Riviera Bay, Malta
The Maltese Islands sure are pretty (for the most part) and their many hills make stunning views a real ‘thing’. The western coasts afford the best views due to the islands north-eastern tilt, but the east has it’s share too!
1. Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
Perhaps the most famous of views, the view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens proves that great views are not all about natural beauty and extremely high ground. A magnificent harbour with fortified cities and forts in abundance are the attraction here.
2. Top of the World, Gharghur
With such a name, the Top of the World just had to be mentioned. Overlooking Bahar ic-Chaghaq from the fault that created the Victoria Lines, this is also one of the rare wonderful views on the east coast.
3. Xrobb l-Ghagin
In the southeast, various spots along the Delimara headland offer amazing viewpoints. Il-Hofriet, the white cliffs of Marsascala and the view over Marsaxlokk village and bay, all in the area around Xrobb l-Ghagin, are some of them.
4. Salib tal-gholja
Somewhere in the middle of Malta is one of Malta’s highest points and a, most definitively, famous viewpoint. This pilgrimage spot on the outskirts of Siggiewi bears a historic chapel and a massive cross on top of a hill that offers views stretching far and wide towards the south east.
5. Mdina Bastions
Nearby, the bastions of the historic fortified city of Mdina, on the outskirts of Rabat, also afford stunning views of most of the island. You want to visit Mdina anyway, so this view is one you’ll certainly enjoy.
6. Dingli Cliffs
For blue as far as the eye can see, coupled with awe-inspiring cliffs, the view at Dingli Cliffs nearby is enough space to make one contemplate the matter of existence.
7. Il-Kuncizzjoni
Still in the vicinity of Rabat (what to say, it’s hilly and beautifully green out here) on the way to Bahrija, the view from il-Kuncizzjoni, stretching over Fomm ir-Rih to Gozo, is breath-taking.
8. Ta’ Lippija Tower, Mgarr
Still along the same stretch of coast, a little further north, Ta’ Lippija Tower stands sentinel over Gnejna Bay and Ras il-Qarraba. It is a wonderful remote-looking place to take a walk yet not far from the village of Mgarr at all.
9. Ghajn Znuber Tower, Mellieha
This north-western spot, located on the highest point of the road between Manikata and Popeye Village, grants a view that is oh-so-pretty all around. The whole area offers fantastic views but you can take Ghajn Znuber Observation Tower as your landmark.
10. Santa Marija Tower, Comino
Across the water to the island of Comino is one of the prettiest sights in the whole of the Maltese Islands. Overlooking Cominotto, the smaller islets and Gozo, the scattering and inclination of these islands is a magnificent insight.
11. Wardija Punic Temple, Gozo
In the southwest of Gozo is one of its best views! Beautiful cliffs, the majestic Fungus Rock and Dwejra are featured in the view from Ras il-Wardija, in the area of the Wardija Punic Temple.
12. Giordan Lighthouse, Gozo
One of the absolute best views on the Maltese Archipelago is probably that enjoyed from Giordan Lighthouse (Ta’ Gordan) in Gharb. Located in the largely undeveloped northwest of the island, all those wonderful green rolling hills of Gozo will make you feel like you’re in Ireland.
13. Citadel, Gozo
Finally, another deserving mention goes to the Citadel in Gozo. Gozo’s equivalent of Mdina has literally the whole island within view from its bastions.
Which of these is your favourite view?