The Ultimate Guide to Malta’s Iconic Filming Locations for TV and Movies
Journey through Malta’s legendary filming hotspots, from ancient cities to sun-drenched coasts, and relive scenes from the world’s biggest blockbusters.
Malta: The Mediterranean’s Cinematic Playground
Sun-drenched, rich in history, and surrounded by glimmering waters, Malta has long mesmerized travelers and filmmakers alike. Over the years, its ancient streets, dramatic cliffs, and crystalline seas have transformed into the backdrop for blockbusters and critically acclaimed TV series. From the swirling intrigue of Game of Thrones to the sweeping battles of Gladiator II and the whimsical world of Popeye, Malta’s landscapes take center stage in some of the world’s most memorable scenes.
Why Malta Attracts Filmmakers
- Diverse Scenery: Sandy beaches, rugged canyons, medieval towns, azure lagoons, and Baroque palaces offer endless cinematic possibilities.
- Historic Sites: Centuries-old cities and fortresses ably double as ancient capitals, mythical islands, and bustling ports.
- Reliable Climate: More than 300 sunny days per year make for optimal shooting conditions.
- Film-Friendly Infrastructure: Malta offers experienced film crews, tax incentives, and an established network of studios and suppliers.
10 Unmissable Malta Filming Locations
Ready to trace the steps of stars such as Angelina Jolie, Joaquin Phoenix, Robin Williams, and Emilia Clarke? Here’s a curated journey through Malta’s most spectacular and storied filming sites.
1. Mdina: The Silent City & Game of Thrones’s King’s Landing
Mdina—a fortified hilltop city with golden ramparts and winding alleys—is instantly recognizable to fans of Game of Thrones. In Season 1, Mdina’s imposing Mdina Gate stands in for the entrance to King’s Landing, where Catelyn Stark and Ser Rodrik arrive. The atmospheric Mesquita Square hosts pivotal moments, from Littlefinger’s brothel exteriors to dramatic confrontations between the Lannisters and Starks. Today, walking through Mdina is like stepping onto the show’s set, with every stone echoing stories both ancient and fictional.
- Must-See: Mdina Gate, Mesquita Square, medieval ramparts
- Fun Fact: Mdina’s nickname is “The Silent City.”
2. Valletta: The Capital of Blockbusters
Malta’s dazzling capital, Valletta, is a treasure trove for filmmakers. Its grid-like streets, ornate palaces, and sweeping harbors are seen in adrenaline-fueled blockbusters like Assassin’s Creed, World War Z, and Napoleon. The upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth also features Valletta’s historic elegance for thrilling action. Fort St. Elmo is the dramatic backdrop for historical epics and battle scenes, while the Grand Harbour and Valletta Waterfront deftly play ports from disparate eras and locales.
- Must-See: St. Elmo Fort, Grand Harbour, Valletta Waterfront
- Notable Films: Assassin’s Creed, World War Z, Murder on the Orient Express, Napoleon, Jurassic World: Rebirth
3. Dwejra Bay (Gozo): By the Sea & Game of Thrones’s Iconic Vistas
The wild shoreline of Gozo’s Dwejra Bay is cinematic gold, with geologic wonders like Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea, and the Blue Hole. By the Sea, starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, used the nearby canyon-cut bay of Mġarr ix-Xini to stand in for a French coastal town—note the tranquil turquoise waters and sun-loving fish perfect for snorkeling. Dwejra Bay’s dramatic coast also hosts Khal Drogo and Daenerys’s wedding in Game of Thrones, solidifying the area’s fantasy reputation.
- Must-See: Fungus Rock, Inland Sea, Blue Hole, Mġarr ix-Xini
- Notable Films: By the Sea, Game of Thrones
4. Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa & Gnejna Bay: Troy’s Battlefields
On Malta’s west coast, rugged cliffs plunge into sandy bays. For Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy, starring Orlando Bloom and Eric Bana, Golden Bay delivered bronze sand and majestic vistas as the setting for ancient battles. The area’s sparkling trio—Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Gnejna Bay—offers more golden sand and adventure, from sunbathing to water sports.
- Must-See: Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Gnejna Bay
- Notable Film: Troy
5. Blue Lagoon (Comino): Swept Away’s Paradise
Between Malta and Gozo lies the aquamarine Blue Lagoon, embraced by the tiny Cominotto island. This postcard-perfect beach has graced the screens in Swept Away (Guy Ritchie’s remake with Madonna), Cutthroat Island, and remains a favorite among filmmakers and sun worshippers alike. The shallow, luminous channel and white sand create an idyllic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and movie-inspired selfies.
- Must-See: Blue Lagoon, Cominotto
- Notable Films: Swept Away, Cutthroat Island
6. Popeye Village: From Film Set to Family Destination
Malta’s quirkiest attraction began life on camera. The ramshackle, brightly painted Popeye Village was built for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams. Made from tree trunk logs brought from Holland and rooftop shingles from Canada, this wooden village has been lovingly preserved as a theme park. Visitors explore cartoonish houses, enjoy live performances, and even take boat rides—the perfect family day out.
- Must-See: Popeye Village, Anchor Bay
- Notable Film: Popeye (1980)
7. Fort Ricasoli: Assassin’s Creed & Hollywood’s Medieval Choice
Fort Ricasoli, a sturdy Baroque fortress in Kalkara, is among Malta’s most filmed structures. Assassin’s Creed found its medieval match here, with the fort regularly starring in period pieces thanks to its ancient aura. Scenes from Gladiator II, Murder on the Orient Express, and even Napoleon use its ramparts to bring history vividly to life.
- Must-See: Fort Ricasoli
- Notable Films: Assassin’s Creed, Gladiator II, Murder on the Orient Express, Napoleon
8. Xlendi (Gozo): League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Adventures
Fans of the fantastical League of Extraordinary Gentlemen will recognize Xlendi in Gozo—its dramatic coastline and cliffside roads set the stage for the movie’s adventure-packed scenes. Perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and soaking in the Mediterranean sun, Xlendi offers visitors a glimpse into superheroic escapades.
- Must-See: Xlendi Bay, Xlendi Cliffs
- Notable Film: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
9. Malta Film Studios & Birzebbugia: Captain Phillips and More
Malta Film Studios in Birzebbugia host intricate water tank scenes for films such as Tom Hanks’s Captain Phillips. The port city and studios are also featured in big maritime blockbusters and offer behind-the-scenes tours and glimpses of movie-making magic.
- Must-See: Malta Film Studios, Birzebbugia
- Notable Film: Captain Phillips
10. Other Locations: Gladiator’s Rome, World War Z’s Haunting Action
Malta’s versatile scenery stands in for ancient Rome in Gladiator and war-torn cities in World War Z. Many of these scenes are shot across Valletta, Fort St. Elmo, and Mqabba—the latter doubling as disaster zones and ancient metropolises. Malta continues to attract productions year after year, adding to its star-studded legacy.
- Must-See: Fort St. Elmo, Mqabba
- Notable Films: Gladiator, World War Z
Table: Malta Filming Locations & Featured Productions
| Location | Featured Productions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mdina | Game of Thrones | Medieval alleys, King’s Landing gateway |
| Valletta | Assassin’s Creed, Napoleon, Jurassic World: Rebirth, World War Z | Palaces, harbors, historic streets |
| Dwejra Bay (Gozo) | Game of Thrones, By the Sea | Coastal vistas, geological wonders |
| Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha, Gnejna | Troy | Cliffs, beaches, battle scenes |
| Blue Lagoon (Comino) | Swept Away, Cutthroat Island | Teal waters, sunbathing |
| Popeye Village | Popeye | Colorful houses, family fun |
| Fort Ricasoli | Assassin’s Creed, Gladiator II, Murder on the Orient Express | Baroque fortress, epic scenes |
| Xlendi (Gozo) | League of Extraordinary Gentlemen | Dramatic coastline, cliffs |
| Malta Film Studios | Captain Phillips | Water tank sets, maritime action |
Top Tips for Movie-Lovers Visiting Malta
- Book a guided film location tour for deeper insight and behind-the-scenes stories.
- Visit off-peak for fewer crowds and uninterrupted exploration.
- Combine film tourism with local culture—explore Maltese cuisine, history, and art while tracing movie magic.
- Don’t forget your camera—these sites are as photogenic in real life as they are on screen!
Malta’s Ever-Growing Cinematic Legacy
From the earliest Hollywood epics to the newest streaming sensations, Malta has become a global favorite for on-location shooting. This island’s blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty promises that the next blockbuster may be just around the corner—and every visitor gets front row seats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I visit all the filming locations in Malta in one trip?
A: Yes, Malta is compact and well-connected, making it possible to tour most key filming spots within a week. Reserving dedicated movie tours can optimize your route and experience.
Q: Is Popeye Village just for children or also fun for adults?
A: Absolutely! Popeye Village is a quirky site with appeal for all ages, from playful activities and performances to scenic views and history lovers.
Q: Are the beaches featured in Troy and By the Sea open to the public?
A: Yes, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mġarr ix-Xini, and Dwejra Bay are open to all visitors, offering swimming, hiking, and snorkeling opportunities.
Q: Which film set is the most impressive to visit?
A: While opinions vary, Mdina’s King’s Landing heritage and the preserved Popeye Village both stand out for their authentic atmosphere and vibrant experiences.
