Our stop in Valletta, Malta, was the one we were most excited for – and it truly delivered. From Valletta cruise port, we took in the dramatic cliffs of the Blue Grotto, the colourful boats in Marsaxlokk, and a peaceful afternoon wandering Valletta’s historic streets. It was a full and rewarding port day.
Starting the tour – Vittoriosa stop.
In this blog, we’re sharing what we did, how the mix of guided and self-guided time worked for us, and a few tips to help you plan your own visit.
Watch the full video here
What We Did on Our Valletta Cruise Port
1. Toured the Three Cities – Starting in Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Vittoriosa
Our excursion began with a scenic drive through Malta’s historic harbour region. Our first stop was Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, one of the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. From Triq Couvre Porte, we had wonderful views of fortress walls and historic shipyards. It was a quiet and impressive start to the day, setting the tone for what Malta has to offer – a deep history and layers of culture. This was the only stop where multiple tours proved problematic, but we successfully resolved the issue.
It was great to drive through the country and see glimpses of everyday life. The tour guide was providing us with a wealth of information, and it was evident that she loved her country.
2. Marsaxlokk – Colourful Boats & Fishing Village Charm
The Pretty Harbour
Next, we visited Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village known for its postcard-perfect harbour filled with colourful Luzzu boats. Each boat is painted in bold colours and features a pair of eyes on the bow – a tradition that dates back to the Phoenicians. The eyes are said to protect the fishermen at sea. The village itself was peaceful, with local stalls, seafood options, and gorgeous views.
Luzzu Boat
We enjoyed the waterfront market and tried some local Cactus liquor. This was the quickest stop. We both wished we could have had an extra 20 minutes in this stop.
3. The Blue Grotto – Boat Ride Into Natural Wonder
On the boat ride
This was a real highlight. The Blue Grotto is a coastal formation characterised by a series of sea caves that glow with an intense blue light, particularly in the early morning hours. I boarded a small boat and was gently guided through the caves for about 20 minutes. The water colour, reflections, and stillness made it a really special experience. If you visit, we highly recommend including this in your itinerary.
TIP: If you plan to take this tour, be sure to have cash on hand. There is an ATM, but you will have to walk back up the hill if you reach the ticket office without money. It was 10€.
The water was so clear
4. Returning to Valletta – Exploring On Foot
Lift to the upper city from the port
After the tour wrapped up, we had several hours back in Valletta to explore on our own. We began at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a public terrace offering one of the best views in Malta. From there, we wandered down through the streets of Valletta, taking our time to admire the limestone buildings, balconies, and atmosphere. This was such a lovely city; we chose to head away from the tourist crowds and found quiet back streets to explore. We stopped for a relaxed lunch, with plenty of time to take in the vibe.
Remember to check out the Maltese balconies as you wander the city; these wooden box windows are an integral part of the city, and more importantly, they help cool the houses.
We were back on board when it happened, but each day at 4 pm, the cannon is fired from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and if you’re in Valletta, you can watch it from the viewing platform overlooking the harbour.
Heading away from the crowds
5. Walking Back to the Ship + Sailaway Views
Back on Board and ready for sailaway.
We made our way back to the ship on foot, taking in a few more glimpses of local life along the way. The sailaway from Valletta cruise port was one of the most beautiful of our entire cruise. Watching the sun set behind the skyline and fortress walls was a fitting end to a memorable day.
Sunsetting behind Valletta
Couples’ Take
We loved the balance this day gave us – a structured morning with some fascinating stops, followed by time to explore at our own pace. If you’re unsure about booking a tour, this is one port where it really worked well for us. By Booking a half day tour we had time to walk Valletta on our own.
Looking over the harbour from the Upper Barrack Garden
Tips for Visiting the Valletta Cruise Port
A guided tour can be worthwhile here, especially if it includes a visit to the Blue Grotto.
Bring local currency – some places (like markets or restrooms) may not accept cards.
Wear good walking shoes – Valletta’s cobbled streets are beautiful but uneven.
Leave time for sailaway – it’s one of the most scenic departures in the Mediterranean.
Gallarij (Maltese balconies)
Related Content
Watch the video: Valletta, Malta Cruise Stop – Guided Tour, Blue Grotto & City Wandering.
Cruise Essentials: What We Pack for a Smooth Trip Blog
Packing for a Winter Mediterranean Cruise Video
Our Guide to Civitavecchia Port Day Video
Walking Genoa on a Cruise Stop Video
✍️ Plan & Remember Your Best Adventures
If you love crafting meaningful, well-paced travel days like this, you might enjoy our Sapphire Blue Travel Journal — created to help couples plan brilliant trips and capture special memories along the way.
Explore the journal here
