Port guide · Malta
Malta's capital, whose entire historic city is a World Heritage Site. Ships berth at the Waterfront, below the city walls: a few minutes' walk and a lift take you up into town. The Knights' co-cathedral, the Saluting Battery and the Grand Harbour views fit into half a day.
Ships berth at the Valletta Waterfront in the Grand Harbour, with the city right above on its walls. Walk 5–10 minutes along the water to the Barrakka Lift, which takes you up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens; you can also climb the stairs.
Time: About 15 minApprox. price: Lift approx. €1 per person
Comes out at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, facing the Three Cities and the Grand Harbour
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Fixed price before you get in
Useful for Mdina or other places outside the city
The city has slopes and steps, and the way back to the ship is downhill: allow at least 45 minutes.
Route 1
Lift up to Upper Barrakka
Views of the Three Cities and the Grand Harbour; at noon, the cannon fires from the battery below
St John's Co-Cathedral
The Knights' church, with paintings by Caravaggio; paid entry
Republic Street
The main street, with shops and cafés
Grand Master's Palace
Fort St Elmo
The star-shaped fortress at the tip of the city, home to the National War Museum
Lower Barrakka and down to the ship
Route 2
Malta's old capital, so quiet it's called "the Silent City"; from its walls you can see half the island. It's in the middle of Malta, 20–30 minutes by taxi, so an organised tour is the easiest way, usually including neighbouring Rabat.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Embarking in Valletta? Malta International Airport is about 8 km from the terminal.
Time: About 20 minApprox. price: Fixed fare, from the taxi desk at the airport
Easiest with luggage: it takes you to the terminal
Time: About 30 min + walkApprox. price: Approx. €2–3 per person
To the Valletta bus terminus; from the city gate it's a 15–20 minute downhill walk to the pier: awkward with luggage
Check-in is at the Waterfront terminal; follow the instructions on your boarding documents.
Search MSC cruises calling at Valletta with VIAJES FH, with live prices.
Search cruisesYour advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Olga Prystai / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0