Valletta, Malta: The Ultimate Cruise Port Guide
- George and Dan
- Nov 9, 2025
- 5 min read
The port of Valletta sits in Malta’s natural deep‑water harbour, and in fact the city was built by the knights of the order of Knights of St. John in the mid‑16th century for strategic and defensive reasons. The old town of Valletta is compact, fortified, and full of Baroque palaces, churches and narrow streets. The port itself is modern and well‑set‑up for cruise ships - the terminal sits on the waterfront and is just a short walk from the historic core.
What cruise lines visit Valletta?
The Port of Valletta is capable of welcoming ships of all sizes year‑round thanks to its deep water harbour and modern facilities. Many major cruise lines operating Mediterranean routes include Valletta in their itineraries given its convenient docking and the rich sightseeing opportunities for passengers. If you’re on board a ship calling there, chances are you’ll dock right at or very near the city centre, meaning less time wasted in transit.
Valletta Weather in port: What to expect throughout the year
Winter (Dec–Feb): You’ll find mild days, often in the mid‑teens °C (around 13‑17 °C) and while rain is more likely than in summer, it rarely gets extremely cold.
Spring (Mar–May): This is a comfortable and pleasant time to visit. Daytime highs move into the early to mid‑20s °C, skies tend to clear and the weather is generally good for walking and sightseeing.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Expect warm to hot weather. Highs can reach the high‑20s to low‑30s °C, with very little rainfall and lots of sunshine. Sea temperatures are ideal for a swim.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Early autumn remains warm and nice for being outdoors (highs still in the 20s °C in September). By November things cool down, rainfall increases and days are shorter.
In short: if you want the best mix of weather and fewer crowds aim for spring or early autumn. Summer gives you full sun but brings busier ports.
Valletta Things to do in the port
Excursions that cost extra:
Stay in and around Valletta and get a local guide to show you the main sights: the city gate, Upper Barrakka Gardens, St John’s Co‑Cathedral and more. Adults from about £ 20–£ 30, children less.
Discover Valletta’s rich blend of influences on a guided walking tour that starts at the Triton Fountain and weaves through elegant streets and striking architecture, with tasty Maltese food and drinks along the way. Hear how centuries of foreign rule shaped the city’s art, buildings, language and cuisine, uncover its links to the Knights of St John in the mid 16th century, and learn how it grew into a cosmopolitan harbour city, complete with engaging stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Enjoy authentic bites at several stops and get insider tips on what to eat and where to shop for genuine Maltese flavours, before finishing on Melita Street. A vegetarian menu is available on request when booking.
Venture slightly further and explore not just Valletta but also the nearby fortified towns known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua). This gives you a sense of Maltese maritime and military history alongside the city sights. Adults from around £ 30–£ 40, children lower.
Free / low‑cost activities:
Wander Valletta Old Town & Upper Barrakka Gardens
As you exit the cruise terminal you’ll be just a short walk to the heart of Valletta. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic harbour views and enjoy simply exploring the narrow streets, historic facades and charming cafés. Good walking shoes recommended.
Stroll the Valletta Waterfront and harbour area
Right beside the quay you’ll find the restored Waterfront area with 18th‑century warehouses turned into shops and restaurants. It’s a relaxing place to start or wind down your shore time, and the atmosphere is especially good in the morning or late afternoon.
Take a harbour cruise around the Grand Harbour & Marsamxett
If you’d like a different angle on Valletta, hop on a short boat or ferry that cruises around the two natural harbours. Great photo opportunities of the forts and waterfront from the water. Adults from around £ 20; check local operators.
Valletta The perfect one‑day plan
08:30 Disembark and head into the Valletta Waterfront area.
09:00 Enjoy a coffee on the quay and wander the restored warehouses and harbour edge.
10:00 Walk up to the old town, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for views, then explore the old town lanes and stop at St John’s Co‑Cathedral.
12:30 Lunch in the old town — try a local Maltese dish or fresh seafood.
14:00 Choose an excursion: either join the walking tour of Valletta or take the harbour cruise for a slower pace.
16:00 Free time to stroll the streets or shop little local crafts, then return via the waterfront and enjoy a drink before heading back to your ship.
17:30 Make sure you’re back onboard in time, with a little buffer for harbor traffic or ending your activity early.
Valletta Practical information
Where do cruise ships dock in Valletta?
Ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront terminal in the harbour. The facilities are modern and the walk into the old town is straightforward; there is a lift (elevator) from near the waterfront up into the city centre which helps with the incline.
Facilities at the port
The terminal offers cafés, duty‑free shops, transportation booths, ATM and basic services. As the historic core is so close it means you won’t lose time commuting.
Valletta, Malta FAQ
What time zone is Valletta in?
Malta uses Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer.
What is the currency in Valletta?
The official currency is the euro (€).
Is it best to take cash, use card or a bit of both?
Cards are widely accepted in shops, cafés and for organised tours. It is still wise to carry a small amount of cash for street purchases, small stalls or tips.
Best time to visit Valletta?
For good weather and fewer crowds aim for spring (April–May) or early autumn (September). Summer offers full sun but more visitors and higher temperatures.
How to get around Valletta?
The old town is compact and mainly walkable. From the port to the old town you can use the pedestrian route or the lift. For trips beyond the city you could use local buses or organised tours.
Is Valletta suitable for those with an accessibility issue?
The cruise terminal is relatively accessible and the walk into Valletta is short, but the old town has narrow lanes, steps and some uneven paving. If mobility is limited you might prefer to stay in the waterfront area or book a tour that caters for accessibility.
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