Best Things To Do In Malta On A Cruise
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 11 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all tastes and ages. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient cities, enjoying scenic views, learning about local traditions, or relaxing on the beach, Malta has something for you.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to make the most of your time in Malta when your cruise ship stops there. We will cover:
- Why visit Malta on a cruise?
- What to expect from Malta’s weather and culture
- How do I get around Malta from the cruise port?
- The best things to do in Valletta
- The best things to do in Mdina
- The best things to do in Gozo
- The best things to do in Comino
Why visit Malta on a cruise?
Cruise Ship in Grand Harbour during Sunset | Image by Renata Ap on Pixabay
Malta is a great destination for cruise passengers because:
- It is located in the heart of the Mediterranean, making it easy to reach from other ports in the region.
- It has a long and fascinating history, dating back to prehistoric times. You can see evidence of various civilizations that have left their mark on the island, such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, French, and British.
- It has a diverse and vibrant culture, influenced by its geographic position and its historical connections. You can experience its unique language, cuisine, music, art, and festivals.
- It has stunning natural scenery, ranging from rocky cliffs and sandy beaches to green valleys and blue lagoons. You can enjoy walks with panoramic views of the sea and the countryside, as well as explore caves, grottos, and islands.
What to expect from Malta’s weather and culture
Malta has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The average temperature in summer is around 27°C (81°F), while in winter it is around 15°C (59°F). The sea temperature is also pleasant throughout the year, ranging from 16°C (61°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in summer.
Malta has a friendly and hospitable culture with a strong sense of identity and pride. The official languages are Maltese and English, but Malta’s close proximity to Italy means that Italian is widely spoken as well. Malta has, over the last few decades, become a multicultural country, with 20% of the residents being of foreign origin.
How to get around Malta from the cruise port?
Wied Iz-Zurrieq | Image by Andy Miccone on Flickr
Cruise ships in Malta dock at Valletta Cruise Port, which is located just outside the capital city of Valletta. From there, you have several options to get around Malta:
- By bus: There is a bus terminal near the port entrance, where you can catch buses to various destinations around the island. The buses are cheap and frequent, but they can also be crowded and slow. You can buy tickets from the driver or use a prepaid card called Tal-linja.
- By taxi: There are taxi stands near the port entrance, where you can find licenced white taxis that operate on a fixed tariff system. You can also book a ride on one of the many ride sharing services available in Malta. Uber, eCabs, and Bolt are the ones we highly recommend.
- By car: There are car rental companies near the port entrance, where you can rent a car for a day or more. The cars are modern and well-maintained, but they can also be costly and require a valid driving licence. You should also be aware that driving in Malta can be challenging due to traffic congestion, narrow roads, and left-hand driving.
- By ferry: There are ferry services that connect Valletta with other nearby towns such as Sliema and the Three Cities. The ferries are fast and scenic, but they can also be limited by weather conditions and schedules. You can buy tickets from kiosks or machines at the ferry terminals.
The best things to do in Valletta
If you don’t want to venture too far from the cruise port, then you can take a short walk and then take the elevator to the Upper Barrakka Gardens to visit Valletta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century as a fortress city against Ottoman attacks. It is known for its impressive architecture, cultural heritage, and artistic legacy.
Some of the best things to do in Valletta are:
Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens | Image by Kristina Paukshtite from Pexels
These are beautiful gardens located on top of Valletta’s bastions, overlooking Grand Harbour. They offer stunning views of the sea and the Three Cities (Birgu, Bormla, and Isla). They also feature statues, fountains, and a saluting battery that fires cannons every day at noon.
Explore the historic city centre
From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, it is very easy to explore the city on foot, as you are no more than a few blocks from the main street of the city. Around the city, you can admire its majestic buildings, such as churches, palaces, museums, and monuments. You can also stroll along its narrow streets, lined with shops, cafes, and numerous restaurants.
Some of the highlights while exploring Valletta include:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
This is one of the most impressive churches in Malta, built by the Knights of St. John between 1572 and 1577. It has a plain exterior but a lavish interior decorated with marble floors, gold ornaments, and paintings by Caravaggio.
Grand Master’s Palace
This is one of the largest buildings in Valletta, built by the Knights of St. John between 1571 and 1574. It was used as their headquarters and residence until 1798. It now houses the Office of the President of Malta and some state rooms that are open to visitors.
Enjoy the views from the water
Another way to appreciate Valletta’s beauty is from the water. You can either take a harbour cruise that takes you around Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, showing you Valletta’s fortifications, marinas, and landmarks from a different perspective. These cruises usually depart from Sliema, and you can easily get there either by public transport or by taking the ferry across the harbour from Valletta.
The best things to do in Mdina
Mdina | Image by Michael from Pixabay
Mdina is an ancient walled city located on a hilltop in the centre of Malta. It was once the capital of Malta until the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530. It is known for its mediaeval atmosphere, quiet charm, and panoramic views and has been featured in many films and TV shows like Game of Thrones and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Some of the best things to do in Mdina are:
Walk along the mediaeval walls
Mdina is surrounded by thick walls that date back to various periods, such as Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish. You can walk along them and enjoy the views of the countryside and the majority of the island.
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and Museum
This is an imposing cathedral that dominates Mdina’s skyline. It was built between 1696 and 1705 on the site where St. Paul supposedly converted the Roman governor Publius to Christianity in AD 60.
It has a baroque facade and a rich interior with paintings by Mattia Preti, a dome with frescoes by Vincenzo Manno, and a marble floor with tombstones of noble families. The cathedral also has a museum that displays religious artefacts, silverware, paintings, and tapestries.
Explore the dungeons and catacombs
Mdina has a dark side that you can discover by visiting its dungeons and catacombs. The dungeons are located under the Magisterial Palace, right by the main gate, and display scenes of torture and execution from mediaeval times.
The catacombs are located outside the city walls in the neighbouring town of Rabat and contain underground chambers and tombs from the Roman and early Christian periods.
The best things to do in Gozo
Citadel | Image by FritzPhotography on Wikimedia Commons
Gozo is the second-largest island of Malta and a popular day trip destination for cruise passengers, especially if you have visited and explored Malta before.
It is more rural and tranquil than Malta, with green hills, rocky coastlines, and charming villages. It also has a rich history and culture, with ancient temples, mediaeval fortresses, and folklore traditions.
Some of the best things to do in Gozo are:
Take a ferry to the island
The easiest way to get to Gozo from Malta is by taking the Gozo fast ferry, which leaves not too far from the cruise ship port. The ferry takes about 45 minutes and operates every hour during the summer months. You can enjoy the views of the sea and the islands along the way. If you are renting a car, then it is best to drive to Cirkewwa, in the north of Malta, and take the ferry to Gozo from there.
Explore the Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija Temples are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. They were built between 3600 and 3200 BC and are among the seven megalithic temples you can find around Malta, which, like Valletta,, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Visit the Citadel
Another highlight of Gozo is the Citadel, a fortified city that dates back to the Bronze Age. It was rebuilt by the Knights of St. John in the 17th century and served as a refuge for the islanders during attacks.
You can walk along its walls and bastions, visit its museums and churches, and enjoy panoramic views of Gozo.
Dwejra and the Inland Sea
Dwejra was once the location of one of the most iconic sights in Gozo, the Azure Window. This natural arch collapsed in 2017 due to a storm, but the area has much more to offer, like:
The Inlet Sea
The Inlet Sea at Dwejra | Image by Christine McIntosh on Flickr
The Inlet Sea at Dwejra is a landlocked body of water connected to the sea by a small tunnel in the cliffs. While you can just take a swim at this unique beach, you can also do some other water-based activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Alternately, you can walk around the area and explore the surroundings.
Fungus Rock
Known in Maltese as Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, this 60-metre-high (200-foot) limestone rock is located at the entrance of the bay. When the Knights ruled over the islands, they discovered a plant (not a fungus) that is indeginous to this rock, and they believed it had medicinal properties.
This plant became a popular gift that the Knights used to give to the nobles who visited Malta. The rock is a protected natural reserve, and you are not allowed to get on it, but you can take a walk along the bay.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole | Image by Bex Walton on Flickr
Without a doubt, the Blue Hole is one of Malta’s most visited scuba diving sites. The hole is a 10-by-5-metre circular sinkhole in the limestone with a depth of around 15 metres.
The Dwejra Tower
During the late 17th century, the Knights built a series of fortifications around the Maltese islands to protect the territory from attacks. Many of these towers are still visible along the Maltese coastline, but one that you can visit is the Dwejra Tower.
Visitors can go all the way up to the top of the tower and take in the amazing views of the area.
The best things to do in Comino
Blue Lagoon | Image by Ruben Holthuijsen on Flickr
Comino is the smallest island in the Maltese archipelago and a paradise for nature lovers. It is mostly uninhabited and covered with wildflowers, herbs, and shrubs. It has no roads or cars, only footpaths and boats. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and secluded coves.
Some of the best things to do in Comino are:
Take a boat trip to the island
The best way to reach Comino from Malta is by taking a boat trip from Sliema, Bugibba, or Cirkewwa. The boat trip takes about an hour and includes stops at various attractions around Comino, such as caves, cliffs, and bays. You can also choose to stay on Comino for longer and explore it on foot or by kayak.
Swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon
The main attraction of Comino is the Blue Lagoon, a shallow pool of turquoise water that looks like a postcard. It is located between Comino and Cominotto, a smaller island that can be reached by swimming or walking across a sandbar. The Blue Lagoon is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, as it has calm waters, white sand, and colourful fish.
Hike to the Santa Maria Tower and Chapel
If you want to see some of Comino’s history and culture, you can hike to the Santa Maria Tower and Chapel. The tower is a watchtower that was built by the Knights of St. John in 1618 to defend Comino from pirates. It is now restored and open to visitors. The chapel is a small church that was built in 1618 by a priest who lived on Comino. It is dedicated to St. Mary of Egypt, who was said to have lived in solitude on an island.
Conclusion
Malta is a wonderful destination for cruise passengers who want to experience its history, culture, and nature. Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, you can find something to suit your interests and preferences.
You can explore its historic cities, enjoy its scenic views, learn about its local traditions, or relax on its beaches. You can also visit its sister islands, Gozo and Comino, for a change of pace and scenery. Malta will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in Malta on a cruise?
That depends on your itinerary and your personal preferences. You can see the main attractions of Valletta in half a day, but you may want to spend more time if you want to visit other towns or museums. You can also take a full-day excursion to Gozo or Comino, or combine them with Valletta or Mdina.
What currency do I need in Malta?
Malta uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency. You can exchange your money at banks, post offices, hotels, or currency exchange bureaus. You can also use your credit or debit card at most places or withdraw cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Malta?
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. Maltese is a Semitic language that has influences from Arabic, Italian, French, and English. English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas. You may also hear some Italian, French, Spanish, or even German as they are taught in schools.
What should I wear in Malta?
Malta has a warm and sunny climate, so you should wear light and comfortable clothes, such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and sandals. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. However,you should also respect the local culture and dress modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites. You should cover your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing revealing or offensive clothes.
What souvenirs should I buy in Malta?
Malta has many unique and traditional souvenirs that you can buy as gifts or mementos. Some worth considering are items made of Maltese lace like tablecloths, doilies, shawls, or scarves; ornamanets made of Maltese glass; or a jar of Maltese honey.
