Discover the Top Instagrammable Spots in Malta
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 10 minutes
By: Shaun
The small island nation of Malta is well known for its stunning scenery, easily making it a photographer’s paradise with endless opportunities for capturing the perfect photo. Whether you’re a seasoned travel blogger or just looking to up your Instagram game, Malta has plenty of Instagrammable spots to discover.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a visual journey of the top Instagram spots in Malta, from the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems that will make your followers swoon.
What are the top Instagrammable Spots in Malta?
1. Valletta
Valletta, the capital city of the country, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to capture the essence of the island’s culture and history. The city’s narrow streets, baroque architecture, and stunning views of the Grand Harbour make it a prime location for Instagram-worthy photos. Valletta is well connected with the public transport system, so it can be very easily reached by bus.
Some of the best Instagrammable spots in Valletta include:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
This remarkable cathedral features ornate Baroque architecture and beautiful frescoes that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss the intricate marble floor, which features over 400 tombstones and epitaphs.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
View of Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens at Night | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr
Located on the highest point of Valletta’s historic walls, these gardens offer breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Snap a photo of the panoramic view or capture the ornate monuments and statues scattered throughout the gardens.
Strait Street
Once known as the “gut” of Valletta, this narrow street is now a trendy nightlife spot, with charming bars and restaurants lining the cobblestone street. Capture the vibrant atmosphere and colourful facades of the historic buildings for an Instagram-worthy shot.
Valletta Waterfront
The buildings along the Valletta Waterfront are painted in a rainbow of colours, with brightly coloured doors and shutters. Capture the charm of these colourful facades for some great photos.
2. Mdina
Known as the “silent city”, Mdina is a fortified mediaeval town located in the heart of Malta. With its narrow streets, impressive architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a photographer’s dream come true.
Some of the top spots in Mdina include:
Main Gate
Mdina Main Gate | Image by Andrey Sulitskiy on Flickr
The main gate of Mdina is an iconic landmark that has been featured in many films and television shows like Game of Thrones and The Count of Monte Cristo. Snap a shot of the gate from the outside, or capture the view looking out from the city walls for a stunning panoramic shot.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This stunning cathedral features a mix of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, with intricate details and stunning frescoes throughout. Capture the ornate facade or snap a shot of the interior for a truly awe-inspiring photo.
Streets of Mdina
Mdina Blue Door | Image by Arne Dahl on Flickr
The narrow streets of Mdina are a photographer’s paradise, with charming alleys, colourful doors, and stunning architecture around every corner. Take a stroll through the city and take in the unique atmosphere and charm of this historic town. One of the most photographed features is the Blue Door, very close to Bastion Square.
3. Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon | Image by Ruben Holthuijsen on Flickr
Located on the island of Comino, the Blue Lagoon is considered by many to be one of the best beaches on the islands. With its turquoise waters and high cliffs, it’s no wonder that the Blue Lagoon is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Malta.
Some tips for getting the amazing photo at the Blue Lagoon include:
- Arrive early: Due to its popularity, the beach will get crowded quickly, especially during the busy summer months. To avoid the crowds and get the best photos, try to arrive early in the morning before the boats start to arrive.
- Take a boat tour: One of the best ways to capture the beauty of the Blue Lagoon is from the water. Take a boat tour around the lagoon for striking views and unique perspectives. The tour will most likely take you to other worthy spots like the Santa Maria caves and Crystal Lagoon.
- Explore the surrounding area: You can also take some great photos if you explore the island on foot. The island is full of hidden coves and rugged cliffs that make it well worth taking a walk around the island. Make sure to take your sunglasses, sun cream, and hat with you.
4. Coral Lagoon
Coral Lagoon | Image by Cassarem on Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for something equally impressive but not as popular as the Blue Lagoon, look no further than the Coral Lagoon on the northernmost point of Malta. This lagoon was once a sea cave, but after its roof collapsed, it exposed the cave interior, leaving the hole in the ground we find today. This place is probably one of the most underrated places on the islands, and it doesn’t attract too many visitors due to its location off the beaten path.
However, if you are looking for an absolute gem on the Maltese islands, the trek to the Coral Lagoon is well worth the effort.
5. Golden Bay
Golden Bay view from Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
Located on the north-west coast of Malta, Golden Bay is a very popular beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. With its awesome views and tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach and some great Instagram shots.
Some tips for getting the perfect shot at Golden Bay include:
- Capture the sunset: Golden Bay is known for its remarkable sunsets, with the sun setting over the sea in a blaze of colours. Capture the beauty of the sunset over the bay for a truly Instagram-worthy shot.
- Take a walk along the beach: The beach at Golden Bay offers plenty of opportunities for amazing shots, from the palm trees and umbrellas to the rocky outcrops and cliffs. Take a walk along the beach and capture the beauty of this lovely spot.
- Visit the nearby beaches: Golden Bay is one of a small cluster of beaches, each providing a unique perspective of the area. So make sure you also check out Għajn Tuffieħa and Ġnejna Bay.
6. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk | Image by JanneG from Pixabay
Marsaxlokk is the country’s main fishing village and is located on the south-east coast of the island. It is a charming town known for its colourful boats and picturesque harbour, and it’s the ideal spot for some fantastic Instagram shots.
Some of the top Instagrammable spots in Marsaxlokk include:
The Harbour
The harbour at Marsaxlokk is the main attraction, with vibrant fishing boats called luzzus, lining the waterfront and traditional Maltese houses in the background. Capture the charm of this traditional fishing village with a shot of the harbour at sunset.
The Fish Market
The fish market is a lively and colourful spot, with a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood on display. Capture the vibrant atmosphere and unique charm of this traditional market for a great Instagram shot.
St. Peter’s Pool and Kalanka Bay
Located just outside of Marsaxlokk, St. Peter’s Pool and Kalanka are two coves surrounded by cliffs and turquoise waters. These hidden gems are full of beauty and make for a truly unique Instagram shot.
7. Popeye Village
Popeye Village | Image by Callisto_Schmidt from Pixabay
Popeye Village is a unique attraction that was originally built as a film set for the 1980 musical production “Popeye”. Today, the film set, located in a cove in the northwest of Malta, has become a popular tourist destination, with the original buildings still intact.
Some of the best Instagrammable spots at Popeye Village include:
The Colourful Buildings
The buildings at Popeye Village are painted in a rainbow of colours, with charming details like shutters and balconies. Capture the unique charm of this attraction with some vibrant shots of the buildings.
The Boats
Popeye Village is located on a picturesque cove, with colourful fishing boats and yachts moored in the bay. In addition to the stunning backdrop of the sea, Popeye Village is a great setting for some amazing photographs.
The Viewpoints
Popeye Village offers plenty of great viewpoints for capturing the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area. Take a walk around the village and discover some unique perspectives for your Instagram shots.
8. The Blue Grotto
Blue Grotto | Image by Vicky Shaw on Flickr
The Blue Grotto is a stunning natural attraction located on the southern coast of Malta, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful sea caves.
Some tips for getting the best shots at the Blue Grotto are:
- Take a boat tour: One of the best ways to see the Blue Grotto is from the water, so book yourself on a boat tour around the sea caves for unique perspectives and amazing shots.
- Explore the Surrounding Area: The Blue Grotto is located near some other major historical sites in Malta, like Ħaġar Qim Temples and the Mnajdra Temples. Take a day trip to explore the area and capture some unique shots.
- Time Your Visit: The Blue Grotto is known for its stunning light effects, with the sun shining through the sea caves to create a beautiful blue glow. The best time of day for the best photos is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as during these times, the sun is lower in the sky, which creates softer and more flattering lighting conditions.
9. The Citadel
Citadel | Image by FritzPhotography on Wikimedia Commons
Malta’s sister island of Gozo has no shortage of Instagram-worthy locations. The first spot we will feature is The Citadel, which is a historic fortress located in the heart of Victoria, Gozo’s capital city. With its impressive architecture and amazing views, it’s the perfect spot for some sweet shots.
With its location at the top of a hill, the Citadel offers stunning views of Victoria and the surrounding area. Look for unique perspectives, like capturing the view from the top of the fortress. The Citadel is also full of narrow streets and alleyways that offer plenty of other opportunities for some great Instagram shots. Look for colourful doors and unique architecture for a truly unique shot.
10. Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay | Image by DXR on Wikimedia Commons
Ramla Bay is a beautiful sandy beach located on the northern coast of Gozo. With its red sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for some Instagram-worthy shots. Here are some tips for getting the perfect shot:
- Visit During the Off-Season: Ramla Bay can get quite crowded during the height of tourist season. For a more peaceful and Instagram-worthy experience, visit during the off-season when there are fewer people around.
- Trek to Calypso Cave and Tal-Mixta: These two caves, located on opposite sides of the beach, provide breathtaking views of the beach and surrounding countryside.
11. Ta’ Pinu Basilica
The Grandmaster's Palace | Image by Mojca-Peter from Pixabay
Ta’ Pinu Basilica is a beautiful church located in the countryside of Gozo. With its remarkable architecture and peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect spot for some Instagram-worthy shots. Some tips for getting the ideal shot at Ta’ Pinu Basilica include:
- Capture the Stunning Architecture: Ta’ Pinu Basilica is known for its stunning architecture, which makes for some amazing Instagram shots. Look for unique perspectives, like capturing the view from the gardens or from above, for a truly unique shot. One can also climb the nearby hill for some amazing photo opportunities.
- Visit During the Off-Season: As with most other popular spots, the location can get quite crowded during the peak tourist season. For a more peaceful and Instagram-worthy experience, visit during the spring or fall when there are fewer people around.
Conclusion
Malta is a beautiful island with plenty of Instagrammable spots to explore. From the colourful streets of Valletta to the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, there are plenty of opportunities for stunning Instagram shots.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to capture some great memories, Malta is the perfect destination for your next Instagram adventure. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the top Instagrammable spots in Malta.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the top Instagrammable spots in Malta?
It is best to visit during spring, autumn, or during the early morning hours for the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds.
Are there any restrictions on photography in Malta?
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography in Malta. However, there may be some restrictions in certain areas, such as museums or religious sites.
