Malta may be small, but when it comes to scenery, it punches well above its weight. From honey-coloured cliffs plunging into electric-blue seas to quiet villages and hidden coves, the Maltese Islands offer a remarkable variety of landscapes packed into a compact archipelago. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by car, or from the water, these are the most scenic spots in Malta that deserve a place on any traveller’s itinerary.
- Blue Lagoon, Comino
No list of Malta’s most beautiful places would be complete without the Blue Lagoon. Tucked between Comino and the islet of Cominotto, this shallow stretch of turquoise water looks almost unreal, especially on a calm day. The contrast between the white seabed and the vivid blues makes it one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean.
Arriving by sea is part of the experience. Many travellers opt for a Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon cruise, which allows you to swim, snorkel, and admire the coastline from multiple angles. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you enjoy the lagoon at its most peaceful.
- Gozo’s Rugged Coastline
Quieter and greener than Malta, Gozo has a distinctly slower pace that many visitors fall in love with. Its coastline is particularly dramatic, shaped by towering cliffs, hidden inlets, and crystal-clear waters. Dwejra Bay, once home to the Azure Window, remains a striking place to visit, with its Inland Sea and rocky surroundings offering a raw, natural beauty.
One of the best ways to appreciate Gozo’s scenery is from the water. A Malta boat trip to Gozo reveals caves, arches, and secluded swimming spots that are difficult to reach by land. For travellers who enjoy flexibility and uncrowded routes, private boat trips Malta-style can offer a more intimate perspective of the island’s coast.
- Valletta’s Grand Harbour
While Malta is renowned for its natural landscapes, its urban scenery can be just as captivating. Valletta’s Grand Harbour is often described as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in Europe. Fortified walls, historic bastions, and rows of limestone buildings create a powerful sense of place, especially when viewed from the water.
A short harbour cruise or boat trip reveals the scale and symmetry of the Three Cities opposite Valletta, offering insight into Malta’s maritime history and strategic importance. The play of light on the stone buildings at sunset is particularly memorable.
- The Cliffs of Dingli
For sweeping views across land and sea, the Dingli Cliffs on Malta’s west coast are hard to beat. As the highest point on the island, they offer uninterrupted vistas over the Mediterranean, with the tiny islet of Filfla visible on clear days.
This area is ideal for a scenic walk, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens, and the cliffs glow warm gold. It’s a reminder that Malta’s beauty isn’t limited to its beaches; the island’s inland and coastal paths are equally rewarding.
- Crystal Lagoons and Sea Caves
Beyond the famous Blue Lagoon, the waters around Comino and Gozo hide countless crystal lagoons and sea caves. These natural formations, carved over centuries, are best explored by boat. Gliding into a shaded cave or anchoring in a quiet lagoon offers a sense of discovery that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Many of the best Malta boat tours include stops at lesser-known swimming spots, giving travellers the chance to experience a more tranquil side of the islands. Some visitors even stumble upon local operators such as GOZOblu Private Boat Tours during their stay, often recommended for their local knowledge and relaxed approach to exploring the coast.
- Mellieħa Bay and the Northern Beaches
Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay, offers a different kind of scenery. With shallow waters and wide-open views, it’s a great place to slow down and take in the softer side of the island’s landscape. The surrounding hills and nearby Popeye Village add character, while the northern coastline provides easy access to boat trip Gozo routes and Comino crossings.
- Mdina and the Central Countryside
Away from the coast, Malta’s scenery takes on a quieter, more timeless feel. Mdina, the island’s former capital, sits atop a hill surrounded by bastioned walls and sweeping countryside views. Often called the ‘Silent City,’ its narrow streets, sandstone buildings, and elevated position make it one of the most atmospheric places on the island.
The surrounding rural landscapes, dotted with dry-stone walls and small chapels, reveal a side of Malta many visitors miss. Exploring the centre of the island provides balance to the coastal highlights and offers insight into Malta’s long and layered history.
Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay, offers a different kind of scenery. With shallow waters and wide-open views, it’s a great place to slow down and take in the softer side of the island’s landscape. The surrounding hills and nearby Popeye Village add character, while the northern coastline provides easy access to boat trip Gozo routes and Comino crossings.
A Landscape Best Explored at Your Own Pace
What makes Malta truly special is how varied its scenery is within such a small area. One moment you’re standing atop dramatic cliffs, the next you’re swimming in a secluded cove or wandering through centuries-old streets. Taking time to explore both land and sea reveals layers of beauty that many visitors overlook.
Whether you choose coastal walks, scenic drives, or time on the water, discovering hidden bays, Malta rewards curiosity. Its landscapes are not just places to see but experiences to savour, and once you’ve seen them, it’s easy to understand why so many travellers return again and again.
For first-time visitors, combining land-based exploration with time at sea offers the most complete picture of the islands. Travelling by boat reveals Malta from a different perspective, where cliffs feel taller, colours more vivid, and the rhythm of island life slows to match the movement of the water. It’s often during a quiet swim stop or a gentle cruise between islands that Malta’s scenery leaves its strongest impression.
Photo by Emmanuel Cassar on Unsplash
