Malta doesn’t do dull views. When the sun sets over the Blue Grotto or rises above Valletta’s golden sandstone, the island transforms into a photographer’s paradise. Picture-perfect streets, vibrant fishing villages, and dramatic cliffs set the stage for incredible Instagram shots that will leave your followers in awe.
From secret alleys in Mdina to the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, forget what you’ve heard about Mediterranean islands. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring ancient ruins, or snapping colorful street scenes, these 12 spots will show you why Malta is an Instagram dream come true!
The best Malta Instagram spots at a glance
Looking to explore the beauty of Malta but don’t have time to read the full guide? Jump to the relevant section below.
- Valletta: 🏰 Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning skyline, ancient walls, and charming streets.
- Blue Lagoon: 🌊 Dive into crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by golden cliffs on the island of Comino.
- Mdina: 🏛️ Step back in time in the “Silent City,” filled with ancient architecture and picturesque alleys.
- Popeye Village: 🎨 Snap photos of this colorful film-set-turned-resort by the sea.
- Inland Sea, Gozo: 🌊 A saltwater lagoon with dramatic sea cliffs, perfect for boat rides and diving.
- Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Temples: 🗿 Marvel at these prehistoric structures, rich in history and mystery.
- Marsaxlokk: 🐟 A vibrant fishing village with colorful boats and a lively Sunday market.
- Citadella, Gozo: 🏰 Enjoy sweeping views of Gozo from this hilltop fortress.
- Blue Grotto: 🌊 Capture the magical reflections of this southern coast cave system.
- St. Julian’s: 🏙️ Perfect for waterfront views, luxury hotels, and lively nightlife.
- Għajn Tuffieħa: 🌅 A secluded red-sand beach with dramatic sunsets and tranquil vibes.
- Dingli Cliffs: ⛰️ Malta’s highest point, offering stunning coastal views and unforgettable sunsets.
The 12 top Malta Instagram spots (map)
1. The Streets of Valletta
Valletta is honestly one of the most photogenic capitals in Europe, and the fact that it’s tiny makes it even more special. You can walk the entire city in about 15 minutes, but trust me, you’ll want to spend way more time here. Those honey-colored limestone buildings practically glow in the Mediterranean light, especially during golden hour.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is absolutely mind-blowing – €15 gets you in, and those Caravaggio paintings alone are worth the trip. The cathedral looks pretty plain from outside, but inside it’s pure Baroque madness. Book tickets online because it gets packed, especially when cruise ships are in port. Opening hours are 9am-4:45pm Monday to Saturday.
I love starting early morning in the Upper Barrakka Gardens – it’s free, the views over Grand Harbour are incredible, and you can catch the cannon firing at noon and 4pm. Republic Street is the main drag and gets absolutely crazy during the day, so hit it early or late for better photos. The Casa Rocca Piccola (€12 entry) is this amazing 16th-century palace that’s still a family home – the stories are wild.
Pro tip: stay in Sliema instead of Valletta itself – it’s way cheaper and just a 5-minute ferry ride across the harbor. The ferry itself gives you amazing skyline shots.
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2. The Blue Lagoon
This place is absolutely stunning, but let me be real – it’s also an absolute zoo in summer. Malta introduced a booking system in May 2025 limiting visitors to 4,000 at a time, which helps, but it’s still pretty crazy. Those turquoise waters are incredible though, and totally worth dealing with the crowds.
Comino Ferries runs boats from Marfa every 30 minutes starting at 8:30am for €30 round trip (about 20 minutes each way). You can also get there from Sliema with various tour operators for around €20-25. I always recommend the earliest possible departure – trust me on this. By 10am it’s packed, and by afternoon it’s basically a floating party.
The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, but bring your own snorkel gear because rentals are expensive. There are food trucks selling sandwiches and those trendy pineapple cocktails (€8-10), but the prices are what you’d expect on a tiny island with no competition.
If you want a more chilled vibe, book a private boat tour – they start around €150 for up to 6 people for half a day, which honestly isn’t bad when you split it. These guys know the quieter spots around Comino and you can actually enjoy the water without fighting for space.
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3. The Historic City of Mdina
Mdina is pure magic – they don’t call it the “Silent City” for nothing. Once you walk through those gates, it’s like stepping back 1,000 years. The narrow streets are Instagram gold, especially when that perfect light hits those sandstone walls. I spent hours just wandering and getting lost, which is honestly the best way to experience it.
The city itself is free to roam (finally!), but the St. Paul’s Cathedral and museum combo ticket is €10 and worth it. The marble floors are incredible, and the Dürer prints in the museum are pretty special. Opens at 9:30am Monday to Saturday. Palazzo Falson (€10) is cool if you’re into medieval history, but honestly, just walking the streets is the main event.
Game of Thrones fans will recognize some spots – they filmed King’s Landing scenes here. The Mdina Experience audiovisual show (€7) is decent if you want the history, but I’d skip it unless you’re really into that stuff. The Mdina Dungeons (€5) are kinda cheesy but fun if you’re traveling with kids.
Best time to visit is late afternoon into evening – you’ll get that golden light for photos, then stick around as it gets dark. The lamplit streets at night are absolutely magical, and most day-trippers have left by then. It’s about 20 minutes from Valletta by bus (€1.50) or Uber (€15).
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4. Popeye Village
This place is definitely tourist trap territory, but honestly? It’s kind of amazing in a weird way. Popeye Village (or Sweethaven Village) was built as the set for the 1980 Robin Williams movie, and it’s been preserved perfectly. Those colorful wooden buildings perched on the cliffs are pretty spectacular for photos.
Summer admission is €25 for adults, €16 for kids 3-12, which includes everything – the film set, water activities, mini-golf, shows, free popcorn and postcards. It’s expensive, but you do get a lot. Winter prices drop to around €16.50 for adults. The water park stuff is only available in summer, so if you’re going in cooler months, just expect the film set.
The staff really commit to the characters, which makes it fun, especially if you have kids. The boat trips and water activities are decent, and that little bay is beautiful for swimming. The food is basic (pizza, burgers) and overpriced, but the setting is unique.
Here’s the thing – if you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can still get great photos from outside. Walk down to Anchor Bay and you’ll see the whole village from below. It’s a 45-minute drive from Valletta, or take buses 41/42 to Ghadira then transfer to bus 101. Free parking at the site.
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5. Inland Sea, Gozo
Gozo is so much more chill than the main island, and the Inland Sea is one of its highlights. This saltwater lagoon connected to the Mediterranean through a natural tunnel is pretty incredible. The water is this amazing blue-green color, and the whole setting with those dramatic cliffs is perfect for photos.
Boat trips through the tunnel to the open sea cost €4 for about 15 minutes, which is totally worth it. The boats run regularly when the weather’s good. You can swim here, but watch out for jellyfish – they show up sometimes, especially in warmer months. The local guys will usually warn you if they’re around.
There’s not much here in terms of facilities – just a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks. Bring water and sun protection because there’s barely any shade. The walk down to the lagoon is steep and can be slippery, so wear decent shoes.
Getting to Gozo is easy – the ferry from Ċirkewwa runs 24/7 and costs €4.65. Takes about 25 minutes. Once you’re on Gozo, it’s about 15 minutes by bus to Dwejra Bay where the Inland Sea is. Car rental on Gozo is pretty cheap (around €25/day) and gives you way more flexibility to explore the island properly.
6. Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Temples
These temples are absolutely incredible – older than Stonehenge and honestly way more impressive. Built between 3600-3200 BC, they’re some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Standing there thinking about people worshipping in the same spot 5,500 years ago is pretty mind-blowing.
Entry is €10 for both temple sites (they’re about 500 meters apart), and I’d definitely recommend the audio guide for an extra €1. The signage isn’t great, and the history is complex and fascinating once you understand it. Ħaġar Qim is famous for its astronomical alignments – during solstices and equinoxes, the sun aligns perfectly with certain stones.
The temples are on the south coast near Qrendi, about 30 minutes from Valletta by car. Bus 74 gets you close, but it’s a bit of a walk from the bus stop. There’s a decent visitor center with a short film that’s worth watching before you see the actual temples.
Best time for photos is late afternoon when the honey-colored limestone really glows. Summer can be brutal here – there’s basically no shade, so bring a hat and water. The site opens at 9am and closes at 5pm, and it’s managed by Heritage Malta so it’s all very well maintained and professional.
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7. Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
This place is absolutely gorgeous – those traditional luzzu boats with their painted eyes are pure Instagram gold. Marsaxlokk is one of Malta‘s biggest fishing ports, so it feels authentic rather than just touristy. The harbor is lined with colorful boats that have been painted the same way for centuries.
The famous Sunday market is huge but honestly pretty touristy now. I actually prefer visiting on weekdays when it’s way more chill and you can see the actual fishing village vibe. There are still plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish, and the prices are better too. Ta’ Kris and Il-Barri are both great for seafood with harbor views.
The best photo spots are along the harbor front – you’ll get those classic shots of boats reflected in the water. Early morning light is incredible here, especially if there’s no wind to disturb the reflections. The fish market (when it’s running) is pretty photogenic too, though it’s getting smaller as tourism takes over.
It’s about 30 minutes from Valletta by bus (route 85, €1.50), or a quick drive if you have a car. Free parking right by the harbor. You can easily spend a couple hours here wandering around, taking photos, and having lunch with a view. Combine it with the nearby temples for a good south Malta day trip.
8. The Citadella in Victoria, Gozo
The Citadella is definitely Gozo‘s crown jewel – this hilltop fortress dominates Victoria (also called Rabat) and the views from up there are incredible. It’s like a little walled city with narrow streets, ancient buildings, and walls you can walk along. The whole place has this timeless feel that’s perfect for photos.
Entry to the main area is free, which is amazing. Some of the museums inside charge (€5-10 each), but honestly, just walking around and taking in the atmosphere is the main attraction. The Cathedral of the Assumption inside is beautiful, and you can climb the bell tower for even better views (€2).
The climb up is steep – it’s a proper workout from street level in Victoria. I’d recommend going either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst heat. The golden hour light on those ancient walls is absolutely magical, and you’ll get incredible panoramic shots of Gozo.
After exploring the Citadella, Victoria itself is worth wandering. It’s the main town on Gozo but still feels pretty sleepy and authentic. There are some decent cafes and restaurants around It-Tokk (the main square) where you can grab lunch and people-watch. The whole experience feels way more relaxed than anything on the main island.
9. The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is absolutely stunning – this system of sea caves on Malta‘s south coast creates these incredible blue reflections that look almost artificial. The colors are most dramatic in the morning when the sun hits the water just right, so definitely get there early.
You can see it from above for free by driving to the viewpoint near Żurrieq – the clifftop views are spectacular and you’ll get great photos looking down at the cave mouth. If you want to go inside the caves, boat trips cost around €8-10 per person for about 20 minutes. The boats are small traditional dgħajsas, and they only run when the sea is calm enough.
The boat ride itself is pretty cool – you’ll see several caves, not just the main Blue Grotto. The water inside is this incredible electric blue color when the light conditions are right. The boat guys are usually locals who know the area well and will point out different formations and tell stories.
Weather is key here – if it’s rough, the boats don’t run at all. Check conditions before making the trip. It’s about 30 minutes from Valletta by car, or you can take bus 74 to Żurrieq then walk (about 15 minutes). There’s a small visitor center and cafe, but not much else. Combine it with the nearby temples for a good day out.
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10. St. Julian’s
St. Julian’s is where Malta shows off its modern, upscale side. The Spinola Bay area is absolutely gorgeous – those traditional boats moored in front of all the fancy restaurants and bars make for great photos. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when all the lights reflect in the water.
This is definitely Malta‘s party central, especially the Paceville area, which gets absolutely crazy at night. But during the day, St. Julian’s is perfect for a more upscale experience. The waterfront promenade is lined with high-end hotels, restaurants with harbor views, and some decent shopping.
Hugo’s Lounge and Caviar & Bull are both great for drinks with views, though expect to pay European prices rather than Malta prices. For something more casual, Wigi’s Kitchen does great food right on Spinola Bay. Book ahead in summer because it gets packed, especially for dinner.
The area between St. Julian’s and Sliema is perfect for walking – you can follow the coast the whole way and it’s beautiful. Lots of photo opportunities with the traditional Maltese boats, historic buildings, and sea views. It’s about 10 minutes by bus from Valletta (routes 13, 14, 16) or a pleasant 30-minute walk from Sliema.
11. Għajn Tuffieħa
This is probably Malta‘s most beautiful beach, and one of the few with actual sand rather than rocks. Għajn Tuffieħa (try saying that three times fast) is tucked into this gorgeous bay with red sand and crystal-clear water. The catch? You have to earn it with a 180-step walk down the cliff.
The beach is free once you get there, but those stairs are no joke – especially coming back up in the heat. Bring water and take your time. There are no facilities down on the beach itself, so pack everything you need. The Għajn Tuffieħa Tower from 1637 sits on the clifftop and makes for great photos.
This is one of Malta‘s few beaches where you can actually watch a proper sunset over the water (most of Malta‘s coast faces east). The sunsets here are absolutely incredible – definitely worth timing your visit for late afternoon. The beach faces northwest, so you get amazing evening light.
Golden Bay is right next door and way more developed with sunbeds, restaurants, and easier access. Most people go there instead, which keeps Għajn Tuffieħa relatively peaceful. It’s about 45 minutes from Valletta by bus (route 44 to Golden Bay, then walk), or 30 minutes by car. Free parking at the top of the cliff.
(Looking for an exotic Mediterranean getaway? Check out this list of the most Instagrammable places in Spain!)
12. Dingli Cliffs
These cliffs are Malta‘s highest point at 253 meters above sea level, and the views are absolutely spectacular. It’s one of the few places in Malta where you can really get away from the crowds and just enjoy some dramatic coastline. The sunsets here are legendary – definitely one of the best spots on the island for golden hour photography.
The Dingli Cliffs stretch for several kilometers, so you can walk along and find your perfect photo spot. The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene sits right on the clifftop and makes for a great focal point in shots. There’s something really atmospheric about this tiny 17th-century chapel perched on the edge of Europe.
This is proper countryside – you’ll see traditional Maltese farmland, old stone walls, and barely any development. It feels completely different from the busy tourist areas. Filfla islet sits offshore and is a nature reserve now (you can’t visit), but it adds to the dramatic seascape views.
Getting here requires a car or taxi – public transport is pretty limited. It’s about 30 minutes from Valletta through some really scenic countryside. There’s no entrance fee, no facilities, just natural beauty. Bring water and sun protection because there’s zero shade. The walking paths along the cliffs can be uneven, so wear decent shoes and be careful near the edges.
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Happy Travels!
Jon
