Malta has long been highly coveted due to its strategic location for trade along the Mediterranean. It has a tumultuous history, with many different cultures ruling over the course of thousands of years. From prehistoric temples, to baroque palaces built for the Knight's Hospitaller, Malta has no end of interesting architectural delights. Though not well known for its beaches, there are many wonderful bays for relaxing and swimming in the Mediterranean's blue waters.

Top Things to Do in Malta:

Malta by Bus
You can see all of Malta’s important cities on the affordable Malta City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. On the North Route visit the walled city of Mdina, the Ta' Quali Crafts Village and more. On the South Route see the modern capital of Valletta along with the ancient Tarxien Temples, the beautiful Blue Grotto and several other cities along the way.

Shore Excursions
If your cruise comes to Malta’s Port, there are plenty of Shore Excursions that will guarantee you make the best of your stay.

Spend a full day exploring Valletta and the rest of the island with a Malta in One Day Private Sightseeing Tour. If you’re interested in the island’s illustrious past take a Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes. To discover the mix of both modern and ancient, see the old and new capitals of Malta on a Private Tour of Valletta and Mdina.

Most of our Shore Excursions come with a worry-free guarantee that you will be returned to the port on time for any cruise ship departure.

Private Tour Guides
For a customized experience of Malta choose your own Private Tour Guide who will happily tailor your tour of Malta to your specific interests and needs.


Top Attractions in Malta:

Valletta - The Island’s capital and most densely populated city. The original walled citadel was built as a fortification for the Knights Hospitaller who ruled the island for almost 300 years. Many of its buildings date back to the 16th century including the first church Our Lady of Victories. The city contains a multitude of museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts which houses works originally displayed in the palaces of the knights.

Upper Barrakka Gardens – This public park is the highest point in Valletta and offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and Grand Harbor below.

The Grand Master's Palace – This is the largest and most glamorous palace in Valletta. It currently houses the office of the president and the Island’s House of Representatives. Parts of it are open to the public including some of the state apartments and the Armory Museum which contains one of Europe’s largest collections of Medieval and Renaissance weapons.

Auberge de Castille – Once the seat for the Knights of Castille, Leon and Portugal,  this palace is now the office of Malta’s Prime Minister.

St. John's Co-Cathedral – This is the largest of Valletta’s medieval cathedrals and was completed in 1578. It  houses many famous works of art including Caravaggio's painting depicting The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Each of its eight chapels is dedicated to the patron saint of the eight branches of the Knights of Hospitaller.

Tarxien Temple – Dotted throughout the Island of Malta are ancient stone temple complexes dating as far back as 3,600 BC! Seven of these, including the Tarxien site have been named UNESCO world heritage sites for their historical significance. Tarxien was built during the height of the prehistoric culture and is situated a few kilometers inland from Valletta’s Grand Harbor.

Mdina – The medieval capital of Malta has preserved much of its beauty and romance. The old walled city is perfect for a few hours of walking among cobblestone alleys stopping at one of the many restaurants or cafes along the way.

Gozo – This smaller, more rural island is just a 30 minute boat ride away from the main island. It is said to be the mythological island of Ogygia, where the nymph Calypso once lived in Homer’s Odyssey. 

Beaches - Malta’s beaches are relatively small, and many composed of pebbles or rocks. However, there are a few containing the soft sands that make for the best sunbathing. On the North coast of the island are Paradise Bay and St. George’s Bay and in the south is Pretty Bay, the largest beach on the island.

Top Recommendations in Malta:

Find out out Malta Carnival from Malta Local Expert Victoria