Infinite horizons, spectacular bastions, impressive saluting batteries, and majestic natural harbours!
1. The Grand Harbour Marina, Vittoriosa
Renowned to be one of the most stunning natural harbours around the world, The Grand Harbour was used as the base of the Phoenicians from 700BC and 500BC. Later, the Order of Saint John utilised it for 268 years, from 1530 to 1798. This beautiful and busy harbour continues to mesmerise thousands of people experiencing it from land or sea. A great spot to take it all in? The Harbour Club Restaurant on Barrierra Wharf.
2. Dingli Cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs are the highest in Malta, plunging a sheer 250m into the sea, while the view from them of the sea, sky and neighbouring Filfla island is one of Malta's most iconic. A large collection of Malta's mysterious, possibly Bronze Age cart ruts criss cross the surface of the cliffs. Usually kissed by sunshine, the sea sparkles and offers a place for peaceful contemplation, particularly at sunset.
3. Mgarr Harbour, Gozo
What you want to do at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo is to watch the boats come in and go away again. The perfect perch for doing so: Gleneagles Bar. A lot of locals frequent there, but you might even catch sight of some well-known international novelists. It was said to be the English novelist Philip Nicholson's (writing as A. J. Quinnell) favourite hang-out in his days of writing Man on Fire, and several patrons of the bar agreed to be characters in the book.
4. Mdina Bastions
There's a lot to do in Mdina, but taking in the spectacular view from the bastions is paramount. The view overlooks the inland part of Malta, which is often forgotten over its alluring seaside scenery. Set up along the bastion wall and renowned for its delicious cakes, Fontanella Tea Garden is the perfect spot to take it all in alongside a sweet rush.
5. Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
A great way to start off a visit to Valletta is by visiting the public Upper Barrakka Gardens, built by the Knights of Malta. They sit perched on top of Valletta's vast fortifications and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities and Fort St Angelo at the tip of Birgu. Looking straight down from the gardens you can see the Saluting Battery, and fired cannons indicate the start and end of each day. The gardens themselves are peaceful to stroll around, with fountains, sculptures, benches and various monuments.
6. Marsaxlokk
This is a picturesque and colourful fishing village located in the south of the island. During the week or Saturday are the best times to take in the view, as Sunday brings a bustling fish and food market, which blocks the seascape view somewhat. Fishermen come in and out of this bay in their bright luzzus (traditional fishing boats), creating a relaxing scene of slow activity.
7. Valletta, from the ferry
Malta's capital Valletta is striking, but you can't see its impressive exterior architecture from within the city. A great view of Valletta's impressive bastions and spectacular cathedral peaks can be caught from the ferry that goes from Sliema to Valletta.
8. The Blue Lagoon, from the Comino ferry
Although Comino is right in between Malta and Gozo, it's not as accessible as the two. Think crystal aquamarine waters amongst imposing natural caves. If catching the ferry, you can swim or snorkel as you take in the view, or go for a walk around the 3.5 square kilometre uninhabited island.