Valetta Malta Elevator/Lift???

[ontariogirl]

I have been looking through various forums for information on getting from the dock in Valetta to the town above and am a little confused by what I am reading in various posts (see below). Are there two lifts.........one in a parking garage (see the first quote) and another called the Barrakka lift (see second quote)??

 

"The lift to the upper town is located inside the parking garage which is directly across the street from the cruise dock. You will see the up ramp, which you need to follow around and then get on the elevator provided for the automobile parkers to the top floor, which will take you out to the large traffic circle directly in front of the entrance to the walled city.

Usually there are horse-drawn carriages right in front of the lower entrance to this garage."

 

"Its easy - if you dock near the Valletta waterfront where most cruise ships go to, there is an attractive row of restaurants and a few shops. Nice for a drink or light meal. Then head to the right and follow the road keeping the sea on your right for about 10 minutes - you will See the first part of Victoria Gate (where the road goes through a small tunnel). That is next to the Barrakka lift which takes you straight up into the city. There are spectacular views from the top and a nice cafe."

 

Could someone please help...............:confused:

[ama]

We were just in Valletta in June. The first refers to the "parking lot" short cut. This is closer to where the ship docks, but requires more walking (you're essentially walking through a parking lot tunnel that slants upwards, then you take the parking elevator and walk some more to the "entrance" of the town at the top.

 

We used the Barakka Lift, and I would highly recommend this option. It's about a 10 minute walk. You will see the lift from the street/cruise ship. It costs 1 Euro to go up, kids are free. It's a very flat walk, you go up the elevator and you're at the top of the garden (amazing views). There are also stairs if you want to walk it up and not take the elevator. The elevator ride down is free. Hope that makes sense and helps.

[KirkNC]

We took the first one. It is the elevator in a parking deck. It is free but you must walk up a gently sloping tunnel to get to it. I am not familiar with the other one, I don't believe it was there when we visited but that was five years ago.

[ontariogirl]

Thank you both "ama" and "KirkNC" for taking the time to reply and helping to clarify this. It does appear that the Barrakka Lift is relatively new and sounds like it will be the best choice for our party.

[sayaguru]

Ontariogirl- Lucky you going on Azamara Journey. I had that pl;easure last month.

 

We were going to get a taxi to Mdina first but we ened up getting a taxi for 3 hours for 60Euros. We shared that amoung 4 so a VERY cheap day. The driver (Luciano) was great and took us to a few places, then Mdina, Mosta Rotunda and Rabat. It was fantastic. He then dropped us at the top near the Barrack Gardens.

 

BTW even if you don't go up in the lift you can get it back down for free, then walk to the ship.

 

Our ship (HAL) was charging a fortune foir a self guided tour of Valletta. So in actual fact you were getting a lift there and back. Criminal seeing as it's only 600meters away. :eek:

 

Best day ever!! Enjoy!!:D