Port Valletta, Malta a place to unwind

Table Of Content

• Cruise Ports in Malta
• thoughts on “Port Valletta, Malta – a place to unwind”
• Mediterranean Sea
• Helpful Tips for Visitors
• Gozo
• You’ll Also Love

The city was established in 1566 by the Knights of Malta, who developed a new grid plan for the city. Valletta has a varied history of occupations by the Ottomans, the French, and the British throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Valletta saw a lot of destruction during World War II as a result of German and Italian air attacks, damaging the city’s Royal Opera House and many other buildings. In the center of the island of Malta, this medieval walled town has only 300 inhabitants.

Cruise Ports in Malta

The best way to reach Sliema is by ferry boat that departs from the Valletta ferry terminal. Another walled city over 3,000 years old, you’ll want to pay a visit to Mdina Cathedral. The cathedral and cathedral museum house a collection of oil paintings and frescoes, wood cuts by Albrecht Dürer and beautiful inlaid marble floors.

thoughts on “Port Valletta, Malta – a place to unwind”

This 6000 year old town is nowadays mainly known for being the fortified silent city. It has a labyrinth of little streets and there is always something new to find around every corner. Hop on hop off bus There is a hop on hop off bus in Valletta. Therefore is a bit confusing from time to time on which bus you belong. To make it more difficult each company’s provides multiple routes all over Malta. The nice thing is they are relatively cheap with an average price of 15 euro a day and it is a nice way to see more than just Valletta.

Mediterranean Sea

Keep a close eye on your time and the route you are taking and the company that best suits you. There are two routes - the red route is mostly urban and the blue route mostly countryside. The round trip takes abut 2 hours (red route) and 3 hours (blue route). I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins.

Valletta Cruise Port Reports Exceptional 2023 - Cruise Industry News

Valletta Cruise Port Reports Exceptional 2023.

Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The port of Valletta is the gateway to Malta’s rich historical and cultural experience. Cruise ships dock at Valletta Waterfront pier in Valletta Harbour. Currently, the cruise port offers 7 ship berths, of which 4 are within a 15-min walk from city center.

Gozo

There are two passenger terminals and berths for up to seven cruise ships at a time. For those who prefer to explore beyond Valletta, the port offers easy access to various transportation options. Ferries, buses, and taxis are readily available to take passengers to other parts of Malta or embark on exciting excursions to neighboring islands, such as Gozo and Comino.

Situated 12 km/7.5 miles (a 20-minute drive) west of Valletta cruise port, the ancient Mdina is the former capital of Malta. This historic hilltop settlement is also known as the Silent City, nicknamed after the capital was moved out of Mdina to Valletta after the Great Siege of Malta in the 16th century. 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.

Ultimate Guide To Cruise Port Valletta 10 Best Things To Do In Malta

If you want to explore further afield, the surrounding area around Valletta is stunning. Pick the experience that you want to tick off your bucket list. Expect to pay around 25 euros per person for a 24-hour ticket, the minimum you can purchase even though you are stopping just for one day on your cruise.

How to Get Around Malta

In 2020 was inaugurated an extended quay with capacity to handle larger vessels. Valletta is the capital of Malta, an island country in the Mediterranean Sea known for its rich historic and cultural heritage, breathtaking coastline, scenic bays and beautiful beaches. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is an enticing, sun-drenched island that hosts cruise ships year-round.

To get to the walled city, you will have to climb the hill.Alternatively, theBarrakka Lift allows you to reach, from the port, the Upper Barrakka Garden in the walled city. Valetta is the capital of Malta and Europe’s smallest capital city. It is located on the biggest island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean. Come here to enjoy the views, a nice lunch or take a boat to explore the numerous sea caverns you can find here. Its main streets runs north to south, hitting a lot of highlights along the way and it is also the most popular shopping street of Malta. The central area of the old town is pedestrianized, and mostly flat, making for easy walking and good shopping.

Valletta Cruise Port welcomes cruise ship passengers with warm hospitality and efficient services. As the main gateway to the capital city of Malta, the port offers a convenient and well-equipped facility for cruise ship arrivals and departures. Established in 2002, Valletta Cruise Port is the only licensed cruise and ferry terminal operator in Valletta, Malta. Valletta Cruise Port, the gateway to Malta’s capital, Valletta, welcomes more than half-a-million cruise passengers into a city considered to be an open-air museum. Malta is strategically positioned in the center of the Mediterranean, offering endless possibilities for just about any itinerary in the Eastern or Western Mediterranean.

On your cruise to Valletta, Malta, the majority of boutique shopping is in the city center, where many of the shops are family owned and operated. Leather, gold and silver jewelry, and souvenir stands for tourists are popular there. You’ll also find a lot of lace for sale in Malta, as its one of the country’s most popular goods. Shopping centers and malls are further from the city center, and typically require a bus ride or car trip to get there. The ship's location is not far from the Capital itself, about a 20 minute steep walk.

It’s not super touristy, but the locals love it, so you can get an authentic vibe. There are no bars or cafes, so pack your own snacks and drinks. Once you’re inside the caves, the way the light plays on the water is beautiful.

It’s a cultural hub for Baroque art, museums, and historic sites. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, limestone architecture pops against the year-round temperate sun. This mix makes Valletta perfect for an intellectually stimulating but relaxing stop on any Mediterranean cruises. Valletta was even named a “European Capital of Culture” in 2018 by the EU.

Valletta Cruise Port Location, Things to do, Excursions

Table Of Content

• Find Cruises to Malta's Valletta Port
• Cruise Terminal Facilities
• For cruise passengers
• Gozo
• Megalithic Temples of Malta

Enjoy a nice refreshment and local dish here at on of the many cafes and restaurants around the harbour. In 2012 a new elevator opened up, linking the Grand Harbor to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Valletta city center. When you exit the port, simply take a right, walk down the street until you see the elevator on your left hand side.

Find Cruises to Malta's Valletta Port

Viking Saturn is the first to use new Valletta shore power - Seatrade Cruise News

Viking Saturn is the first to use new Valletta shore power.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

With its picturesque harbor, impressive architecture, and rich heritage, this charming city has become a popular destination for cruise ship passengers. The award-winning Valletta Cruise Port is situated in a natural deep water harbor, with year-round easy access to ships of all sizes. There are three passenger facilities, with the main terminal located in the historic Magazino Hall, which is fully modernized and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Fiber optic and Wi-Fi links from the Magazino Hall to the ship allow for simultaneous onboard registration and check-in. The facilities are easily capable of processing at least 500 guests per hour. The small size of the island means all attractions are within close proximity of one another.

Cruise Terminal Facilities

However, do not arrive late as this can lead to starting your holiday on the wrong foot. This is to be kept in mind throughout the whole cruise experience. Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line, has a 10-night cruise, including Valletta, onboard the elegant cruise ship Silver Spirit, sailing from Rome to Venice. MSC Cruises offer cruises departing from Valletta during the summer of 2023 onboard MSC Divina.

For cruise passengers

Valletta is the principal seaport and capital city of Malta (island country in the central Mediterranean Sea, southern Europe). Malta Island is located midway between North Africa and Sicily Island (Italy). The other Malta cruise port is Mgarr Harbour (on Gozo Island). On your cruise to Valletta, Malta, the Euro is the primary currency you’ll use, and you’ll find ATMs scattered throughout the city. Tipping is polite, anywhere between 5-10% in restaurants and bars, as well as hotels.

Each person will be required to have photo identification and their cruise line ticket to enter the Terminal. Minor children with their parents do not need photo identification. Please check with your cruise line for specific information on documents necessary for boarding the ship.

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Mediterranean Cruise Port Marks First Shore-Power Connection.

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Many of the sidewalks are ancient cobblestone, stairways aren’t always level and even the main shopping area is on somewhat uneven terrain. When you visit Valletta, you might want to arrange for a taxi from your ship or take one of the colorful horse and buggy rides to the interior. Valletta, the capital of the small independent island of Malta, is one of three islands in the Maltese Archipelago. Located in the western Mediterranean, Malta is only 52 miles south of Sicily.

What to Know if You Cruise in Hurricane Season

Malta is packed with so much to see and experience it’ll be challenging to fit it all in during your day on shore. The floor inside is visually stunning, as are the rich artworks, artifacts, and tapestries. Built over 500 years ago, the palace was once the seat of the heroic Knights of St. John and today is the official residence of the President of Malta.

Gozo

Consider factors such as distance, traffic, and schedules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, arriving in Valletta promises to be a memorable experience filled with anticipation and excitement. Once you reach this captivating city, get ready to immerse yourself in its history, culture, and beauty. From getting to Valletta to exploring its attractions, shopping, dining, and more, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to ensure a memorable visit.

Megalithic Temples of Malta

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise shiparrivals from all major cruise lines. Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link. Find the information booth at the waterfront cruise terminal. Shoppers will find delicately woven Maltese lace, blown glass and even brass door knockers sold throughout the island. Silver filigree jewelry and locally made pottery is also popular among tourists. The central shopping area in Valletta is located inside the walls, along Republic and Merchant Streets.

The island’s turbulent history nowadays reflects in the architecture and archaeological heritage of Malta. Yes, this is possible but access to accompanying people is only possible in public areas such as the Valletta Waterfront promenade. Parking is available at the Atrium car park located in the central part of Valletta Waterfront, while more parking facilities are available at the MCP car park. Valletta Cruise Port offers additional parking facilities on its quays, depending on ship operations.

Built on the site of the 16th-century city gate, the present gate consists of a pair of massive sloped stone blocks and was completed in 2014. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, the gate overlooks the Triton Fountain and Valletta Ditch and marks the entrance to the old town. Situated next to the Cathedral, the museum is known for its impressive collection of Caravaggio’s artworks, including “The Beheading of St John the Baptist” from 1608.

So, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the archipelago and create lasting memories during your visit to Valletta. Valletta Cruise Port offers a compelling combination of location, practicality and versatility. Malta sits at the heart of European cruising offering cruise lines and their passengers multiple options for almost any itinerary in the West or East Mediterranean. The port is built around a natural deep water harbour and offers a safe haven for ships, with a variety of 24/7 support services. Valletta's quays are ISPS-compliant and can handle a multitude of marine craft including the largest vessels.

In the 16th century the brotherhood found they needed a new church. This new building would be dedicated to their patron saint St. John the Baptist. It would finally become a place that would embody the wealth, glory and power of the Order of St. John itself.

Booking a shore excursion beforehand is a great way to have a hassle-free day in Malta. You will be picked up directly from the cruise ship and brought back in time for your departure. Malta is a beautiful island in Southern Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. A mix of Arabic, Italian, and British influences makes the island so special and attracts many cruise ships each year.