CME Cruises Visiting Valletta, Malta

Sailing into Valletta’s Grand Harbour is one of the most dramatic arrivals in the Mediterranean. 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 that is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is a compact, walkable grid, making it ideal for a day of exploration. The primary destination for most 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 is worth the visit alone. For the best views, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer a stunning panorama of the Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities across the water. Time your visit for the daily cannon firing from the Saluting Battery below. Beyond the major sites, the real joy of Valletta is in wandering its streets, admiring the traditional enclosed wooden balconies (*gallariji*), and perhaps stopping for a *pastizz*—a flaky, savory pastry filled with ricotta or peas. For those seeking a quieter, medieval atmosphere, 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 the energy of the capital.