Malta may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it packs an incredible amount of beauty into its sun-drenched islands. With its honey-colored architecture, dramatic coastline, turquoise lagoons, and charming fishing villages, Malta has become one of the Mediterranean’s most photogenic destinations.
The country’s growing popularity surged after Valletta was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018, placing Malta firmly on the map as one of Europe’s top city-break and summer holiday destinations.
➤➤ Check out my 5 days in Malta guide.
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10 Instagrammable Places in Malta You Can’t Miss
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a long weekend escape, these are the 10 most Instagrammable spots in Malta that deserve a place on your itinerary.
N°1. L-Għarb
L-Għarb is among the oldest villages in Gozo and showcases authentic Maltese character. Unlike some of the busier tourist hotspots, this charming village offers peaceful streets, traditional limestone architecture, and beautiful details that photographers love.
Travel Tip: Short on time but want to see it all? This full-day Malta highlights tour covers Mdina, Mosta and more, with lunch and a guide to bring the history to life.
➤➤ Check out my favorite 15 hidden gems in Malta.
N°2. St. Peter’s Pool
Located near Marsaxlokk, St. Peter’s Pool is a natural swimming pool carved into Malta’s rocky coastline. The water here ranges from emerald green to brilliant turquoise, creating one of the most stunning coastal scenes in the country.
Travel Tip: You can’t go to Malta without doing some snorkeling! The crystal-clear waters of Comino are the best for this.
N° 3. Blue Grotto Caves
The Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most iconic natural attractions. This spectacular network of sea caves is famous for its intensely blue water, which reflects sunlight in a way that almost looks edited. The viewpoint above the caves offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the island and is perfect for landscape photography.
Travel Tip: This experience requires a valid ticket, so book in advance online to secure your preferred time slot and avoid queues on arrival.
N°4. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is Malta’s most famous fishing village and one of the country’s most colorful destinations. The harbor is lined with traditional Maltese fishing boats known as Luzzus, painted in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows. These boats often feature the Eye of Horus, an ancient symbol believed to protect fishermen at sea.
Travel Tip: I recommend taking this tour if you want to explore some of Malta’s most scenic highlights in one day, including Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto, with the added benefit of a guided experience that helps you make the most of each stop.
N°5. The Blue Lagoon
If you’ve ever seen a photo of Malta online, chances are it was taken at the Blue Lagoon. Located on the tiny island of Comino between Malta and Gozo, this spectacular bay is famous for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and incredible shades of blue.
Travel Tip: Set sail in style with a private boat charter around Gozo and Comino, exploring the stunning Blue Lagoon and nearby caves. A perfect way to relax, swim, and soak in the Mediterranean views at your own pace.
N°6. Palazzo Parisio
Formerly known as the Scicluna Palace, the Palazzo Parisio is a 20th-century palace in Naxxar. Its lavish interior decorations and lovely garden are the perfect backdrops for Instagram photos! The Palazzo is the venue for a lot of weddings so you should call and make sure that it is free to visit before going.
Adventure Idea: For a unique experience, consider a quad biking tour around Gozo — an exhilarating way to explore the island’s rugged terrain.
N°7. Sliema
Sliema combines traditional Maltese architecture with stunning waterfront views. It is one of the best places to capture postcard-worthy photographs of Valletta’s skyline across the harbor.
Travel Tip: Want epic coastal views and an adrenaline rush? Go parasailing along the coast of Sliema, soar high above the turquoise waters for a totally unforgettable perspective of Malta.
N°8. Valletta
No list of the best Instagrammable spots in Malta would be complete without Valletta. As Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage capital city, Valletta is packed with photogenic locations. Its narrow streets, colorful balconies, historic churches, and fortified walls create endless opportunities for photography.
Food Tip: Try pastizzi; delicious savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas and gbejna; small cheeses made from sheep or goat’s milk, often served fresh, dried, or peppered.
N°9. Popeye Village
Originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams, Popeye Village has become one of Malta’s most unique attractions. The colorful wooden buildings overlooking Anchor Bay create one of the most recognizable scenes on the island.
Travel Tip: To visit Popeye Village, you need a ticket, so be sure to buy it in advance to guarantee entry and enjoy the stunning views over Anchor Bay.
➤➤ Check out my favorite photo spots in Nice, France.
N°10. Victoria
Victoria, also called Ir-Rabat, is the capital city of Gozo. Its old town center, the Citadel, is an ancient fortressed city with towering fortifications. From the Citadel, you can get gorgeous views over the whole Island. Fun fact: the name Victoria was given to the town in honor of the British Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Travel Tip: Ready to dive into Malta’s vibrant underwater world? Book a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience. No experience required, just your love for adventure and the sea!
Travel Tip: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island, but if you don’t drive, a private tour is a great option to avoid crowds.
FAQs About the Most Instagrammable Spots in Malta
What is the most Instagrammable place in Malta?
One of the most Instagrammable places in Malta is the capital city Valletta. Its golden limestone streets, historic architecture, and panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens make it one of the most photographed destinations in the Mediterranean.
Other top contenders include the Blue Lagoon and Marsaxlokk fishing village.
Is Valletta worth visiting for photography?
Yes, Valletta is one of the best photography locations in Europe. The city offers a mix of Baroque architecture, colorful balconies, narrow streets, and harbor viewpoints. Early morning and golden hour provide the best lighting for photos.
Where can I take the best sunset photos in Malta?
Some of the best sunset photography spots in Malta include:
- St. Peter’s Pool for dramatic coastal views
- Blue Grotto for glowing sea reflections
- Sliema for city skyline shots
- Popeye Village for colorful sunset backdrops
When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?
The best time to visit Blue Lagoon is during May, June, or September. These months offer warm weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer.
Early morning visits are ideal for capturing clear, calm water photos.
Is the Blue Lagoon in Malta crowded?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is very popular, especially in July and August. It can become extremely crowded during midday when tour boats arrive. For better photos, visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
How do I get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta?
You can reach the Blue Lagoon by ferry or boat tours from Malta or Gozo. Most departures leave from Ċirkewwa or Sliema. Comino itself has no permanent residents, so transport is mainly seasonal tourist services.
What is Marsaxlokk famous for?
Marsaxlokk is famous for its colorful fishing boats called luzzus. These boats often feature the Eye of Horus symbol on the front and create one of the most iconic photo scenes in Malta.
The Sunday fish market is also a major attraction.
Is Gozo worth visiting for Instagram photos?
Yes, Gozo is one of the most photogenic islands in Malta. Key photo spots include:
- Victoria (Rabat) for panoramic views
- L-Għarb village for traditional Maltese charm
- Coastal cliffs and rural landscapes for dramatic scenery
Gozo is quieter and more rural than mainland Malta, making it ideal for relaxed photography.
What is special about St. Peter’s Pool?
St. Peter’s Pool is a natural rock pool with crystal-clear turquoise water. It is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and cliffside photography. The unique rock formations make it one of Malta’s most dramatic coastal spots.
Is Popeye Village worth visiting?
Yes, Popeye Village is one of Malta’s most unique attractions. Originally built as a film set, it is now a colorful open-air village perfect for playful, cinematic-style photos.
The best view is from the clifftop above Anchor Bay.
What is the best time of year to visit Malta for photos?
The best months for photography in Malta are April to June and September to October. During these months, you get warm weather, softer sunlight, and fewer tourists, making it easier to capture clean, high-quality images.
