Cruise port Valletta
Info for port Valletta on 24 Oct 2028
Port information & tips for Valletta
Valletta is the magnificent capital of Malta and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its impressive Baroque architecture. The port is located in the majestic Grand Harbour, which welcomes travelers with its mighty fortress walls and an incomparable view of the city's historic backdrop. Absolute highlights in the immediate vicinity include the Upper Barrakka Gardens with their panoramic views over the harbor, as well as the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster's Palace. Cruise ships dock at the modern Valletta Waterfront at Pinto Wharf, which is lined with restored warehouses containing cafes and shops. From here, the city center can be reached in a few minutes on foot, and the Barrakka Lift also provides convenient access directly into the heart of the historic old town.
Valletta Cruise Port is located in the heart of the historic Grand Harbour and impresses with its immediate proximity to the Maltese capital. Thanks to its central location, guests can easily reach the terminals at Pinto Wharf from the international airport or directly from the picturesque old town.
Airplane
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located only about 8 kilometers from the port and is regularly served by direct flights from major DACH hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Vienna. The journey to the cruise terminal takes about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or shuttle service, depending on traffic, and follows well-developed national roads such as Route 1.
Transfer & Shuttle
Licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, and eCabs are available from the airport around the clock, taking guests to the terminal at a fixed price and without any complications. In addition, the Upper Barrakka Lift connects Valletta's historic upper town directly with the Waterfront, while regular ferry connections from Sliema provide a particularly scenic arrival by water.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to early flight times and the impressive UNESCO old town, arriving at least one day before embarkation is recommended. Numerous boutique hotels in Valletta and accommodations in neighboring Floriana are in close proximity to the port and allow for a relaxed start to your vacation; furthermore, the MCP Car Park in Floriana is ideal for guests arriving with a rental car.
Valletta Cruise Port is located in the heart of the historic Grand Harbour and impresses with its immediate proximity to the Maltese capital. Thanks to its central location, guests can easily reach the terminals at Pinto Wharf from the international airport or directly from the picturesque old town.
Airplane
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located only about 8 kilometers from the port and is regularly served by direct flights from major DACH hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Vienna. The journey to the cruise terminal takes about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or shuttle service, depending on traffic, and follows well-developed national roads such as Route 1.
Transfer & Shuttle
Licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, and eCabs are available from the airport around the clock, taking guests to the terminal at a fixed price and without any complications. In addition, the Upper Barrakka Lift connects Valletta's historic upper town directly with the Waterfront, while regular ferry connections from Sliema provide a particularly scenic arrival by water.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to early flight times and the impressive UNESCO old town, arriving at least one day before embarkation is recommended. Numerous boutique hotels in Valletta and accommodations in neighboring Floriana are in close proximity to the port and allow for a relaxed start to your vacation; furthermore, the MCP Car Park in Floriana is ideal for guests arriving with a rental car.
Valletta Cruise Port is ideally located at the foot of the historic fortress city, allowing travelers a convenient start to their shore excursion thanks to short distances. Right at Pinto Wharf, a variety of options are available for exploring the Maltese capital.
On Foot & Barrakka Lift
You can easily reach the city center of Valletta in about 10 to 15 minutes. The Barrakka Lift connects the waterfront directly with the Upper Barrakka Gardens, saving you the steep climb while simultaneously offering an impressive view of the Grand Harbour.
Dgħajsa & Water Taxis
Traditional Maltese Dgħajsa boats are ready directly at the quay and take you in a charming way across the water to the opposite Three Cities. These small water taxis are an authentic transportation option and also provide a beautiful perspective of the massive fortifications from the sea.
Taxi & Public Buses
Official white taxis wait directly at the terminal exit for passengers headed to destinations across the entire island. Additionally, the central bus station of Valletta at City Gate is easily accessible and offers direct connections to sights such as Mdina or the temple complexes of Hagar Qim thanks to a dense network of lines.
To make the most of your stay in Valletta, we recommend a combination of the historic city center directly at the harbor and an excursion to the cultural treasures in the island's interior.
Valletta Old Town & Upper Barrakka Gardens
The historic fortress city impresses with its magnificent Baroque buildings and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer a fantastic view of the Grand Harbour. Thanks to its location directly at the cruise terminal, this UNESCO World Heritage site can be perfectly explored on a leisurely stroll.
Mdina – The Silent City
The medieval city in the heart of the island enchants visitors with its quiet alleys and honey-colored palaces that radiate timeless elegance. Mdina is perfectly suited for culture lovers and also offers a wide panoramic view over the Maltese archipelago.
Golden Bay
This fine sandy beach in the northwest of the island is a first-class destination for a relaxing afternoon by the sea, thanks to its easy accessibility. The golden shore and azure water create an idyllic backdrop for swimmers and those seeking relaxation alike.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
The magnificent Upper Barrakka Gardens are located directly above the Valletta Cruise Terminal and are easily accessible in just a few moments thanks to the modern Barrakka Lift. This garden area offers what is arguably the most spectacular panoramic view over the Grand Harbour as well as the historic "Three Cities" and invites you to relax with charming kiosks and shaded seating. A special highlight is the Saluting Battery below the terraces, where a ceremonial cannon fire ceremony takes place daily at 12:00 noon. Ideally, start your shore excursion in the morning with a visit to the gardens to experience this historic spectacle punctually at noon, and then stroll perfectly in the mood through the adjacent baroque streets of Valletta before returning to the ship stress-free and on time.
Returning to the Valletta Cruise Port at Pinto Wharf is extremely stress-free thanks to the short distances and excellent connections to the historic old town.
Barrakka Lift and Footpath
The fastest route leads from the Upper Barrakka Gardens via the Barrakka Lift directly down to the waterfront promenade, from where you can reach the pier in a few minutes. A leisurely stroll through the fortified city gate and down to the Waterfront is also very pleasant thanks to clear signage and safe pedestrian paths.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Central taxi ranks are located directly at the Triton Fountain in front of the city gate as well as in front of major hotels such as The Phoenicia Malta. Additionally, you can conveniently use apps like Bolt or eCab to be driven safely and punctively directly to the terminal building.
Ferries and Water Taxis
If you have spent your day in Sliema or the Three Cities, regular ferries will bring you back to the Lascaris Wharf or Sliema Ferry landing stages. From there, thanks to the flat waterfront paths, you can get back to your ship quickly and with a beautiful view.
In port on 24 Oct 2028
