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Valletta: when your ship stops here

A Caravaggio in a baroque church, a harbor view with a noon gun, and a very small capital.

Facts checked Nov 5, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Valletta is the capital of Malta, between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, and a World Heritage Site since 1980. At 0.61 square km (0.24 square miles) it is the smallest capital in the European Union. A cruise port guide says ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront in the Grand Harbour, and that 4 of the 7 cruise berths are within a 15 minute walk of the city center.

Sources: Wikipedia: Valletta; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Valletta

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. St John's Co-Cathedral

    A church built between 1573 and 1578 whose baroque interior is considered one of the finest in Europe. It holds The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, painted in 1608 by Caravaggio, the largest canvas he painted and the only one he signed. The marble floor is a series of tombs of about 400 knights and officers.

    Tip: Our sources give no opening hours.

    Source: Wikipedia: St John's Co-Cathedral

  2. 2. Upper Barrakka Gardens

    A public garden on the highest point of the city walls, with a terrace looking out over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Below it, the Saluting Battery fires a ceremonial cannon, which usually happens at 12pm and 4pm.

    Tip: Times can change, so ask at the gardens. Our sources give no walking time from the ship.

    Source: Wikipedia: Upper Barrakka Gardens

  3. 3. Manoel Theatre

    A theatre built in just ten months in 1731 by order of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. It is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.

    Tip: Our sources give no tour times, so check before you go.

    Source: Wikipedia: Valletta

What to skip

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Valletta

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Valletta, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 5, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Valletta

Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Valletta on the way.

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