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Valletta is Malta’s capital city, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, and today it’s a hub for government as well as music and public art. Valletta is a small capital, with a population of less than 7,000 people living in the city proper. Its small size, however, doesn’t diminish the city’s charm or its historic significance.
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Also known as Città Invicta (“the invincible city”), Senglea is a small city that has not been conquered during the Great Siege of Malta. However, a large portion of the city was destroyed during WWII which later resulted in a reconstruction of the majority of historic buildings. Nestled at the tip of the peninsula, Gardjola Gardens offer by far the most spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and the entire city of Valletta. The Barrakka Lift’s upper station is located at Upper Barrakka Gardens, a wonderful public park offering undoubtedly the most spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. The garden’s terraced arches date from the 17th century and offer perfect photo ops.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Entrance into the garden is free, and they are open from 7am until 10pm, so you can enjoy the gardens for sunrise and sunset any day. Fans of military history will find much to see at Fort St. Elmo, which is also now home to the National War Museum. Check out military memorabilia or take an audio tour of the museum, where you’ll learn about the various ways the fort has guarded Valletta’s harbor, including enduring a brutal siege in 1565 by the Turks. If you're looking for postcards, keychains and other trinkets, check out the gift shop of the Malta Experience.
Valletta, Malta
Also called the Church of the Knights of the Order of St. John, St. John’s Co-Cathedral is located on St. John Street. Completed in 1577 and dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the cathedral is one of the most significant buildings on the island. If you decide to walk back to the ship, waterfront cafés dot the promenade and make for a nice finish to your day. If you’re looking to linger, take your food to-go and sit on a bench admiring St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is nearby.
Malta Tourism Authority Reports a Stellar 2023 for Inbound Tourism - Cruise Industry News
Malta Tourism Authority Reports a Stellar 2023 for Inbound Tourism.
Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
If you’re not a meat lover, you might prefer soppa tal-armla (widow’s soup), made with fresh veg and often served in the winter. It’ll come as no surprise that this Blue Flag beach on Malta’s west coast is, well, golden! Surrounded by craggy cliffs and natural dunes, it’s a beautiful spot with everything you need for a day of fun and relaxation.
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The city cannot be accessed by car, but parking is available in front of the entrance to the walled city. Operated by Global Ports Holding, the Valletta cruise ship terminal is situated in the Grand Harbour, a natural deep-water harbour, which allows easy access to ships of all sizes. There are 7 berths and 3 passenger cruise terminals that can accommodate 3 cruise vessels simultaneously.
Between Comino and the adjacent islet of Cominotto lies the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, a picturesque bay with stunningly transparent blue waters, popular for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Besides that, you can also visit the beautiful Santa Maria Bay and Saint Mary’s Tower, one of the most important historic structures on the island. Cospicua is the largest of the three cities and has been reconstructed several times throughout its turbulent yet rich history. The top-rated landmarks include Immaculate Conception Church and Cottonera Lines, the 17th-century fortifications surrounding the city.
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From traditional fare to international cuisine, the city’s culinary landscape reflects its rich history and cultural influences. So, prepare your taste buds for a delectable journey through Valletta’s dining establishments and indulge in the flavors that this enchanting city has to offer. The Valletta Cruise Port ensures a safe and secure environment for cruise ship passengers. The port adheres to international standards and takes pride in its excellent safety record. Visitors can relax and enjoy their time in Valletta, knowing that their well-being is a top priority. In just four months in 1565, the original part of this star-shaped fort was built to protect Malta from the Ottomans, playing a huge role in the Great Siege that year.
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Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Named after Saint Julian, the town’s patron saint who is widely known as Julian the Hospitaller, this historic town boasts churches, forts, historic palaces and scenic bays. Together with Sliema, this lively city is a hub for nightlife and features a wide range of bars and nightclubs. The Bay Street Shopping Complex is one of the most famous shopping and entertainment places in St Julian’s. Upon exiting the cruise terminal, you’ll spot the bustling promenade lined with restaurants and cafes, including Hard Rock Cafe and Starbucks.
Once you reach this captivating city, get ready to immerse yourself in its history, culture, and beauty. The spellbinding baroque architecture that flows through Valletta’s streets is testament to the rich history here. Over the centuries, the city has been Malta’s main hub of trade, industry and culture. Simply walking around, you’ll discover arresting sights, from the 16th-17th century defensive walls to the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. St. Julian’s is another popular seaside resort town lying just north of Sliema, within a 15-minute drive north of the port of Valletta.
Stroll through the glamorous French Riviera, visit Italy’s great cities, and discover Croatia with calls at Dubrovnik and Split. You can fly to Valletta in just over three hours where your ship and the glittering coastlines of the Med will be waiting. Although somewhat scarred by World War II, Valletta prides itself on its magnificent Baroque palaces, piazzas, gardens and churches. The Magisterial Palace, built between 1571 and 1574, now houses the Maltese Parliament and offices of the President of Malta.
Taxis are a popular mode of transportation for tourists, and you’ll find taxis outside City Gate in Valletta. Taxis tend to have specific spots where they post up and will wait for passengers. If you’re renting a car, you can haggle on the rate sometimes, particularly during off-peak season from October to May in Malta. Hop on Bus 133 for a circular bus tour of the city, taking you around the city walls in about a half-hour. Because of how walkable the interior of Valletta is, you probably won’t need to rent a car or motorbike unless you’re headed outside the city to neighboring towns or staying in town for more than a day.
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