One Day in Malta Itinerary: From Valletta Cruise Port
Are you headed to Valletta Cruise Port and are wondering how to spend one day in Malta? Then I got you covered!
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.
One day is not nearly enough to see all of the island. So it can be hard to plan on what to do with your precious time.
Luckily, I have been to Malta many times – and I know every spot on the island.
To save you some trouble planning, I have created several itineraries for your 1 day in Malta for you in this post.
Let’s get to it.
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One Day in Malta Itineraries: at a Glance
If you are just here to get a quick overview of what you can do in Malta in one day, look no further.
The island is too big to see all of it in this short amount of time, so I have come up with a few ideas on how to spend your shore excursion in Malta.
For more details on the itineraries and how to arrange it all from the cruise port keep on reading.
Here are the possible itineraries for Malta:
- Spend the day in Valletta
- Day trip to the islands Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon
- Explore the island with a rental car/ATV
- Guided Shore Excursion
The Valletta Cruise Port
The Valletta Cruise Port is located directly in the capital of Malta, Valletta. The port has several terminals on the Triq il-Vittmi Furjaniżi tal-Gwerra in Floriana.
It is not necessary to use tender boats in Malta. You can step off the ship and find yourself directly in the city. It is possible to explore Valletta without using transportation.
The Valletta Cruise Port is located on the Valletta Waterfront. There you will find duty-free shops, restaurants, a pharmacy, and an ATM.
You can also find several transportation options at Valletta Waterfront:
- Bus Station
- Taxi Stand
- Car Parking/Rental Car Pickup
- Marina
1. Book a Shore Excursion and Tour the Island
If you are not interested in exploring the island by yourself, a guided shore excursion might be a great idea!
Here are my recommended, cruise-friendly tours of Malta:
Half Day Private Tour around the Island in Malta
Magic of Malta: A Cruise Passenger’s Dream Day
Private Boat Trip & Charter in Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo & Malta
2. Explore Gozo, Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Ah, the lovely Maltese islands! Gozo, Comino (and the Blue Lagoon) are little gems in the Mediterranean and you can see them on your one day in Malta.
They are perfect for a dip and some lazy sun-soaking. Oh, and don’t forget the camera for those Insta-worthy shots! 🏝️😎
Here is some information about all three of these islands, so you can pick which one you want to visit.
Suggested Tour: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Gozo
Picture charming villages, rustic landscapes, and laid-back feels. Visiting Gozo is like stepping into a Mediterranean postcard.
On our trip to Gozo, you can check out the stunning Azure Window (RIP – it broke a while ago) or hit up the Citadel for some history.
If you’re into diving or snorkeling, the underwater world in Gozo is pretty amazing as well.
Psst, the local cheese ‘Gozo Għannej’ is a taste you shouldn’t miss.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
The mini-island Comino is mostly famous because of the Blue Lagoon. Crystal-clear waters that’ll make your heart skip a beat are awaiting you.
Snorkeling here is a must. But Comino not just beaches. You can wander around, and you might spot the Santa Marija Tower too. It is also possible to take a speedboat to a hidden grotto.
The Blue Lagoon is a special spot famous for its stunning blue waters. Tons of boats drop anchor here, so it can get a bit busy. But if you catch it on a calmer day, it’s like swimming in a dream. 🌊💙
3. Spending the Day in Valletta
Exploring Valletta is an easy option to spend one day in Malta. The beautiful capital city has a lot to offer.
The Valletta Cruise Port is located right in the city. You don’t need to arrange for a rental car or public transportation upon arrival.
Valletta is walkable. You can reach many major sights in the city on foot.
Find below my suggestions of spots you can visit on one day in Valletta (by yourself) and my favorite (food) walking tour of the city.
3.1. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
The 16th-century high baroque cathedral is one of the most interesting sights in Malta. The ornate gold and art in the church are mind-blowing.
Caravaggio’s painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” is a must-see. If you love art, this place will make your heart sing.
It is very simple on the outside, but the inside is quite surprising.
There is an entrance fee of about USD 20,00. In my opinion, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is definitely worth visiting.
3.2. Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are one of my favorite places in Valletta. They are easy to reach from the cruise port, only a couple of steps away.
These public gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbor.
Perfect for sunset lovers like me. Don’t miss the Saluting Battery at noon; the cannons fire and it’s quite a spectacle!
The entrance to the gardens is free, but you can take a guided tour and see the Saluting.
3.3. Fort St. Elmo
Fort St. Elmo is famous for its role in the Great Siege of 1565. Nowadays, this fort houses the National War Museum.
Spend time exploring, and you’ll feel like a time-traveling warrior. Well, maybe without the sword fighting.
It takes up a big part of the city of Valletta and is one of the sights definitely worth checking out.
This area of the island is a great reminder of the great siege of Malta, you can feel the spirit of the knights of st john in this place.
There are different ticket options for visiting Fort St. Elmo and other sights and museums in the area.
3.4. Visit the Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Valletta
Valletta is not only rich in history, but it is also so instagrammable. Cute little alleys, hidden corners, and bright red phone booths make the city stand out.
When you walk around the city, you can easily find good photo spots.
But if you are looking for some specific spots in Valletta for your Instagram, I got you covered:
- Lower Barrakka Gardens
- The Parliament’s House Staircase
- The Bridge Bar
- Triq Sant Ursula
- Auberge de Castille
- Triq San Ġwann
- Triq San Żakkarija
3.5. Valletta Waterfront
When you arrive in Valletta Cruise Port you will exit the ship at Valletta Waterfront.
The promenade is filled with colorful 18th-century buildings. This area is perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
In this area you can find a lot of restaurants that have traditional dishes on their menu, you can try pastizzi, special Maltese pastry, and delicious pasta with ricotta here.
The vibe’s laid-back and cheerful, just like a good vacation should feel.
4. Get a Rental Car/ATV and Explore Malta
One day is not enough to see all of Malta. So I only added my personal highlights to this post.
It is important not to plan too many things, you might end up not enjoying them and being in a rush.
I have created this map with a one-day road trip itinerary in Malta for you. For the interactive map version, click on the link or the map below.
4.1. Mdina
Mdina is also known as the “Silent City.” It’s a medieval walled town full of cute and narrow alleys.
You’ll feel like you’re in “Game of Thrones” or something. And you are right, the city of Mdina is actually one of the film locations on the main island of Malta.
You can walk around the charming little city, take pictures in cute alleys, and have a coffee in a lovely cafe.
4.2. Mosta Rotunda
The Mosta Rotunda in Malta is a lovely spot to visit on a road trip.
It’s a church with one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Picture this: You walk in, and the dome just engulfs the sky above you. Super impressive.
During WWII, a bomb fell through the dome but didn’t explode. What a miracle. They’ve got a replica of the bomb inside to tell the tale.
If you’re into architecture or just love a good story, it’s a must-see. Plus, the town of Mosta itself is super sweet and great to check out.
4.3. St. Pauls Bay
St. Paul’s Bay in Malta is a seaside town, perfect for those at a slower pace but still want some action. Fishing boats, casual eateries, a bit of nightlife— St. Pauls Bay got it all, but in moderation.
The area’s got history, too. Legend says St. Paul shipwrecked there. Kinda cool to walk where a saint might’ve walked, right?
Water sports and diving are also possible in St. Paul’s Bay. It is a fun place to hang out for a couple of hours and have a fun time.
4.4. Popeye Village
Popeye Village is a great spot in Malta and it is like stepping into a live-action cartoon!
Initially, the place was built as a film set for the 1980 Popeye movie. Later, it became an amusement park. It’s quirky as heck, full of colorful wooden houses.
It’s touristy, yes, but in a fun, nostalgic way. You can wander around the village, go on boat rides, or even splash around in the mini water park they’ve got.
You can also just check it out from the cliffs above or go swimming on the other side of the bay. Then you don’t have to pay the entrance fee.
4.5. Dingli Cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs in Malta are definitely worth visiting on your shore excursion. High cliffs drop into the deep blue sea creating a stunning scene.
There are usually minimal crowds, so you really get that “edge of the world” vibe. There’s a small chapel nearby that you can visit as well.
This place is like slow travel gold—quiet, stunning, and thoughtful.
4.6 Blue Grotto
Blue Grotto is a series of caves on the coast. And let me tell you, the water is the kind of blue that makes it almost seem unreal!
You can take a boat to get the full experience. Once you’re inside the caves, the way the light plays on the water is beautiful.
It’s popular, but it’s not overly commercialized. You can also do some diving and snorkeling around the area.
We found it fun to just drive by there and watch from the top of the cliffs.
4.7. St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is a great spot located down south near Marsaxlokk.
The water is crystal clear and it’s got these natural “pools” formed by the rocks. You can find your own little swimming nook.
Starting in June, the summer months in Malta get pretty hot, so you might want to spend some time on this sandy beach.
Cliff jumping is a thing there. Not too high, but enough for a little thrill. A perfect blend of chill and adventure, I’d say.
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.
Conclusion: One Day in Malta – From Valletta Cruise Port
To sum it up, you have four choices on how to spend your 1 day in Malta on a cruise. You can either book a boat trip to the islands Comino and Gozo or book a full-island short excursion.
Other options are getting a rental car and checking out the island by yourself or exploring Valletta on foot.
Whichever option you choose, I am confident that you will love Malta as much as I did on my Western Mediterranean Cruise.
If you love cruising as much as I did, you might want to check out the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise next.
For more information on Malta, keep reading:
🇲🇹 Why Malta is worth visiting – Ultimate Travel Guide
🇲🇹 One Day in Malta – Valletta Cruise Port
🇲🇹 Malta: Language, Culture, and Geography
🇲🇹 Awesome 10 Days in Malta Itinerary With Map
FAQ: One Day in Malta – Valletta Cruise Port
Can you see Malta in 1 day?
Yes, you can see Malta in one day! Malta’s small, but packed with stuff to see. One day won’t cover it all. You can see Valletta and a couple of nearby spots. But if you want the full experience—history, beaches, culture—you’ll need more time. So, one day is doable, but you’ll miss out on a lot.
How can I spend one day in Malta?
Start your day in Valletta—grab a coffee and stroll the gardens. Then, hit St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Take a short ferry to the Three Cities for lunch. In the afternoon, go to Mdina for epic views and history. End the day at a beach like Mellieha Bay. Quick, packed day but gives you a little taste of Malta!
Can you walk around Malta in a day?
No, it would take you about 2 weeks to walk around Malta. If you only have one day and want to spend it exploring Malta, you can check out the capital city of Valletta. It is very walkable and you can see tons of interesting stuff.
Is Valletta walkable from Cruise Port?
Absolutely, it’s super close! The cruise port is basically at the foot of Valletta. It’s a 10 to 15-minute uphill walk to the city center. You’ll pass by some cool sights on your way up, too. Start your tour off at the Upper Barrakka Gardens and keep going from there.
Where do Cruise Ships dock in Valletta?
Cruise ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront, also known as the Grand Harbour. It’s right below the city, making it easy to get to the heart of Valletta. You’re just a short, uphill walk away from all the action!
How far is it from Valletta airport to the Cruise terminal?
The distance from Valletta Airport to the cruise terminal isn’t too far. It’s just a short ride, around 15 kilometers or about 9 miles. You’ll be at the cruise terminal in no time. You can take the bus, taxi or private shuttle transfer to the cruise terminal.
Where do Cruise Ships go in Malta?
Cruise ships in Malta usually dock at the Valletta Waterfront, a charming area with a mix of history and modernity. This location offers easy access to the heart of Valletta, where you can explore its rich culture and architecture. From here, you’re just steps away from discovering the city’s captivating history and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.
About the Author
Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.
Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.
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