Situated in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta offers a cruise itinerary that beautifully marries Eastern and Western cultures. Valetta, the gateway to the capital of Malta, sees over half a million passengers a year and the city is considered an open-air museum. The unique size of the country gives visitors a chance to experience everything Malta has to offer, making it an ideal homeport as well as a great choice for a port call.

Passengers will disembark in the walled city of Valetta, the capital of Malta. The city is part of the Organization of World Heritage Cities and is a living museum thanks to the variety of historical sites and museums scattered throughout its walls. Those interested in the history that made Valetta will love spending time at major monuments such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmasters’ Palace. If you’re on the hunt for something more modern, Valetta has been undergoing a multi-year revitalization program that has given the city new life and its nightlife a new pulse.  For more history, Malta’s old capital, Mdina, is like a city frozen in time. It is still home to Malta’s aristocracy and is filled with perfectly restored and working historical buildings dating back to the medieval era.

Malta also has unique natural sites such as the famous Blue Grotto. Sunset cruises will take visitors out to the Grotto for a chance to explore this natural wonder up close. Crystal blue waters cascade underneath the large natural rock arch, creating this small grotto against the sea. Visitors will also have a chance to view the Blue Grotto from shore thanks to a natural viewpoint.

While Malta in general and Valetta specifically already have so much to offer, the cruise port has recently undergone some renovations to further enhance the visitor experience, and the new Valetta Waterfront combines the historical with the modern. Additional improvements are planned that are sure to add to Malta’s already compelling appeal.