More and more cruise liners are stopping off at the port city of Valletta on the wonderful island of Malta. Malta is a small island located almost as close to Africa as it is to the rest of Europe. It is one of the smallest, most densely populated countries in the world, measuring just over 316 square kilometres.
Valletta is the capital city of Malta and is the port where all the cruise ships call into. From Valletta it is easy to travel to many different places and attractions around the island. Outside of the port there are many different companies offering hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tours. These will take you to the famous ancient city of Mdina, the stunning Blue Grotto and many other exciting places quickly and easily.
Valletta is a great place to wander the streets (some of them are very hilly!) and enjoy the Baroque architecture. Some of the buildings in the city are perfectly preserved and restored whereas others are crumbling and losing their grandeur. The mixture of the two gives Valletta a charming, lived in feel with plenty of character.
If you are a fan of shopping whilst you are enjoying your cruise holiday then Malta will definitely fit the bill. Valletta has many shopping streets filled with a mixture of high street stores that you’ll find in every town and city in Britain, and some more quaint, boutique stores selling a range of different and exciting products. It’s a perfect place to buy presents to take home to loved ones, or just to treat yourself to a little something to help you remember your cruise holiday!
Malta was under British rule for more than 150 years and the legacy of British rule can be seen around the island. You’ll find the distinctive British red telephone boxes and red letterboxes dotted around the island, constantly reminding you that this little island was under British rule until 1964.
Mdina is an ancient city on the island which dates as far back at 700BC. It is known as the ‘Silent City’ given the fact that it was completely abandoned when the city of Valletta was built. These days it is wonderfully preserved and in pristine condition. It has magnificent architecture, quaint streets and plenty to explore. It also occupies a great position at the centre of the island, on one of the highest points of Malta which means it has brilliant views across the island.
Malta has many different famous foods that both residents and visitors simply adore. With the proximity to nearby Sicily and the years of British rule, it is unsurprising that the main influences of Maltese food are Sicilian and British. Cheese pastizzi’s are incredibly popular and are savoury filo pastries which are usually filled with either mushy peas or ricotta cheese. If you’re lucky enough to visit Malta then be sure to try one of these delicious local delicacies.
With all of these things to see and do in Malta, plus many more, why not have a look at cruises that call into the port of Valletta and try them out for yourself?
Editors Note: Some Cruise lines offer itineraries that start and finish in Valletta. If you are interested in Cruises from Malta please use this form and a specialist will get back to you.
