You have a few precious hours to spend on the historical and culturally rich Maltese Islands - so what to do? Even by staying close to the harbour, you can get a good impression of what Malta has to offer. Without any stress or haste, visit the capital city of Valletta and the upmarket Sliema & St Julians area for an impression of Malta’s old and new.
Take the Barrakka Lift to the city
Even getting to the city is an experience. Board the Barrakka Lift which takes you directly from Lascaris Wharf in the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. The Barrakka Lift was first used in 1905, fell out of use and came back into operation in 2009, thirty-six years after its closure. Don’t leave without a photo from the Upper Barrakka Garden of your cruiseliner surrounded by the historic fortifications of the Grand Harbour.
Visit Valletta’s essential must-sees
Once in the city, there is a lot to see! Valletta is described by UNESCO as one of the most historically dense areas in the world! Some of the essential must-dos in Valletta include a visit to the elaborately decorated St John's Co-Cathedral and, if you fancy, you can pick one of the several museums and check it out. You can also go shopping or just relax in a piazza.
Take a ferry across Marsamxett Harbour to Sliema
You’ve just come off a ship but this experience is something else. The ferry between Valletta and Sliema, across the Marsamxett Harbour, is a historic one that also has a well-known Maltese jingle attached to it. During the crossing, admire Valletta's notorious skyline and Fort Manoel on Manoel Island.
Discover Sliema’s highlights
Sliema is a grand example of a quaint fishing village and summer resort that’s evolved into that spot on the island where it’s all happening. Sliema competes with Valletta for shopping and restaurants, while the entertainment hotspot is easily reached via a promenade that runs all the way from Msida via Sliema to St Julians. Do enjoy one of the swimming spots dotted along the front and make sure you wander into the village core to relish the authentic non-touristy feeling evoked by Maltese balconies and wooden doors with big knockers.
Enjoy the Valletta Waterfront
Finish off at the Valletta Waterfront. The 18th century Pinto Wharf has been restored to accommodate numerous food and beverage outlets which benefit from one of the most spectacular views in the world: the bastion walls of the three cities of Birgu, Bormla and Isla and the capital Valletta guarding the magnificent Grand Harbour.
Then, safely board your ship and bid the Maltese Islands goodbye. Come again and discover her other towns and villages, and the surrounding countryside, beaches and historical treasures, such as Mellieha, on the farthest end of the island of Malta. Then there are Gozo and Comino too. There’s truly much to allure one to discover.