Best Photoshoot Locations in Malta: How to Choose the Right One for You
If you're visiting Malta for the first time, chances are you don't know the spots I do. So instead of asking you to pick a location, this is what I ask you first.
Beach, Nature or Architecture?
This is always my first question, and it narrows things down immediately. Malta holds three genuinely different worlds: the coastline, the countryside and gardens, and the historic towns.
From there, a couple of quick follow-ups: do you feel shy in front of a camera, and are you up for a walk to reach a location, or would you rather avoid one? Those answers usually point straight to the right spot.
Still not sure? Send me a few inspo photos, saved or liked from anywhere, even other photographers or other countries. It tells me more than trying to describe it in words ever could.
What Kind of Light Do You Want?
Worth thinking about alongside your category, since it shapes the whole mood of your photos. Golden hour, the hour before sunset, gives you that soft, warm, dreamy look most couples and portrait clients go for. Right at sunset, the sky turns dramatic; deeper colour, more contrast, a bigger sense of occasion. Midday, in shaded or covered spots, gives you something quieter and a little surreal; softer shadows, moodier tones, less of the obvious "golden hour" feel.
None of these are better than the others, they just feel different. Weather plays into it too, of course; an overcast day softens everything regardless of the hour, so what we're after can shift a little depending on what the sky's doing that day.
If you're not sure which you're drawn to, this is another thing your inspo photos will tell me. And once we've landed on a location and a light, I'll help you think through what to wear so your outfit works with it rather than against it.
Malta Locations, By Category
Here's how these break down in practice; light, crowds and access included, so you know exactly what you're picking.
Beach
Riviera Bay. My top pick, it has the most variety in one location and the best golden hour and sunset views on the island. It also has plenty of quiet corners, so it works even if you feel shy in front of the camera. There's a short, easy walk down to the bay with genuinely rewarding views along the way, though it's completely optional if you'd rather skip it.
Wied iż-Żurrieq. A favourite for surprise proposals and group photos; it's a genuinely unique spot that many tourists haven’t discovered yet. (Għar Lapsi is normally on this list too, but it's currently unavailable following storm damage.)
Fomm ir-Rih. One of Malta's most remote and dramatic bays. Rugged, raw, and genuinely hard to get to, with a proper walk down; which means you'll almost certainly have it to yourselves. For couples who want something completely off the beaten track, this is it.
Migra l-Ferħa. A hidden coastal gem that most visitors never find. Dramatic cliffs, crystal water and a quietness that's hard to come by. Worth the effort to get there, and worth documenting when you do.
Dingli Cliffs. Not a beach, but sea views all the way, from the highest point in Malta. Breathtaking at any time of day and completely open, which makes for incredible wide shots.
Nature
Buskett. The most un-Malta part of Malta. Lush, overgrown and a little otherworldly; the Alice in Wonderland of the island. Shaded canopy cover means it also works beautifully at midday, not just golden hour.
Palazzo Parisio Gardens. Secret garden energy at its absolute peak in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Romantic, intimate and unlike anything else on the island. You can also pair the session with brunch there, which makes for a beautiful morning; and a whole set of images that document the day properly rather than just the shoot.
Ta' Qali National Park. A wide, green stretch with big skies and a set of arches that frame a shot beautifully. Especially good if you're a larger group or a family and want space to actually spread out. The Crafts Village sits right next door too, so it's easy to work in a few frames with more character if you want variety within the same visit. One thing to flag: summer often brings events and fairs to the park, so it isn't always free, I'll check availability before we build a plan around it.
Architecture
Birgu. My go-to for clients who are shy or want something more intimate; there's more colour in the streets and far less pressure than shooting somewhere busy. It has the same architecture as Valletta, without the crowds.
Mdina. Beautiful and timeless at any time of day, and unlike anywhere else in Malta. Better suited to clients who feel comfortable in front of a camera since it is usually crowded. Narrow, shaded streets make it forgiving in harsh midday sun.
A Mix of Everything
Manoel Island. One of my personal favourites and still underrated. The light isn't always ideal and it can get a little busy, but in winter especially it's a quiet spot most tourists don't know about, with a real mix of beach, architecture and nature in one place.
If none of these instantly speak to you, that's completely normal, and it's exactly what sending me a few inspo photos helps solve.
Practical Things That Actually Matter
Accessibility: Is there a walk involved? Some of the most beautiful spots, like Fomm ir-Rih, require effort to reach. Worth it, but know what you're signing up for.
Crowds: Some locations, like Mdina, can be busy throughout the day no matter when you go. If a completely quiet setting matters to you, tell me, it changes which spots I'll suggest.
Season: Spring is genuinely the best time to shoot in Malta. Fewer people, less heat, and the countryside is at its greenest and most colourful.
Surprise proposals: If you're planning one, we don't just agree on a general location. I'll visit the spot myself beforehand and send you videos of exactly where I'll be shooting from, with backup spots in case the main one is taken on the day.
Let's Find Your Spot
I'm Phoebe, a Malta-based destination photographer, and I've worked with all kinds of people, couples, families, solo travellers, tourists arriving from every corner of the world for their Malta trip. As a local, I know these locations properly, not just as pretty photo spots but as places with their own light, their own crowds, their own quiet moments; and I'll help you choose the one that actually suits you.
📩 info@photographoebe.com 🌐 www.photographoebe.com
Based in Malta. Shooting everything worth remembering.