CME Cruises Visiting Valletta, Malta

Sailing into Valletta’s Grand Harbour offers one of the Mediterranean’s most dramatic arrivals. You are immediately enveloped by immense, honey-colored limestone fortifications rising from the sea—a fitting introduction to a city built by the Knights of St. John. While the waterfront promenade is attractive, the city proper sits high above. We strongly recommend taking the Upper Barrakka Lift from the waterfront to the city gardens; it saves time and energy better spent exploring the steep, grid-patterned streets. The city is compact and walkable, though visitors should be prepared for stairs and inclines. The primary cultural destination is St. John's Co-Cathedral. Its austere façade belies a jaw-dropping interior of High Baroque opulence, with every surface covered in intricate carvings, gold leaf, and marble. The cathedral’s true masterpiece is Caravaggio’s monumental painting, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” a profoundly moving work that justifies the entry fee alone. For the best views, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer a stunning panorama of the harbor and the historic Three Cities across the water. Time your visit for the daily cannon firing at noon or 4:00 PM from the Saluting Battery below. Beyond the major sites, the real joy of Valletta is wandering its streets, admiring the traditional enclosed wooden balconies (*gallariji*), and stopping at a historic venue like Caffe Cordina. Be sure to try a *pastizz*—a flaky, savory pastry filled with ricotta or peas—which is the quintessential local snack. If you prefer a quieter, medieval atmosphere over the bustle of the capital, a taxi ride to the fortified city of Mdina is a worthwhile alternative. Known as the “Silent City,” its labyrinthine alleys and noble palaces offer a peaceful contrast to Valletta's energy. For a unique perspective, take a traditional *dghajsa* (water taxi) across the harbor to explore Birgu, one of the Three Cities, which offers immense history with fewer crowds.