Tina Walsh explores the islands of Malta and Gozo and shares why visitors and viewers alike fall for this beautiful archipelago
Although not quite as long as its history, which dates from the Mesolithic period, Malta’s illustrious record as a film and TV location stretches back over 100 years to the 1925 silent movie Sons of the Sea. More recently, both Gladiator films, Game of Thrones, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, Murder on the Orient Express, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Troy and Jurassic World Rebirth are just a few of the hits filmed on this Mediterranean island.
Accompanying stars have included Brad Pitt, Scarlett Johansson, Emilia Clarke, Jason Momoa, Paul Mescal, Russell Crowe and, famously, Oliver Reed in his last ever role.
Film and TV directors are drawn to Malta, with 70% of projects coming from the UK and US, because of its varied landscapes, year-round sunshine, government incentives (a whopping 40% cash rebate) and English-language crews. Look out for upcoming productions including American survival thriller The Ascent, ITV drama Secret Service and the German-produced Back to the 90s.
Malta Film Studios in harbourside village Kalkara boasts world-class facilities. The Roman Colosseum was staged there twice for the Gladiator movies.
“Malta is one of the most in-demand filming locations in the world,” says Visit Malta’s Tolene van der Merwe. “It’s essentially an open-air studio.”
The natural sets range from prehistoric burial sites to beautiful coastlines and modern cities. Thanks to millennia of colonisation and settlement, Malta can stand in for Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern locations throughout the ages.
Meanwhile, events such as the annual Valletta Film Festival and the Mediterrane Film Festival attract an A-list crowd. A popular choice among the cognoscenti when in town, Best View Fortina Luxury Suites are located on the Sliema seafront, with panoramic views of Valletta harbour and the Three Cities; Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.
These luxurious apartments, with up to four bedrooms, come with vast private balconies, state-of- the-art kitchens and en-suite bathrooms. Access to a spa, gym, indoor pool and outdoor lido is included, alongside discounts at local restaurants. There are handy transport links, by land and sea, making it easy for guests to explore the island.
Mdina and Rabat are both well worth visiting, whether or not you’re a film buff. The former is a fortified city of Roman mosaics, grand stately homes and baroque city gates. My guide Audrey, an extra in Game of Thrones, tells me that tranquil Mesquita Square doubled as the arena where violent clashes took place between the Lannisters and the Starks. St Paul’s Catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s early Christian heritage in ancient Rabat, where a cafe and piazza were used as a backdrop for urban Rome in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 historical drama Munich.
In director Kevin Reynold’s 2002 movie The Count of Monte Cristo, based on Alexander Dumas’ 1844 novel of the same name, you can see plenty of Valletta’s unique landmarks standing in for 19th Century Marseilles, including a glorious view of the Three Cities from the Grand Harbour and the imposing corridors of the Grandmaster’s Palace. According to Visit Malta, films produced between 2005 and 2024 have contributed more than 1.3bn euros (£1.14bn) to the Maltese economy.
Some locations go on to have a second life. Popeye Village, located in Anchor Bay near the village of Mellieħa, morphed from the set of the 1980 film starring Robin Williams to a popular tourist attraction for families. Visitors can explore the set, meet the characters and enjoy the scenic coastal location.
Beautiful Gozo, Malta’s little sister island, packs a wide variety of experiences and attractions, from megalithic temples at Ġgantija to mountain biking, kayaking and clifftop hiking.
On the short ferry journey from the mainland, I take in the sweeping views of the coastline and Dwejra Bay, later visiting the spot where the Azure Window stood. This famed 28-metre stone arch, which collapsed in stormy weather in 2017, featured in 1981 film Clash of The Titans. It was also used for the Dothraki wedding scene in Game of Thrones. Brad Pitt filmed on Gozo for the 2004 epic Troy in the role of Achilles, showcasing the magnificent Blue Lagoon.
Pitt has been a frequent visitor to the islands. His zombie apocalypse blockbuster World War Z was filmed in 2013 around Valletta’s forts, streets and alleyways. Fort St Elmo, which is home to the National War Museum and covers 7,000 years of military history, acted as Jerusalem.
The same fort doubled as Istanbul’s looming Sagmalcilar prison in the tense 1978 drama Midnight Express. The Turkish authorities were apparently less than thrilled at the allegedly exaggerated portrayal of their penal system, so the real location was out of the question. In the nail-biting scene where main character Billy Hayes is arrested for smuggling, it’s Malta International Airport doing the honours.
The Village Boutique and Spa, Naxxar
This historic Maltese farmhouse has been transformed into a contemporary bolthole with a stylish spa. The Kitchen garden restaurant serves up locally-sourced seasonal menus.
Best View Fortina Luxury Suites, Sliema
Enjoy commanding views of Valletta and discreet luxury that combines the facilities of a hotel experience with home- from-home amenities.
bestviewfortinaluxurysuites.com
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