Snap spots! Here are some of the best locations for taking photos in Malta and Gozo
It’s no surprise to anyone, tourist or resident, that Malta is a stunning backdrop for photos, given its location at the southern tip of Mediterranean Europe. These islands, with their nearly 8000-year history of human habitation and influence, have stunned in photographs and on film, whether that’s tourist Instagram posts or blockbuster movies.
So, whether it’s breathtaking coastlines, ancient cities, or beautiful architecture, there’s something for everyone to admire. Let’s break down the best scenery for your photos from Valletta to the Sanap Cliffs here on the islands of Malta!
St Peter’s Pool
If there’s anything the residents of Malta love to do with their spare time, it’s swimming in the sea. Up steps St Peter’s Pool. There are few places in Europe that offer such a stunning place for people to take a dip on those sweltering summer days. However, it’s not just its luscious water that makes it a go-to spot.
For the keen photographer, its location is its unique selling point. Nestled within the unbelievable scenery of the Delimara Peninsula, it provides the perfect place to capture the unparalleled natural beauty of Malta.
Sanap Cliffs
Delimara isn’t the only place that lays claim to stunning cliff faces, though. In Gozo, there are the Sanap Cliffs, which are also locally known as the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs. The views are obviously a big draw but there’s something else that provides even more intrigue towards these Maltese rocks.
That’s because the cliffs are home to some 1000 breeding pairs of the seabird called ‘Cory's shearwater’. The NGO BirdLife International has designated the area as an Important Bird Area, so you might just be able to spot some of these majestic ocean flyers.
Dragonara Casino
So far, we’ve touched on the natural beauty of the islands but haven’t discussed the man-made side of Malta. After centuries of inhabitation, there was bound to be some photo-worthy architecture. The Dragonara Palace was a summer home built in 1870 for a prominent banker and future marquis.
Nowadays, it has become a modern casino, which reflects the modern industry landscape in Malta. It has become the home of online casinos in Europe, with a full list of iGaming operators licensed on the islands provided by bestbettingsites.com. The Dragonara Casino represents a connection between the then and now, with the neoclassical backdrop great for a quick flashy snap.
Valletta City
Serving as the capital of Malta since 1570, Valletta is the most famous city in the country, and for good reason, too. The sheer amount of history it holds makes it a popular destination, and that is reflected by the architecture that lines the streets.
For those looking to capture their perfect Valletta snaps, buildings like St John’s Co-Cathedral should always be somewhere near the top of the list. The small, winding streets of the old, fortified city are perfect for a candid, too. The world truly is your oyster in the capital.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
We’ll keep this one a little shorter because it’s technically it is a part of Valletta, but it deserves its own shoutout for the aesthetic value it provides.
These gardens loom above the city and are almost 500 years old. Because of that, the view of the island and the architecture of the formerly roofed gardens will make a great photo.
Popeye Village
Malta isn’t all centuries-old architecture, though. In fact, it has its very own theme park of sorts, in the form of Popeye Village. It’s the purpose-built set that was used for the live-action Popeye, unsurprisingly, where Robin Williams played the titular sailor man.
Nowadays, there isn’t much filming, but you can get some unusual photographs for your album. It’s been turned into a proper tourist destination, so there’s always plenty of events, such as puppet shows and live-action recreations of scenes from the movie.
Tal-Għarar Chapel
Religious architecture is a true staple of European culture and it’s no different in Malta. Tal-Għarar Chapel is a 16th-century chapel in San Ġwann with even more storied history than you would expect.
It was never open for public prayer, instead being a private chapel for one Maltese family that only lasted 100 years of use. In the years since then, it’s become an iconic monument of a busy part of the island. It’s not the biggest or brightest building but the history speaks for itself.
Fort Ricasoli
By now, you will have noticed that most of these backdrops are steeped in history. Fort Ricasoli is another. It’s a 400-year-old fort that sits at the mouth of the Grand Harbour. It’s seen itself used to repel the French when they attempted to invade Malta in the 18th century.
Now, however, it has found itself as the backdrop to a major blockbuster movie, meaning that your photos might have some competition! The sequel to Russell Crowe’s Gladiator, starring up-and-coming Irish actor Paul Mescal, is filming here, according to Variety.com coverage.
Blue Grotto
Much like St Peter’s Pool, the Blue Grotto is a popular choice for water lovers. What sets the latter apart from the former, though, is the stunningly intricate sea caves that surround it. With the azure water reflecting the light into the caves, it’s a canvas that wouldn’t look out of place in the finest galleries.
As well as the glistening sunshine off the water, the plant life on the seabed also provides stunning reds and golds in the caves. This provides something of a surreal look to what is already a geological marvel and a unique part of Malta’s coastline.
Which of these would be your go-to for a photoshoot?