With its beautiful landscape and rich heritage, Malta lends itself to some incredible photo opportunities, no matter whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding amateur behind the lens. The country is home to a huge variety of historical landmarks and is renowned for its architecture, which has to be seen up close to truly be appreciated.
Being a local, I here provide you with four of the best photography hotspots that have to feature on your holiday itinerary. Whether you’re already planning a trip there, or are seeking some travel inspiration, check out these top places to visit with your camera in Malta and Gozo – I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
1. St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta
If you check out a map of Malta you'll see many of its top cultural destinations are centred around Valletta which is the country's capital. You'll find yourself reaching for your camera all over the city which is home to endless winding streets, narrow alleyways and impressive archways, as well as plenty of incredible Baroque architecture. St John's Co-Cathedral is a brilliant example.
It was originally modest in design when first commissioned in the 1570s, but in the 17th century it was redesigned by Mattia Preti and became home to two of Caravaggio's masterpieces. You'll capture incredible photos both inside and out, but it's the co-cathedral's interior, which is adorned with intricate carvings, beautiful artwork and lavish gold, which is a real dream to photograph.
2. Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
One of Valletta's most popular photography hotspots is the Upper Barrakka Gardens on St. Peter & Paul Bastion. You can get incredible panoramic shots of the Grand Harbour with the bastion's archways serving as frames. This location gets incredibly busy so visit early in the morning to get the best shots. Be sure to explore the Lower Barrakka Gardens too which pose less impressive views but are a thing of beauty in their own right.
3. Salt Pans near Marsalforn, Gozo
On the north coast of Malta's sister island, Gozo, lies the town of Marsalforn and a series of villages that are home to salt pans that have been harvested by the same family for over 150 years. The checkerboard appearance of the pans looks extraordinary from a distance, so capture your photos from the hill above to get the most impressive shots of this portion of coastline. If you do venture closer, be sure to avoid walking directly onto the pans as this contaminates the salt crystals. With the azure hues of the Mediterranean Sea providing the perfect backdrop, this is one photo opportunity that’s not to be missed.
4. Blue Lagoon, Comino Island
The small islands of Comino and Cominotto are situated between mainland Malta and Gozo, and Blue Lagoon is the expanse of water between Comino and Cominotto. There are beautiful sandy beaches on both sides of the lagoon which is narrow enough for you to swim across. The area is extraordinarily beautiful and relatively unspoiled by the modern world. The crystal-clear blue water contrasting with the rugged landscape makes for impressive photographs. You can also capture fantastic underwater shots if you have a waterproof camera.
Whether you’re looking to bolster up your Instagram feed, or simply add to your holiday album for your own pleasure, shots of this beautiful Mediterranean island will add some sparkle to any camera roll. There's no end to photo opportunities in Malta, so no matter where your visit takes you, be sure to have your camera on hand to capture the beautiful sights you stumble across.
And, if you are coming over to Malta and have stumbled across this article, be also sure to read the below posts:
Hiking in Malta and beautiful locations in the natural landscape- https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/hikingaroundmalta
Best locations for a photoshoot with me - https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/best-locations-to-shoot-in-malta