View of Valletta, Malta, with historic limestone buildings, a large dome and church spire overlooking the harbor at sunset.

Valletta, Malta

Cruises to Valletta, Malta

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Things to do in Valletta

Valletta is a honey‑stone fortress city born of knights, sieges and survival. Narrow streets echo with Baroque grandeur, and every church, palace and rampart carries weight. Malta’s layers—Viking roots, Hospitaller rule, wartime scars—meet today in wine bars and bold architectural statements.

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  • Ornate nave of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, featuring gilded arches, frescoed vaulted ceilings and a richly decorated altar.

    Step inside St. John’s Cathedral and gasp at Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St. John.”

  • Courtyard of the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, Malta, featuring a central garden with palm trees, a fountain and limestone Baroque architecture under a clear blue sky.

    Walk through the fortified walls and sense history at Grand Master’s Palace.

  • Front view of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, Malta, showcasing twin bell towers, a central entrance and limestone Baroque architecture under a clear blue sky.

    Venture to Mdina, the ‘silent city’ of ramparts, alleys and ghost stories.

  • Entrance of Ħaġar Qim Temple in Malta, showing massive weathered limestone blocks forming a prehistoric doorway under a clear blue sky.

    Visit Ħaġar Qim megalithic temples—some of the oldest religious structures known.

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Shore excursions to explore in Valletta

Whether you’re thirsty for temples older than Rome or want to drift through fortified towns, these tours touch every layer of Malta.

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  • Rocky sea cave on Comino Island, Malta, with clear turquoise water reflecting light onto limestone walls.

    Ultimate Three Islands

    You begin by skimming the Maltese coast by motorboat — past Comino’s caves, over St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay. Then cross to Gozo and pile into 4x4s for off-road terrain, dramatic cliffs, historic domes and unspoiled views. Lunch, swimming, rugged beauty and heritage all wrapped into one marathon day.

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  • Aerial view of Valletta, Malta, with the prominent dome of St Paul’s Cathedral overlooking the sea and historic limestone buildings.

    Mdina On Your Own

    A 30‑minute drive delivers you to Mdina, a fortress city of shadows, narrow alleys and hushed awe. Within its walls you’ll find medieval dwellings, the ornate St. Paul’s Cathedral, Palazzo Falson and underground catacombs. With a self‑paced path, you set the rhythm for pause, discovery and delicious pastizzi sampling.

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  • Stone doorways and massive blocks forming the Tarxien Temples, a prehistoric archaeological site in Malta.

    History in Stone

    Travel by motorcoach to Ħaġar Qim, then continue to the Tarxien Temples, where ancient carved stones, spiral motifs and altar fragments still endure. Your final stop: Ghar Dalam cave, home to extinct animal remains and prehistoric artifacts layered beneath its earthen floor. This tour reads like a history (or pre-history) textbook you can tactually live.

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  • Close-up of decorated stone blocks with spiral patterns at the Tarxien Temples in Malta.

    The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum & Tarxien Temples

    You’ll descend into Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground necropolis with chambers carved into rock over millennia. Only a few dozen visitors gain access daily, but you’ll experience its Oracle Room, Snake Pit and decorated chambers. Then explore Tarxien’s open temple ruins overhead with their carved reliefs and grand stone architecture.

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  • Colorful traditional fishing boats in the harbor of Marsaxlokk village, Malta.

    Easy Island Drive – Vittoriosa & Marsaxlokk Village

    This relaxed drive is for the curious with minimal walking. You’ll pass Vittoriosa’s fortifications, waterfront views of Grand Harbour and Senglea creeks, then continue to Marsaxlokk to browse the fishing village, markets and local fare. Visit Ta’ Qali crafts and sample Maltese pastries at a scenic stop.

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  • View of Malta’s Blue Grotto, showing a massive limestone arch over clear turquoise water with small boats near the cave entrance.

    Marsaxlokk and Malta National Aquarium for Families

    Begin in MSaxlokk’s colorful harbor and bubbling market life, then explore nearby coastal villages, the Blue Grotto and dramatic Dingli Cliffs. The highlight: the Malta National Aquarium, where over 175 species are on display in immersive environments. After lunch and marine magic, return to Valletta with seaside views and new favorites.

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  • Pathway lined with trees and plants leading to a neoclassical monument in the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta.

    Best of Malta’s Treasures for Small Groups

    This immersive outing navigates Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens, Castille Palace and St. John’s Co‑Cathedral exterior. Then it moves to Rabat for local flavors and Mdina’s mighty ramparts and hidden alleys. Finish in Mosta to confront a miraculous church that survived wartime destruction.

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  • View of Vittoriosa harbor in Malta, with luxury boats docked along turquoise waters and historic limestone buildings topped by church domes in the background.

    Vittoriosa & Mdina

    Your day begins inside Vittoriosa, exploring fort gates, palatial courtyards, the Inquisitor’s Palace and painted churches. Next is Mdina, with its ramparts, Knight’s Museum and sweeping views. Historic scenes and architectural contrasts mingle freely throughout, ending with rich lunch and quiet transition back to ship dock.

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Experience the Valletta port on your next cruise

Valletta is not a mere stopover — it’s a fortress city waiting to unfold beneath your feet. Dock close to the historic core, then drift into Baroque streets, harbor views and centuries of stories. For Baltic & Scandinavian or European cruise itineraries, Valletta adds the dose of Mediterranean contrast and legend.

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7-Day Mediterranean with Greece & Italy

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10-Day Mediterranean with Italy & Croatia

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11-Day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Turkey

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Discover Valletta on your next cruise

Valletta cruises deliver more than pretty façades: you’ll tap into layers of Knights, temples, wartime scars and Mediterranean rhythms. Princess ships anchor you near ramparts so that history is your first impression. Onboard, you carry that impression into lectures, evenings and smiles as the island’s light follows you to dusk.

Cruises to Valletta
Historic limestone buildings in Valletta, Malta, featuring traditional red wooden balconies, arched doorways and a small bridge crossing a narrow street.

Wander Valletta’s colorful streets, where bold red balconies brighten golden stone facades.

Scenic view of Malta’s Grand Harbour framed by a stone arch in Valletta, with turquoise water, historic fortifications and city buildings under a bright blue sky.

Discover Valletta on your next cruise

Ships sailing to Valletta

Your arrival sets the tone — and so do these ships, built to balance elegance and exploration. Step aboard and find your launchpad for Maltese marvels, with style to match the drama of Valletta’s golden limestone skyline.

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Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess®

This ship’s classic sophistication complements Valletta’s stone and sea. Spacious lounges and quiet decks make it easy to mull over what you’ve seen.

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Enchanted Princess

Enchanted Princess®

Modern flair meets timeless views: glass balconies, open dining and design touches that echo Malta’s architectural weave.

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Cruises to Valletta FAQs

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*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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