Valletta, Blue Grotto & Mdina
Malta is small, and for cruise guests that is its greatest advantage: between the harbour city of Valletta, the cliffs in the south and the old capital of Mdina there are only twenty to twenty-five minutes of driving. What would take two days elsewhere fits into a single port day here – without any rush.
Valletta and the Grand Harbour
We begin with a drive along the ring road of Valletta. From there you look out over both sides of the Grand Harbour – a natural harbour around which fortresses, bastions and church towers have grown for centuries. Two photo stops are firmly planned: the first on Manoel Island, the second at the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – opposite Valletta.
Blue Grotto and the Dingli Cliffs
On the south coast we stop at the panoramic viewpoint above the Blue Grotto. If you wish, you can take a small boat for around 25 minutes into the caves – the sunlight refracts in the water there and turns the cave walls a glowing blue. Afterwards we continue to the Dingli Cliffs which, at around 250 metres, are the highest on Malta.
Mdina, the Silent City
Mdina was Malta’s capital until the 16th century. Only a few hundred people live within the walls today and cars are barely permitted – hence the nickname “Silent City”. You stroll through narrow lanes, past honey-coloured palaces, and look out from the bastions over half the island. If time allows we finish with a stop at the Mosta Dome, whose cupola is among the largest in Europe. Whether that works out depends on how long you want to stay in Mdina – that is your decision.
Six or Eight Hours – You Choose
The tour comes in two lengths. The longer eight-hour version also starts in Valletta, but then adds the Three Cities and a drive through the fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its colourful luzzu boats, before continuing to the Blue Grotto, the Dingli Cliffs, Mdina and the Mosta Dome. In our experience those stops fill the eight hours nicely.
Tour Highlights
- Panoramic drive around Valletta and the Grand Harbour
- Photo stops at Manoel Island and the Three Cities
- The Blue Grotto, with an optional boat ride into the caves
- The Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest at around 250 metres
- Mdina, the “Silent City”, and the Mosta Dome
- Eight-hour version adds Marsaxlokk and its luzzu boats
At a Glance
- Start: pick-up at the cruise port
- Duration: six or eight hours, your choice
- Type: private tour
- Guide: English-speaking
Good to Know
- Pick-up directly at the cruise port in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Most stops are free; the Blue Grotto boat ride is paid locally in cash.
- The Mosta Dome stop depends on how long you spend in Mdina.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches.
- We guarantee your timely return to the ship.
This tour is one of our shore excursions in Malta.
