Malta Cruises

History & culture

UNESCO heritage sites, walled cities, Neolithic temples, ancient forts, Gothic architecture and intricately decorated churches are not in short supply on this island. So much so, that you may want to fly in a few days early before your Malta cruise to take it all in. Valletta's formulaic streets are all down to the work of the Knights of St. John, but elsewhere, rustic villages pepper the coast and steeples, towers and giant sculptures span millennia to make the island of Malta feel like a sprawling open air museum. History and tradition has been well-preserved, though the contemporary art and design in Valletta very much keeps the island at the forefront of European culture.

Food & drink

If you like your seafood, you’ll love Malta. From the simply grilled fresh catches - brought in to the authentic Maltese fishing villages, to the hearty bowls of Aljotta (fish stew) there’s a fish dish to tempt your tastebuds. Elsewhere, you’ll find Italian influences peppering the menus. Timpana and arancini are welcome familiar sights - but don’t miss a taste of the pastizzi. A street-food favourite, these puff pastry snacks are filled with ricotta or peas that pack a flavour-filled punch. Pair it with a Kinnie - a Maltese, bitter orange  soft drink that divides opinion. For something a little stronger, Cisk is a refreshing local beer.

Valletta

Malta cruises sail into the grand and imposing Valletta harbour. And, it can feel like there’s little reason to stray too far further into the island’s capital. Promenade views, quaint cafes and seafood restaurants all keep you close to the shore. However, the entire city is a UNESCO Heritage Site, with highlights that include the opulent, marble and gold-leaf decorated St John’s Co-Cathedral and the lush green lawns of the Barrakka Gardens.

Sliema

Don’t set sail on a cruise from Malta without first exploring Sliema. Just a short ferry journey from Valetta, it provides a charming insight into daily life - and those all important historic landmarks, gorgeous beaches and sea views. The star of this bay is the bustling St Julian’s, where 5 star resorts serve champagne and cocktails into the small hours. Elsewhere, walk a few blocks inland from shore to find cosy cottages, stunning Gothic churches and a sprawling mall to shop away the day in.

Mdina

Malta’s sublime, golden limestone hues continue in Mdina, with every building hewn from the same minerals you’ll see across the island. Though, the ancient architecture here has acquired a very modern audience. Fans of the Game of Thrones have flocked to Mdina to see the spots used for season one. Fan of the show or not, the locations used are jaw-dropping. Wandering the walled streets of Mdina takes you back in time - with just a little help of the imagination.

• Valetta cruise port

Qrendi

If you’ve already seen Malta’s big cities, consider heading out to Qrendi for a taste of village life. As well as the beautiful Wied iz-Zurrieq bay, the village also has two Neolithic temples to explore and is close enough to the Blue Grotto to tick off all three in one visit. Don’t worry though, despite its proximity to Malta’s top attractions, it’s still an authentic village.

Ghar Lapsi

Tick off two stunning locations on a Malta cruise by heading to Ghar Lapsi. This gorgeous and secluded bay is far from the glamour of Valletta, but the views, clear snorkelling waters and succulent seafood served in the local restaurants makes it a must. It’s also less than 1.5 miles from Malta’s famous Blue Grotto. Stop in at Ghar Lapsi on your way back to unwind and relax before heading back to the ship.

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is famous for its fish. Whether you’re strolling the Sunday fish market, eating at the cosy seafood restaurants or snapping pictures of the vibrantly-painted luzzus (fishing boats) you’re left in no doubt that Marsaxlokk is a historic fishing village. Megalithic temples, maritime history and the stunning natural pool make it an idyllic spot to spend the day.

Currency considerations

Malta’s official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs can easily be found all over the island. Banks are open Monday to Friday and it’s easy to exchange currencies in Valletta, should you need to.

Customs / traditions to be aware of 

In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is expected - but not compulsory. Most residents that use taxis tend to round up the fare to the nearest Euro too. English is Malta’s second language, making it easy to shop, get around and dine out.

Transport

Road traffic in and around Valletta is busy and buses are slow. Always allow much more time to travel by bus than you normally would elsewhere. Buses in Malta don’t always provide direct routes to the big attractions, so be prepared to change buses to get to your destination.

Making the most use of short durations in port

Travelling by bus can take up much of your valuable port time in Valletta. Instead consider taking the ferry to Sliema. The short journey is cheaper than a taxi and gives you fantastic views across the bay. Exploring on foot or travelling by taxi can also cut down travel time.

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• Where do cruises dock in Malta?

In Malta, cruises dock at the Valletta Cruise Port. The cruise port sits within Malta’s Grand Harbour and has seven berths. Most of these sit within around a 15 minute walk of central Valletta, however some are further from the main sights. 

• Can you walk into Valletta from the cruise terminal?

Yes, you can walk into Valletta from the cruise terminal. If your cruise docks on the Valletta Waterfront, central Valetta is just under a mile away. However, if the cruise port is busy, your ship may dock further away. In this case, you may wish to use a taxi, bus or shuttle to get into central Valletta. 

• Do P&O sail to Malta?

P&O do sail to Malta on selected itineraries. P&O has a 19 night voyage that sails in early 2023. Sailing aboard Arcadia this Mediterranean cruise includes a port day in Valletta. Another way to sail to Malta on a P&O cruise is to join their World Cruises.

• How far is Malta airport from the cruise port?

Malta airport is less than 5 miles from the cruise port. Travelling by taxi, the journey from Malta International Airport to Valletta Cruise Port takes around 15 minutes. Your cruise may include a shuttle transfer from Malta airport to the cruise port. Alternatively, the X4 bus route stops at the airport and in Valetta - a 10 minute walk from the cruise port.