Photo Essay: How This Little European Country Stole My Heart

Sun-bleached streets, quiet harbors filled with colorful boats, and cities built entirely from golden stone, this small Mediterranean country has a way of surprising you.

It’s compact, easy to explore, and somehow manages to feel both dramatic and relaxed at the same time. For me, it quickly became one of those places.

The country is Malta, and I didn’t expect to connect with it as much as I did. What I loved most was how visually diverse it feels for such a small place.

In Valletta, steep streets open up to sea views at the end of staircases, and balconies add character to almost every building. In Mdina, everything slows down. The narrow alleys, textured walls, and soft light make it easy to take your time and really look around.

Along the coast, the mood shifts again. Marsaxlokk feels bright and lively with its traditional boats and waterfront cafés, while Gozo offers something quieter and more rugged, with cliffs and open landscapes that feel a little removed from the busier spots.

In this photo essay, I’ll include all the locations that stood out to me, the cities, villages, and coastal corners that made Malta feel special, so you can add them to your own list. Enjoy!

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Malta sunset Valletta Senglea sea fort old town — A view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens of Valletta to Senglea at sunset

Old Town Valletta stairs lights sunrise typical balconies — Triq St Gwann, near Cafe Society in Valletta

Blue Lagoon sea blue light blue plants holiday vacation Comino Malta — Blue Lagoon and vegetation in Comino Island, Malta

Church of ST Lawrence in Malta Birgu Relics — Inside the Church of St Lawrence in Birgu

Knisja ta 'San Publiju, Malta — Knisja ta ‘San Publiju in Valletta

Visit Malta and Birgu Three Cities typical Maltese balconies — Old town of Birgu, behind the Church of St Lawrence

Gozo Malta palmtrees Ta Pinu — Sanctuary of Ta Pinu in Gozo

Marsaskala boat typical maltese colourful — Marsaskala and typical boat in the town’s bay

Barrakka Gardens malta valletta sunny day — Barrakka Gardens in Valletta

Old Town Valletta stairs lights sunset typical balconies — St Lucia street in Valletta at the sunset

Popeye Village Malta Bay colourful — A view of the Popeye Village

Mdina old town malta alleys typical — Holy Cross Street in Mdina old town

Gozo Malta salt pans sea — Salt pans in Żebbuġ, Gozo Island

Malta Marsaxlokk boat reflection — Picture of the port of Marsaxlokk and typical boats

ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR MALTA: 15 EPIC THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN MALTA & GOZO — A view of Valletta from Manoel fortress

Vittoriosa Brigu Malta typical street — The town of Brigu (Vittoriosa) near Tal-Petut Restaurant

Malta typical balconies sunset colourful architecture Valletta traditional — A view on the typical Maltese balconies in Old Bakery street, Valletta

Malta Marsaxlokk boat church colourful — Marsaxlokk

Blue Lagoon sea blue light blue pineapple holiday vacation Comino Malta — Blue Lagoon and cocktails in pineapples in Comino Island

Santwarju tal-Madonna ta’ Pompei in Marsaxlokk

St John's Cathedral interiors art paintings — The interior in St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Old town Mdina malta typical architecture cab horse icons — Old Town Mdina, San Publiju square

Gozo Malta church harbour port view — A view of Mgaar, Gozo Island from the boat

Vittoriosa at night long exposure Malta — Vittoriosa from Senglea at night

Valletta sunset lamps malta — Picture of Valletta, near the bus station at the sunset

In conclusion…

I’m sure that after reading this article you are inspired to visit Malta and know all the best photo spots in Malta. Don’t forget to try local Maltese dishes, connect with locals and enjoy this magical place as well. You have the guide with epic things to do in Malta here.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.