer the most dramatic view of the Grand Harbour: the limestone fortifications of the Three Cities across the water, Fort St Angelo, and the entrance to the harbour from the open sea. The cannon salute fires daily at noon. The gardens are free and take 15 minutes to walk. The Barrakka Lift from the Waterfront costs €1 for a same-day return ticket (you only pay going up; the descent is free), or is free with a Tallinja card or valid Valletta ferry ticket.
- Mdina (The Silent City). A medieval walled city 12 km from Valletta, perched on a hilltop in the centre of the island (Mdina sits at around 185 metres; Malta’s highest point at Dingli Cliffs is 253 metres). The streets are largely car-free (only residents drive), the architecture is intact Arab-Norman and baroque, and the cathedral at the centre contains notable 18th-century paintings. The views from the bastions on a clear day extend to both coasts of the island and to Sicily to the north. Accessible by bus 52 from the Valletta terminus (30 to 45 minutes) or taxi (around 20 minutes, €20 to €25).
- Three Cities by Water Taxi. Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are older than Valletta and were the home of the Knights of St John before the new capital was built. The traditional dgħajsa water taxi from the Valletta Waterfront crosses the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa in 10 minutes (€2 to €3). The Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa and Fort St Angelo (the Knights’ original headquarters) are both worth visiting. The Three Cities have a quieter, more genuinely Maltese character than Valletta on a busy cruise day.
- Grand Master’s Palace. The Palace of the Grand Masters in Valletta’s main square housed the head of the Knights of St John and is now the office of the President of Malta. The State Rooms are open to visitors and display suits of armour, paintings of the Great Siege, and the formal reception rooms of one of the most powerful religious-military orders in European history. Allow 45 minutes. Entry around €10.
St John’s Co-Cathedral has a daily visitor cap and sells out during peak season, particularly when multiple cruise ships are in port simultaneously. Tickets can be booked online at stjohnscocathedral.com. Entry costs €15 and includes an audio guide. If you arrive without a booking and the session is full, you will not be admitted: it is the one booking in Valletta worth making before you sail.
Best Restaurants in Valletta
Ratings from TripAdvisor, verified May 2026.
Papannis Restaurant
We are thrilled to inform you that as of October 17th, Papannis Restaurant is under new management. Nestled in one of Valletta’s oldest and most charming streets – Strada Stretta (Straight Street), our beloved restaurant is housed in a building that has stood for over 400 years,
#24 of 312 Places to Eat in Valletta
View on TripAdvisorPalazzo Preca Restaurant
Palazzo Preca is one of the most established restaurants in Valletta, specialising in authentic Maltese cuisine. With a focus on fresh local fish, homemade pasta, and seasonal ingredients, we offer a dining experience built on quality and tradition. Set in the heart of Valletta,
#45 of 312 Places to Eat in Valletta
View on TripAdvisorBeati Paoli Restaurant
BEATI PAOLI is the ultimate restaurant to eat in. Kindly note that in this premises we allow minors over 11 years.
#17 of 312 Places to Eat in Valletta
View on TripAdvisorRatings & reviews powered by TripAdvisor
Getting Around
The Upper Barrakka Lift runs from the Valletta Waterfront directly up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens at the top of the city walls. The journey takes about 2 minutes and costs €1 each way: considerably easier than the uphill walk, particularly in summer. The gardens at the top have one of the finest views of the Grand Harbour and are free to enter.
Essential Travel Tips
Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua: the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta: predate Valletta itself and have a quieter, more local character. The dgħajsa (traditional water taxi) from the Valletta Waterfront to Vittoriosa takes 10 minutes and costs €2 to €3. The maritime museum and the Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa are excellent. The Three Cities are less visited than Valletta and reward the short crossing.
Mdina: the Silent City: is a medieval walled town of palaces and narrow stone streets on the highest ridge of the island, 12 km from Valletta. It has fewer than 300 permanent residents and feels, particularly in the early morning before tour groups arrive, entirely removed from the modern world. The cathedral, the Palazzo Falson, and the views from the bastions across the island to the sea in both directions make it the most rewarding place in Malta beyond Valletta itself.
The walk from terminal to centre in Valletta is one part of the journey, but it is the queue back through the terminal at the end of the day that catches first-timers out. A short packing list of layers, water and shoes you trust on cobbles covers most of what changes through a port day.
The mistake first-time cruisers make is paying for a shore excursion in a port that is walkable, or going independent on a day where the headline sight is ninety minutes away. Valletta sits in a category where the calculation matters more than the sticker price.
Excursions are worth the premium in some ports and not in others. Valletta sits in the middle: ship tours carry real logistical value on long day trips, but the city itself is straightforward enough that your spending money goes further on independent food, taxis and the occasional museum.
Timing a cruise that visits Valletta well comes down to two practical levers: when you book (which affects both price and cabin choice) and how your passport sits against the destination’s entry rules. Both are worth checking before you commit to a sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pinto Wharf cruise terminal is at the foot of Valletta’s fortifications, about 700 metres and 10 minutes on foot from the City Gate. The uphill walk passes along the Valletta Waterfront promenade. The Barrakka Lift runs directly from the waterfront to the Upper Barrakka Gardens (€1 each way, 2 minutes) and is a useful shortcut for those who find the hill a challenge in summer heat.
Yes, strongly recommended in peak season (April to October) when multiple ships are in port simultaneously. Tickets are available at stjohnscocathedral.com and entry costs €15. The daily visitor limit means that popular sessions sell out. If you arrive without a booking and the session is full, you cannot enter. Booking the first available morning session as soon as your cruise itinerary is confirmed is the safest approach.
Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua are the three fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, predating the capital by several centuries. The traditional water taxi (dgħajsa) from the Valletta Waterfront crosses to Vittoriosa in about 10 minutes and costs €2 to €3. Bus 3 from the Valletta terminus also connects to the Three Cities. They are quieter than Valletta and have a more local character.
Bus 201 or 202 from the Valletta bus terminus (outside City Gate, 10 min from the terminal) runs to Mdina in about 30 minutes for €1.50. Taxis from the terminal cost around €20 to €25 and take 20 minutes. The last bus back to Valletta from Mdina runs in the early evening: check times before departure. Allow a minimum of 2 hours in Mdina.
Yes. English is one of Malta’s two official languages (alongside Maltese) and has been since British rule ended in 1964. It is spoken fluently and universally in all tourist areas, shops, restaurants, and museums. Signage is in both languages. English-speaking cruise passengers will encounter no language barriers anywhere in Malta.
The Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino is reachable from Cirkewwa, at the north of Malta (45 min from Valletta by bus or taxi), by a short ferry crossing. In peak summer it is extremely crowded. For a port day, the most convenient approach is an organised excursion that handles transport. Going independently requires a bus to Cirkewwa, a ferry to Comino, and careful timing to return to the ship: possible but time-consuming.
Cruise ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront in the Grand Harbour, directly below the city walls. The Barrakka Lift, a panoramic glass lift, carries passengers 58 metres up to Upper Barrakka Gardens in under 30 seconds for €1 return (the descent is free); from there the entire walled city is on foot.
Valletta
Valletta is one of the great small capitals of Europe: baroque, compact, and extraordinarily layered in history. The Grand Harbour approach alone is worth the port call. St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and a crossing to the Three Cities by water taxi can fill a morning with the kind of visual and historical richness that is rare even by Mediterranean standards. Add Mdina in the afternoon and a Maltese port day becomes one of the most complete in the region.
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We aim for practical, low-risk guidance. Before publishing and during updates, we check core planning details against official sources and current operator information.
What We Check
- Berth and terminal details, including whether the port is walkable or requires a transfer
- Transport options and realistic return timing for different port types
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Typical Sources
- Official port authority and terminal updates
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