Explore the Top 9 Activities in Valletta, Malta

Rich in history and stunning vistas, Malta is an essential destination in Europe. During your cruise to Valletta, you’ll have the opportunity to discover this ancient fortress city, which now serves as the nation’s capital.

Valletta offers a plethora of exciting and intriguing activities, and we want to ensure you experience the nearby charming cities and villages firsthand.

On our excursions in Valletta, you can discover the city by walking, taking a motor coach, enjoying a harbor cruise, or even going out on a fishing boat. Here’s a rundown of the top nine activities to enjoy in Valletta, Malta.

1. Experience All of Malta’s Highlights in Just One Day

You can explore a significant portion of Malta during the Malta Highlights shore excursion. Your journey begins with a motor coach ride to Valletta, where you’ll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens on foot.

Here, you’ll take in breathtaking views of Malta’s natural harbors and the historic cities of Senglea, Cospicua, and Cittá Vittoriosa (Birgu). The tour then continues to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Conventual Church of the Knights of Malta, where you can admire Caravaggio’s renowned artwork, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

After a stroll to the Magisterial Palace, once home to the Grand Masters of the Order, you’ll travel by motor coach to Tarxien to explore the Megalithic Temples of Malta.

From there, you’ll proceed on foot to Malta’s ancient capital, known as the Silent City, Mdina, to admire the Old Cathedral and Ramparts that date back to the 9th century.

If time permits afterward, you’ll have the chance to take a scenic drive to a glass factory and observe local artisans crafting their works.

2. Explore Malta’s Top 10 Attractions

Another immersive and distinctive shore excursion is the Top 10 Best of Malta, which includes several additional stops alongside the Malta Highlights tour, featuring a visit to a traditional Maltese fishing village where you can indulge in local delicacies.

Your journey will start in Valletta with a visit to Auberge de Castille, one of Malta’s most stunning architectural landmarks, which currently houses the office of the Prime Minister. Afterward, you’ll continue to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

Next, you’ll journey to Città Vittoriosa (Birgu), one of the three cities that form the foundation of Maltese history.

Later, you will embark on a special tour of Marsaxlokk, a quintessential Maltese fishing village renowned for its vibrant fishing boats known as Luzzu.

The following stop is Zurrieq, where you can take in breathtaking views of the world-famous Blue Grotto. After that, you’ll pass by Buskett Gardens, the only woodland area in Malta, planted by the Knights of St. John.

Continuing on to Rabat, you’ll have the chance to socialize with locals at a lively music club called kazin and sample Maltese treats. Finally, you’ll stroll through Mdina and explore this historic area on foot.

3. Experience a Half-Day Jeep Safari

During this Jeep Safari - Half Day adventure, your driver will take you by jeep to the northernmost point of the island. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Red Tower to admire the neighboring islands of Gozo and Comino.

After exploring Sweethaven Village, you’ll continue to Fomm ir-Rih, a breathtaking bay located on the island’s western side. Next, enjoy a snack with the group on Golden Sands, one of Malta’s stunning beaches. Your final two stops will be the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta, and the famous Blue Grotto.

Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the spectacular views of natural caves and the crystal-clear blue ocean.

4. Explore 3 Stunning Historic Landmarks

Experience the southern region of the island with this action-packed three-stop tour of Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk. Start your journey with a motor coach ride to the ancient Temple of Hagar Qim, which dates back to between 3500 and 3000 BC, made entirely of soft limestone and overlooking the islet of Filfla.

Weather permitting, you’ll hop on a boat to the Blue Grotto, where you can marvel at the breathtaking underwater vegetation before proceeding to the charming Maltese fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

While in Marsaxlokk, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the market and admire the unique fishing boats that line the harbor.

5. Explore the Depths of the Catacombs

Mosta, Mdina, and Rabat are three essential stops you won't want to miss during your cruise to Valletta.

On this scenic tour, you’ll visit the Mosta Dome, wander through the Silent City of Mdina, see St. Paul’s Cathedral, enjoy some leisure time in Mdina, and finally make your way to Rabat to explore St. Paul’s Catacombs before concluding your tour.

6. Experience Opulence at the Noble Palaces of Malta

During this enchanting Malta’s Noble Heritage tour, you’ll discover the lavish lifestyle of Malta’s aristocracy throughout their reign. Key stops include:

• Palazzo Parisio: This splendid 19th-century palace of the legendary Knights of St. John showcases two stunning baroque gardens and features a charming orangery.
• San Anton Gardens: Created by Grand Master Antoine de Paule as the grounds for his summer residence, this botanical paradise is currently home to the President of Malta.
• Casa Rocca Piccola: Explore the residence of the 9th Marquis and Marchioness de Piro, where you can meet the current owners and admire a collection of exquisite furniture, silverware, and artwork that enhances the beauty of this historic home.

7. Experience a Dghajsa Boat Ride

On this Three Cities & Dghajsa Boat Ride excursion, you’ll explore three cities and a village by motor coach, on foot, and by boat. Highlights include a stroll through Senglea, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Grand Harbor from the ancient bastions.

Next, you’ll head to Città Vittoriosa, wandering the narrow streets of this historic city and visiting the Church of St. Lawrence and Fort St. Angelo. The tour also includes a delightful 30-minute cruise within the harbor aboard a traditional Maltese dghajsa boat.

Your journey concludes in Marsaxlokk, a charming Maltese fishing village where you can capture memorable photos to commemorate your day.

8. Enjoy a Leisurely Tour of Valletta

For those who prefer to explore at a more relaxed pace, you can experience a wealth of activities without ever leaving Valletta. This Valletta: City of the Knights excursion offers a brief motor coach ride around Valletta’s bastions, passing by Fort St. Elmo, Fort Manoel, and Marsamxett Harbor.

For stunning panoramic views of Malta’s natural harbors, take a stroll to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From this vantage point, you can also see the historic cities of Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa.

During your visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Conventual Church of the Knights of Malta, you’ll have the opportunity to admire Caravaggio’s renowned painting The Beheading of St. John the Baptist up close. Your excursion will conclude with a leisurely stroll to the Magisterial Palace, the historic residence of the Grand Masters of the Order.

9. Admire Malta from the Water

On the Harbor Cruise & Shopping in Sliema excursion, you’ll explore and discover the history of Malta while relaxing aboard a boat. After a motor coach ride to Sliema, you’ll sail around the stunning Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor of Valletta.

As you glide through the waters, you’ll learn about the historical significance of the three cities, passing by ancient forts, battlements, and other notable landmarks. When the historical tour concludes, you’ll have time to indulge in some shopping in Sliema.

Despite its small size, Malta is brimming with activities that the whole family can enjoy. When you embark on a cruise to Valletta, you’ll have the chance to explore almost every aspect of the island through various shore excursions. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely day at the beach or a half-day jeep tour around the island, Dinogo has everything you need! Reserve your next European cruise and discover all the wonderful experiences Malta has to offer.