South Eastern Malta covers fifteen towns around the Grand Harbour and the southeast coast, from the capital Valletta and the fortified Three Cities to the prehistoric Hypogeum and Tarxien temples and the fishing port of Marsaxlokk.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Upper Barrakka Gardens Grand Harbour Panorama
A raised terrace over Grand Harbour looking across to Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities, with the saluting battery firing at noon and at 16:00 according to a travel blog.
Best time: Morning and late afternoon
Tip: A polariser deepens the harbour water and cuts glare off the surface. · Arrive 30 minutes before a gun salute to secure a spot at the arches. · Use a 16-35mm for the full panorama and 70-200mm for the Three Cities detail. · Bracket exposures at blue hour to hold both sky and harbour lights. · Restrooms and cafes are located within the gardens and nearby on Castille Place.
Lower Barrakka Gardens Harbour Mouth Views
A quieter terrace near the harbour mouth with views toward Fort Ricasoli and the Grand Harbour entrance.
Best time: Morning
Tip: Arrive within an hour of sunrise for side-light and an empty terrace. · A polariser reduces glare from the harbour water. · Use a 70-200mm to compress Fort Ricasoli against the sea. · Late morning tour groups can briefly crowd the monument area. · Shade and benches within the garden suit a rest before moving on.
Fort St Elmo at the Tip of Valletta
The star-shaped fort at the tip of the Valletta peninsula, with sea views over the harbour entrance.
Best time: Sunrise and sunset
Tip: Check opening hours first, as interior access can limit sunrise shots. · Use a sturdy tripod, since the point is exposed to wind. · Set exposure conservatively to protect the pale limestone highlights. · A telephoto lens picks out ships entering the harbour. · Water and restrooms are available in Valletta town nearby.
Valletta Waterfront Warehouses
A row of restored warehouses with colourful doors facing the cruise-ship quay at the foot of Valletta.
Best time: Early morning
Tip: Arrive before cruise passengers disembark for an empty quay. · Use a 24-70mm lens and keep the camera level to avoid converging verticals. · Overcast days reduce glare and enrich the door colours. · Cafes and restrooms are inside the waterfront complex. · Avoid midday when bastion shadows and bright light clash.
Fort St Angelo and Vittoriosa Waterfront
The bastioned fort at the tip of Birgu seen from the waterfront, with Valletta across the water.
Best time: Morning and golden hour
Tip: Use a 70-200mm to compress the fort against the water. · A polariser deepens sky and water but check for uneven tones. · Shoot early for calm water and reflections. · Keep tripods clear of restaurant terraces in the evening. · Restaurants and restrooms are on the waterfront.
Senglea Gardjola Gardens and Vedette
A stone watchtower at the tip of Senglea overlooking Grand Harbour and Valletta.
Best time: Sunset
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to combine the vedette and skyline. · Bring a tripod for dusk exposures and expose for the sky. · Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim a spot on the wall. · Early morning gives front-lit views of Valletta. · Cafes in Senglea's streets offer water and restrooms.
Marsaxlokk Harbour and Luzzu Boats
A working fishing harbour lined with brightly painted traditional luzzu boats, with the Our Lady of Pompei parish church behind.
Best time: Sunrise and early morning
Tip: Arrive at sunrise before the promenade fills. · A polariser deepens water and boat colours. · Shoot from low at quay level for reflections of the hulls. · Avoid the Sunday fish market period for clear frames. · Waterfront cafes provide water and restrooms.
St Peter's Pool Limestone Shore
Smooth limestone ledges and a clear rock pool on the Delimara coast.
Best time: Morning
Tip: Arrive early to avoid swimmers and harsh light. · Pack a polariser and an ND filter for long exposures. · Wear shoes with grip, as the rock can be slippery. · Bring water and sun protection, as facilities are minimal. · Avoid the ledges in rough seas.
Delimara Lighthouse and Headland
The lighthouse on the Delimara peninsula, with coastal cliffs and open sea.
Best time: Sunrise and sunset
Tip: Use a telephoto lens to compress the tower against the sea. · Bring a sturdy tripod, as wind is strong on the point. · Keep a safe distance from unfenced cliff edges. · Carry water and sun protection, since facilities are limited. · Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset.
Upper Barrakka Lift Tower
The lift tower rising from the Grand Harbour quay to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a vertical frame.
Best time: Evening and blue hour
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens and tilt carefully to keep verticals straight. · Shoot at blue hour with a tripod for balanced sky and lighting. · Use a longer exposure to blur passers-by on the quay. · Keep the tripod clear of walkways. · Cafes and restrooms are in the gardens above.
Porte des Bombes Gate, Floriana
A monumental gate in the Floriana fortifications with a ceremonial arch.
Best time: Late afternoon
Tip: Use a 16-35mm lens from the pavement for symmetry. · Wait for gaps in traffic for clean frames. · Bracket exposures to balance bright stone and shaded arches. · Stay on the pavement and off the carriageway. · Cafes and restrooms are nearby in Floriana.
Fort Ricasoli from the Kalkara Shore
A large bastioned fort on the eastern side of the Grand Harbour entrance, seen from the Kalkara shore.
Best time: Morning
Tip: Use a 100-300mm telephoto lens to compress the bastions. · Shoot in the morning for side-light and calm water. · Check access, as the fort interior is often restricted. · Summer haze softens distant detail, so choose clear days. · Cafes and restrooms are in Kalkara village.
St Thomas Bay Boathouses
Rows of boathouses ringing the sandy bay, with the headland behind.
Best time: Early morning
Tip: Arrive at sunrise for soft light and an empty beach. · Use a 24-70mm lens for the line of boathouses. · Respect the private boathouses and stay off the structures. · Weekend summer afternoons are busy with swimmers. · Cafes and restrooms are on the Marsaskala waterfront.
By subject
Match your shooting interest to South Eastern's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Marsaxlokk harbour, Fort St Elmo, Lower Barrakka Gardens
Sunset photography
Senglea Gardjola, Delimara lighthouse, Fort St Elmo
Architecture photography
Valletta Waterfront, Porte des Bombes, Fort St Angelo
Street photography
Marsaxlokk waterfront and Vittoriosa lanes
Landscape photography
St Peter's Pool, Delimara headland
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- About 05:45 in late June and 07:05 in late December
- Sunset
- About 20:20 in late June and 16:55 in late December
- Blue Hour
- 20 to 40 minutes after sunset
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Drones in Malta need compliance with Transport Malta rules and permission near the airport and protected areas
A polariser helps with harbour glare and the clear water at St Peter's Pool
Harbour views from Valletta face east, so mornings light the Three Cities