No destination in the Mediterranean offers quite the same combination of history, culture, and natural beauty as the three small islands that make up Malta: Malta, Comino, and Gozo.
Malta is truly a photographer's dream. There is so much to see and capture—from thousands of years of history and beautiful architecture to miles of dramatic coastline and crystal-clear water. The colorful doors and balconies of Valletta and the quiet, winding streets of Mdina could easily keep a photographer busy for days.
Along the harbors, you'll find the brightly painted Luzzu boats, the traditional Maltese fishing boats that have become one of the islands' most recognizable sights. Travel to Gozo, and you'll discover beautiful countryside, charming villages, and some of the clearest, bluest water imaginable.
Malta offers a little bit of everything. You can spend the morning exploring ancient cities, wander through colorful fishing villages in the afternoon, and end the day beside the Mediterranean Sea. Unlike a trip that offers only beaches or only history, Malta combines it all—and that is exactly what makes these islands such a fascinating place to explore.
Here are a few of my favorite places for capturing those amazing photos...
Here are a few suggestions for those amazing Instagram photos.....
MARSAXLOKK
Marsaxlokk is a charming little fishing village on the southern coast of Malta and one of the best places on the island for photography.
The harbor is filled with colorful Luzzu boats, traditional Maltese fishing boats painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, red, and green. With the boats gently floating in the harbor and the village surrounding the waterfront, there seemed to be something interesting to photograph everywhere I looked.
If you love photography, I would definitely put Marsaxlokk near the top of your list.
Senglea is one of the Three Cities of Malta and one of the oldest and most historic areas on the island. Surrounded by impressive fortifications and overlooking the Grand Harbour, this small city is filled with reminders of Malta's long and fascinating past.
Walking through Senglea, you'll find narrow streets, historic buildings, beautiful views, and structures that date back centuries. The massive bastions still stand guard over the harbor, much as they did during the time of the Knights of St. John.
It is one of those places where history and everyday life seem to exist side by side—and around every corner is another view worth capturing.
Valletta has some of the most unique architecture I have ever seen. The colorful doors, enclosed balconies, weathered walls, and steep streets seem to beg to be photographed.
When the cruise ships are in port, the streets can become quite crowded. But later in the day, the city begins to change. The crowds thin out, the narrow streets become quieter, and you can wander through the city watching the locals go about their everyday lives.
For me, those quieter moments were some of the best times to photograph Valletta.
MDINA
Stepping into Mdina feels a little like stepping back in time.
Known as Malta's "Silent City," Mdina is filled with narrow streets, beautiful old buildings, hidden courtyards, and colorful doors just waiting to be discovered. The history of this ancient walled city stretches back thousands of years, and according to tradition, the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived here after being shipwrecked on Malta in 60 A.D.
But history isn't the only reason to visit. Mdina is simply beautiful—and if you love photographing doors, windows, stone streets, and old-world architecture, you could spend hours wandering through its quiet streets.
Popeye Village is a completely different side of Malta—and probably one of the most colorful!
Originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams, the little village has remained and is now one of Malta's most popular attractions.
The brightly painted wooden buildings sit along the edge of a beautiful bay, creating a scene that almost looks too colorful to be real. Whether you visit for the history of the movie set or simply to take photos, Popeye Village is a fun and unique stop.
A visit to Malta would not be complete without taking the time to explore Gozo.
While Malta's main island can feel busy and bustling, Gozo has a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Much of the island has retained its traditional character, with small villages, beautiful countryside, stone buildings, and dramatic coastal scenery.
And then there is the water.
The clear shades of blue and turquoise surrounding Gozo are absolutely beautiful and were some of my favorite scenes to photograph during our time in Malta.
Gozo feels a little slower, a little quieter, and wonderfully different from the rest of the islands. It is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and simply take in the beauty of Malta
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