Malta, shot on iPhone

There’s something magnetic about the Mediterranean islands. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the chance to explore a few — Mallorca with its rugged coastlines, Sicily with its food that lingers long after you leave. And then there’s Malta: smaller, but radiant.

Malta, shot on iPhone All photos in this post were shot using my iPhone 11 Pro Max. Edited in Lightroom with my own custom presets. There’s something magnetic about the Mediterranean islands. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the chance to explore a few — Mallorca with its rugged coastlines, Sicily with its food that lingers long after you leave. And then there’s Malta: smaller, but radiant. Arriving mid-August in Malta means stepping into a steady wave of heat, the kind that makes the old stone buildings look brighter and make you feel like you’re inside of an hoven. We booked an apartment in Sliema, a town directly across the bay from Valletta. It turned out to be a practical choice: well connected by ferry and bus, plenty of sea views, and no shortage of cafés and shops. Day #1: Gozo, Victoria & Dahlet Qorrot Beach We started early with a really convenient ferry from Valletta to Gozo, which can be taken near the Upper Barraka Gardens. The smaller island has a slower pace, but there’s no shortage of things to explore. In Victoria, we walked through the Citadel, where the elevated views stretch across almost the entire island. The town’s markets were lively, with stalls displaying souvenirs, fresh bread, handmade crafts, colorful fabrics, and traditional lace. We had lunch in Pjazza San Gorg with some delicious dumplings, before heading east to Dahlet Qorrot Beach. The road down takes some navigating, but the reward is a small, quiet bay with water so clear and blue it feels almost unreal. A few swimmers, fishing boats, and long stretches of calm water defined the afternoon. (Phone signal drops near the bay, so arrange transport before heading down 👀) We returned to Valletta in the evening. The streets were full—people moving between cafés, music spilling from small bars, and groups lingering in the squares. The city’s architecture looked even sharper under the lights, with the stone facades glowing warm against the night and the Triton’s Fountain sparkling. Dinner was relaxed but surrounded by the energy of the city, a lively close to the first day. Day #2: Saint Peter’s Pool & Valletta Sky Bar The morning was spent at Saint Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming spot carved into flat limestone rock and surrounded by turquoise water. The walk over uneven ground took some effort, but the setting more than made up for it. There’s no sand here—just wide stone ledges leading straight into the sea—so most people spread their towels across the rocks before diving in. Oh, shade is very scarce, so be ready to stay under the sun. Some sections rise high above the water, perfect for cliff jumps if you like adrenaline, while the calmer stretches off the coast make for easy swims. The water is exceptionally clear, shifting shades of blue with the light, and the whole place has a simple, natural energy that makes it easy to spend hours swimming, sunbathing, and watching others leap into the sea. This was one of our favorite spots of the whole trip. It really is worth visiting, especially during summer. Later, after some rest back in Sliema, we returned to Valletta for the evening and made our way to The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge. From the terrace, the view stretched across the Grand Harbour and the city’s rooftops.. As the sun began to set, the sky turned deep orange and pink before fading into blue, and the harbor lights slowly came to life below. It was a spectacular scene—easily one of the most memorable moments of the trip—made even better with a drink in hand and the quiet buzz of the lounge around us. Day #3: Blue Grotto & Mdina, the Silent City The third day began at Blue Grotto, one of Malta’s most famous natural landmarks. A short boat ride takes you along the cliffs and into a series of sea caves, where the water glows in striking shades of blue as the sunlight bounces off the limestone and reflects from below the surface. The effect is strongest in the morning, when the angle of the light makes the colors especially vivid. The tour itself is quick—about twenty minutes—but the combination of the dramatic rock formations, arches carved by the sea, and the intense clarity of the water makes it unforgettable. Even from the cliffs above, the view out over the open Mediterranean is impressive, but being on the boat, close to the caves, is what makes this experience worthwhile. From there, we continued inland to Mdina, the Silent City. Arriving in the afternoon, the city’s stone walls and narrow, car-free streets made it easy to wander without a plan. As the sun began to set, the light softened on the buildings, and the streets grew quieter, giving the city a calm, reflective atmosphere. From Mdina, you can see the rural fields stretching out across the island. The sunset casts a warm light over the countryside and the city’s rooftops, nothing fancy, just a quiet, good view. We had dinner at a small but incredibly atmospheric restaurant tucked into one of the squares, enjoying Maltese red wine. Later, walking through the dimly lit streets, the city felt almost suspended in time. Malta really was a fantastic experience—full of history, beautiful landscapes, and moments that stuck with me. Going back home really felt sad, fortunately a 2-hour flight delay on our way back made my sadness become anger 👻. I can’t wait to go back and explore even more of what the island has to offer.