Valletta

Valletta is the principal seaport and capital city of Malta, an island country situated in the central Mediterranean Sea, located eighty kilometres south of Italy, two hundred eighty-four kilometres east of Tunisia, and three hundred thirty-three kilometres north of Libya. The cruise port sits safely within the Grand Harbour, a natural deepwater waterway. Valletta is almost always visited as a port of call for travelers passing through the Mediterranean, though occasionally ships choose to turn around here.

Valletta holds the title of the smallest capital city in the European Union by both area and population. The city rises dramatically on steep limestone cliffs overlooking the harbour, with golden stone that catches the Mediterranean light beautifully as ships approach. Valletta is renowned as a breathtaking showpiece of grand Baroque architecture, where narrow alleyways lead to intriguing local shops, cafés, and hidden bars. The entire city is recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following the victory of the Great Siege of 1565, the triumphant Grand Master Jean de Valette set out to construct a heavily fortified city on the Sciberras Peninsula. The city proudly took his name, and the very first stone was laid on March 28, 1566, before Valletta officially became the capital on March 18, 1571. While heavy German and Italian air raids during the Second World War caused significant destruction throughout the harbour area, the city rebuilt swiftly and retains its striking Renaissance and Baroque character.

The most striking landmark ashore is St. John's Co-Cathedral, constructed between 1572 and 1577 as a lavishly decorated church. Inside, visitors discover Caravaggio's celebrated masterpieces, including The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Built in just fifteen years, the orderly grid of streets and massive fortifications remain remarkably intact. The cruise facility is less than a mile from the center, putting major sights within easy reach on foot.

Both Maltese and English serve as official languages, making navigation simple for international cruisers. Malta's culinary traditions blend North African and European influences, featuring local seafood alongside traditional dishes like stuffat tal-fenek rabbit stew and bragioli beef rolls.

Ever sailed past these historic Mediterranean fortifications? Map out this trip on The Cruise Globe to review your sailing route.