by Claire Xuereb

Valletta Point photo by Myriam Thyes

Malta’s location in the centre of the Mediterranean has for centuries been established as an important port of call. Its natural harbors and experienced sailors have been used and taken advantage of from prehistory to date. In fact, over the past years, cruise liners have included Malta as one of the top destinations in Europe. Now visiting all year round, so much that Malta has been awarded the Sea Trade Insider Award for 2008 as being the Destination of the Year.

The imposing historical bastions that enclose the harbor is your first clue to the history, architecture and charm of Malta, greeting you as you sail in from the sea. This scene has welcomed over 250 cruise ships a year, and over 400,000 passengers all eager to come ashore and explore our beautiful Maltese island, if only for a day. The Grand Harbor is Europe’s largest natural harbor and welcomes a large number of cruise ships as a port of call, turnarounds, as well as home porting. Today, the Valletta Port is one of the top ten cruise ports in the Western Mediterranean Region.

Valletta – Capital city of Malta

Valletta Ancient Wall photo by Myriam Thyes

Whereas some city centers are often located miles away from the port and thus require a substantial amount of traveling time, Malta’s capital city Valletta is within walking distance of the Valletta waterfront. This allows for the passengers to explore at ease! Valletta is UNESCO world heritage site and a centre of theatre, history, café life, wine bars and shopping. If you do not intend to walk to the centre, the new Valletta Waterfront Cruise terminal is itself a one-stop shop whereby cruise ships and their passengers can find all their needs catered to; check-in and baggage facilities, porterage, tax-free shopping, a tourist information service, food and beverage facilities, retail facilities, taxi services, and a public bus service.

About Malta

Valetta Upper Barracca Garden photo by Myriam Thyes

Thanks to Malta’s small size a lot can be seen when stopping over by cruise liner. Visitors can book a range of guided tours to the three cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua), Valletta, the Medieval “silent city” of Mdina or the prehistoric temples. One can also visit the Crafts Village in Ta’ Qali. If the stop allows for it, during a full day trip, visitors can also experience the small tranquil sister island of Gozo. Many cruise visitors are often so impressed with Malta that within a few months they come back for a longer stay in order to explore the Maltese culture and way of life in their own time.

Ta’ Ghammar Gozo photo by a’ Ghammar

When the cruise begins or ends in Malta, it would be a great idea to stay for a few days in a central Hotel in Malta in order to explore what the islands have to offer. The Maltese Islands offer a great selection of 5-star and 4-star hotels, not to mention varied shopping facilities, wide-ranging cuisine, historical sites and archaeology, spa and sporting facilities, as well as ample entertainment options and nightlife.

About the Author:
Mrs Claire Zammit Xuereb manages some of the top leading hotels in Malta. For your next holidays to Malta stay in one of the top Luxury Malta Hotels which is within easy access to major attractions, shopping areas and entertainment venues. This Sliema Hotel offers top Malta Accommodation for anyone’s taste.

 

Suggested Malta Hotels

Hotel Phoenicia
The Mall
Valetta, Malta FRN 1478
Email: info@phoeniciamalta.com
A truly great hotel recently overhauled and beautiful. Great service abounds, and its an easy walk to get to the center of Valletta.

Hotel Kennedy Nova
116, The Strand
Sliema Creek GZR 1027
Malta
Email: info@kennedynova.com
Sitting on a lively waterfront promenade next to Sliema’s lively city center.

Hotel Santana Malta
Triq il-Maskli,
Qawra
St. Paul's Bay SPB 1482, Malta
Email: info@sunroutehotels.com
Modern hotel situated on St. Pauls Bay near the promenade and shopping. Short walk to the warm sandy beach.

Ta Cenc Hotel Gozo
Sannat
Island of Gozo
Malta
Email: tacenc@vjborg.com
Stunning hotel with amazing views of the other Maltese Islands of Malta and Comino. Quiet, relaxed setting for that perfect getaway.