Valletta
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Valletta

Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Discover the Beauty of Malta – Full-Day Cruise from Bugibba Join us for a full-day boat trip from Bugibba and explore Malta’s beautiful coast. Swim in the famous Blue Lagoon and enjoy free time on the island of Gozo. Your day starts in Bugibba, a popular tourist town. From here, your boat will take you on a wonderful journey around two islands. As you cruise along the coast, you will see big cliffs, caves, and rock formations. You will also pass St. Paul’s Island and see the large statue of St. Paul. In summer (high season), your first stop is Crystal Lagoon, a quiet and beautiful place. The water here is very clear—perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. You can have fun using the waterslides or jump into the water from the top of the boat if you feel brave! Next, you will stop near the famous Blue Lagoon. You will stay here for about one hour. You can relax on the boat, or take a swim. The boat has great facilities and stops in the middle of the lagoon. After that, you go to the island of Gozo. If you choose land transport when you book, a vehicle will take you to Gozo’s capital city, Victoria (also called Rabat). You can walk around, see the old citadel, and enjoy the local charm and history. On the way back to Bugibba, the boat enters the Santa Maria pirate caves and passes by the Elephant’s Head, a special rock that looks like an elephant. All our catamarans have waterslides, underwater windows, shaded and sunny areas, swim ladders, toilets, drinks for sale, and audio guides in many languages.

Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

We will stop in 2-3 different locations. The first stop will be the Blue Lagoon. The boat will drop anchor away from the crowds so that you can swim in the famous turquoise water peacefully. The stops after the Blue Lagoon depend on the weather/sea conditions. A few of our possible stops are: 1. Crystal Lagoon, surrounded by steep, dramatic cliffs. Its crystal clear waters are much deeper than the Blue Lagoon, making the area fantastic for snorkelling and swimming in and around the caves. During this stop, you can enjoy an optional barbecue. 2. Anchor Bay to view the film set of Popeye’s Village, tucked away in a charming bay. Other stops that could be made include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, GHajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. All of these locations are great for snorkelling and swimming. Back on the boat, listen to dance music, and buy cocktails at the bar. If you have selected the afternoon option, relax and watch the sunset on the horizon. After a wonderful day at sea, begin the journey back to Bugibba.

Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour

Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour

Cruise to Comino Island, Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon Join us for a beautiful boat trip to Comino Island! Starting from Bugibba, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Malta’s coast with cliffs, caves, and small islands. As we sail, you will see St. Paul’s Island, with a tall statue of St. Paul. We will also pass amazing natural sea caves, perfect for photos. You will have the chance to swim in two beautiful places: 1. Crystal Lagoon: This is a special spot that you can only reach by boat. The water is very clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or jumping off the boat. You can also try one of the three water slides! (This stop is available from June to October, depending on the weather.) 2. Blue Lagoon: This is another amazing place to swim. The boat will stop here so you can swim in the bright blue water, relax on the sun deck with comfortable chairs, or slide into the water from the boat’s big slide. You can also get off the boat to explore Comino Island. There are no cars on the island, so it’s a quiet and peaceful place. Important: On the way back to Bugibba Port, we will stop to see the Santa Maria pirate caves and the rock shape called Elephant’s Head. This cruise is perfect for swimming, relaxing, or exploring the natural beauty of Comino Island!

From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta's Harbours & Creeks

From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta's Harbours & Creeks

This 90-minute scenic cruise is the perfect introduction to the city of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, and its surroundings. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the two natural harbours of Malta, the majestic Valletta Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour. Set sail from Sliema Ferries and take in the views of some of Malta's most iconic landmarks. Relax as you cruise by impressive harbours, historic fortifications, various creeks, the renowned 'Three Fortified Cities' of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, busy dockyards, marinas, bastions, and much more. Listen to the audio commentary to uncover the history of Valletta and its surrounding locations. Thanks to the numerous creeks around Valletta, you can enjoy unique views of the city without the heavy crowds. The duration of this cruise is approximately 90 minutes.

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

Explore the island of Gozo by Jeep and see the most beautiful sights on this day trip from Malta. Stop in the charming towns and enjoy different bays such as Ramla Bay and Xlendi Bay. Uncover the secrets of Calypso's Cave and have a scrumptious lunch. Go to Victoria and ride past the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves. Benefit from hotel pickup in Malta and private boat to Gozo. Meet your driver and head to the Qala Belvedere for panoramic views across the sea, then visit the pretty resort town of Ramla Bay. See ruins at Calypso's Cave, or explore the temple complex of Ġgantija (own expense). Make a stop to refuel with a three-course meal at the beautiful Village of Xewkija. Discover the typical fishing village of Xlendi Bay and marvel at the rock formations of Dwejra. Get up close to the salt pans on the north coast near the beach resort of Marsalforn Bay. Visit the Citadel in the capital city of Victoria, and enjoy some time for a relaxing swim in the sea. End with a powerboat ride back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

Experience some of Malta's most interesting highlights in just one day on a guided group tour. Discover the medieval city of Mdina, St. Cataldus Catacombs, and Mosta Rotunda. Stroll through the San Anton Botanical Gardens, take in sea views from Dingli Cliffs, and buy glass from local craftspeople. After hotel pickup, start your tour with the ancient city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces, fortifications, architecture, and ancient heritage. Stroll through the narrow streets of the island's old capital, taking in one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Take a journey back in time, as the streets have not changed much in the last 1,000 years. Admire the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city's unique mix of medieval and Baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls. Leave Mdina through the Greeks Gate. Head to St. Cataldus Catacombs, in Rabat, on the outskirts of Mdina. Discover the catacombs, which were originally a Punic burial shaft, and some of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. See graves that are beautiful examples of canopied tombs and others hewn in the rocks. Continue to Dingli Cliffs, off the village of Dingli on Malta's western coast, the highest point of the Maltese island at around 253m above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views over the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the small uninhabited island of Filfla. After lunch, visit the San Anton Botanical Gardens, built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence: San Anton Palace, located at the perimeter of the gardens, now serving as the residence of the Maltese President. Next, stop at the Ta' Qali Craft Village, a former British Royal Air Forces wartime airfield restored into a local artisan hub. Watch local craftsmen form elaborate glass art using ancient glassblowing techniques. Get some genuine locally made mementos to remind you of your visit to Malta. End your tour with Malta's largest church, the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Mosta Rotunda or Mosta Dome. Built between 1833 and the 1860s to Neoclassical designs, the present church is based on the Pantheon in Rome. Discover its dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Finally, return to your hotel.

Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour

Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour

Explore the elegant capital of Malta with a licensed guide and discover masterpieces of Baroque architecture and some of the finest palaces in Europe.  Wander the narrow streets of Valletta and experience its rich history at notable sites from the days of the Knights of St. John and the Grand Master, Jean de Valette. Get a feel for the development of Malta over the centuries and discover an impressive array of buildings, designed by some of the best European architects of the era. Admire the façade of St John's Co-Cathedral, visit Piazza Regina, see the magnificent Bibliotheca Nazionale, and much more.

Malta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip

Malta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since prior to the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area. Pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation! We start with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the three cities, to reach the city of Vittoriosa, this glorious city has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, but the current city dates back from the time of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Vittoriosa was chosen as the capital city of Malta instead of Mdina upon the arrival of the Order in the year 1530. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the narrow streets of the city admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. Upon arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa waterfront, board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks. The tour ends at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565. The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Sant Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Explore Malta's incredible estates, history, and sights at your own pace. Take the exclusive hop-on, hop-off tours, and ride at your own convenience on the open-top double decker buses. During your tour, you can stop at any of the following major attractions in the city, on these routes: South Malta Route (Red Route) • Valletta • Hypogeum • Vittoriosa Waterfront • Zejtun Church • Marsaxlokk Fishing Village • Ghar Dalam Cave & Museum • Blue Grotto • Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples • The Limestone Heritage • Sliema North Malta Route (Blue Route) • Valletta • San Anton Gardens • The Crafts Village • Aviation Museum • Mosta Church • Mdina • Rabat • Mgarr Church • Golden Bay • Bugibba Square • Splash and Fun Water Park • St. George’s Bay • Spinola Bay

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Quad Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Quad Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

Quad & Buggy drivers must be OVER 21, with a FULL, CURRENT driving licence. Get an adrenaline rush, enjoying a one-of-a-kind adventure tour for thrill seekers. Sail over to the beautiful island of Gozo by powerboat, and trek acorss the island on a quad bike, driving in convoy, led by our experienced tour leaders. See Gozo's most famous, and cherished, hidden landmarks from a different perspective: from the stunning viewpoint of the Qala Belvedere, through to the rugged landscapes of Ramla Valley. Next, marvel at the traditional saltpans before journeying through Ghasri Valley. Discover the incredible Inland Sea at Dwejra and the small islet of Fungus Rock. During Summer, take a swimming break. There is also enough time to buy some authentic Gozitan goods. Then, take a powerboat back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

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Frequently asked questions about Valletta

What are the best day trips and excursions from Valletta?

The best day trips and excursions from Valletta are:

See all day trips and excursions from Valletta on GetYourGuide

What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Valletta?

These are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Valletta:

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Insider tips: Explore Valletta like a local

Olly Gaspar is a professional adventure travel photographer and blogger known for his captivating visual storytelling and immersive travel guides. Olly has spent the last five years traveling full-time and posting about his adventures on We Seek Travel.

What should I do on my first trip to Valletta?

If you are visiting the city for the first time, one of the best things to do in Valletta is to visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This ornate 16th-century Baroque church is one of the most famous in the Maltese Islands. Its stunning interior is adorned with intricate carvings, marble statues, and paintings by famous artists including Caravaggio. Another must-see destination is the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This is one of the best places to get breathtaking views of the famous Grand Harbour and across to the Three Cities. Visitors can also watch the Saluting Battery’s daily firing here, a traditional cannon-firing ceremony dating back to the 16th century.

What are some hidden gems to see in Valletta?

Situated on the opposite side of the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Three Cities of Malta (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua) are three amazing gems worth exploring. To get here, you’ll take a traditional luzzu or dgħajsa ferry, so you can really immerse yourself in Malta’s rich history before you even get there.

How much time should I spend in Valletta?

To make the most of your time in Valletta, spend at least long weekend in the city. In three days, you can easily see all the historical landmarks, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Grand Master’s Palace. This will also give you time to visit famous museums and art galleries, including the National War Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology. Valletta is also one of the best places to stay in Malta as you can easily take day trips to explore other parts of the archipelago, including the Blue Lagoon on Comino or the sister island of Gozo.

What food is Valletta known for?

Like most of Malta’s unique culture, its food reflects its rich history and broad cultural influences from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East. If you want to try something traditional in Valletta, go for the rabbit stew (Stuffat Tal-Fenek in Maltese). The dish is a hearty, slow-cooked stew made with rabbit, tomatoes, red wine, garlic, onions, and various delicious herbs and spices. If street food is more your thing, you must try Pastizzi, a savory pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas.

What is the best way to get around Valletta?

Valletta is a small city and the majority of the city’s main attractions are located within the walled area, so it makes exploring in a few days pretty easy. The best way to get around the city’s narrow streets and scenic alleys is by foot. Alternatively, there are plenty of great walking tours in Valletta if you’d prefer to learn about the culture and history from a local guide.

What are the best months to visit Valletta?

May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit Valletta. During these months, the weather is warm but not as hot as the peak summer months. The crowds are also fewer compared to the peak visitor season. Alternatively, a good time to visit for cultural events is during the Maltese Feasts season (June to September). This is one of Malta’s most important cultural traditions and occurs throughout the year in various cities and towns across the island, including Valletta. Each feast is dedicated to a patron saint and is celebrated by colorful processions, music, and huge fireworks displays.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

While Valletta doesn't have large shopping malls or department stores, it has some smaller, more unique shopping areas worth exploring. Republic Street is Valletta's main shopping street, where you’ll find high-end fashion boutiques. Nearby is also the famous Merchant Street, a narrow street lined with vintage and second-hand stores.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Valletta?

Stay in the city center if you can. Valletta is a small city, so you'll be within easy reach of all the main attractions.

Other Sightseeing Options in Valletta

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What people are saying about Valletta

Overall rating

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1
4.1 out of 5 stars
(2,838 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Matthew was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable and open to any questions. We did the tour on the second day of our arrival, and it also gave us a good idea of where things were. Thank you, Matthew, for being a great storyteller.

5 out of 5 stars

Gozo Jeep Tour was fantastic! George was an amazing guide – knowledgeable, fun, and made the whole experience unforgettable. George definetely deserves a bonus for his great work. Highly recommend! Tourists from Latvia xxx

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic trip, beautiful island, our guide Keko was friendly and interesting, he was very helpful and funny. this was a fabulous day very well run and worth the money

5 out of 5 stars

Chris is very well knowledged. He answered all our questions and pointed out interesting facts on the way back. Looking forward to attend other tours with Chris.

5 out of 5 stars

Very nice guided tour of Gozo with a passionate guide Cédric