From scuba diving to set-jetting—6 ways to explore Malta in 2025
With its Neolithic history and distinctive limestone landscapes, Malta may seem a destination drawn from the past. But if this resilient archipelago has learnt anything from its numerous occupations, it's to adapt. On the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, centuries-old forts and grand historic palaces now sit side-by-side with modern fine dining restaurants and sleek waterfront promenades. Travellers today are beckoned to explore Malta's varied dive sites, hike through otherworldly landscapes or observe the host of international talent set to take the stage at the islands' assorted year-round festivals. With so many experiences to choose from, here are six not to miss. Hike the winding trails in Gozo for spectacular views across the island and out to sea. Photograph by Daniel Cilia 1. Get active in the great outdoors
Malta's 300 days of sunshine a year mean the islands are ideal for outdoor activity — even in the winter, crisp, bright days make hiking the craggy coastlines rewarding. Traverse the historic Victoria Lines, a 7.5-mile path spanning the width of Malta and marked by 100-year-old artillery, trenches and forts. More industrious walkers should trek the 27-mile circumference of Gozo, where a coastal path winds through the pretty towns of Xlendi and Marsalforn, as well as the deep gorge of Wied il-Għasri and the limestone arch of Wied il-Mielaħ. Gozo's cliffs also offer climbing routes for all levels, from the novice-friendly slabs of Mġarr ix-Xini to the challenging Wall of Wonders in Zurrieq. Meanwhile, horse-riding, zip-lining and alpaca walking are equally entertaining ways to explore the islands' landscapes. 2. Dive beneath the waves
Malta has become one of Europe's most celebrated diving destinations thanks to its fantastic underwater visibility, easily accessible dive sites and numerous shipwrecks. With crystal clear, warm waters almost all year, the islands are just as suited to learners as they are to technical divers looking to explore deep-lying treasures such as HMS Stubborn, a British submarine sunk in 1946. Gozo, in particular, draws divers with its stunning underwater topography and vast caverns — seek out deep caves like Billinghurst Cave on the north coast, the marine life of the famous Blue Hole in Dwejra and the long tunnel through cobalt ocean at the Inland Sea. All divers should add the striking swim-throughs of Comino's Santa Maria Caves to their 'must-dive' list, too. With easily accessible dive sites including numerous shipwrecks, Malta is popular with both beginner and expert divers. Photograph by Visit Malta The streets of Mdina are a must-visit for set-jetters looking for Game of Thrones filming locations. Photograph by Visit Malta 3. Step into history
With over 7,000 years of human habitation, Malta, Gozo and Comino are home to some of the world's oldest freestanding man-made structures. Start at the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Gozo, a 5,500-year-old Neolithic temple complex, before heading to Ħaġar Qim, a smaller megalithic site in Malta. Early settlers also created hidden treasures like the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean sanctuary built around 3000 BCE. For more modern history, go to Malta's capital, Valletta, where you can explore the country's military past at the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort St Elmo and the Malta at War Museum, which features an immersive tour of the Second World War bunkers. 4. Discover Hollywood hotspots
Film fans will have spotted the honey-coloured streets, soaring cliffs and sparkling lagoons of Malta in numerous big-screen blockbusters. From the still-standing seaside village of Popeye to the Roman streets of Ridley Scott's Gladiator and the globe-trotting action of Munich, Malta's diverse landscapes make it a cinematic chameleon. Embark on a set-jetting road trip to take in the streets of Mdina (Game of Thrones), the robust fortifications of Fort Ricasoli (Troy and Assassin's Creed) and the honeymoon-worthy waters of Mġarr ix-Xini (By the Sea). And keep an eye out for more of Malta in Jurassic Park: Rebirth later this year. Also known as 'The Silent City', Mdina was once Malta's capital and this well-preserved, walled city has history dating back more than 4,000 years. Photograph by Visit Malta 5. Sample Maltese specialities
Maltese cuisine is packed with global influences. Over the centuries, a fusion of Arabic, Mediterranean and African flavours have combined here to produce dishes like braġjoli (stuffed beef rolls), bigilla (herb-infused bean paste) and pastizzi (pea- or cheese-filled pastries). Naturally, fish and other seafood feature prominently, too, particularly in the coastal village of Marsaxlokk, where visitors can tuck into crunchy, fried calamari and succulent lamuki, a seasonal white fish. Journey through the specialities by taking a cooking class, wine-tasting or food tour — or at restaurants ranging from hole-in-the-wall pastizzi shops to fine dining institutions. Recently, Le GV in Sliema was awarded its first Michelin star, joining a distinguished line-up of Michelin-starred restaurants in Malta. Simon Rogan's ION Harbour also retained its two Michelin stars. 6. Enjoy one-of-a-kind events
Few weekends go by in Malta without a town square being filled with live performances, dancing or music — and 2025 looks set to be no different. In April, athletic travellers should lace up their trainers for Run Gozo's fun series of races, while families can head to Springtime Fest at the National Park of Malta, for food trucks, market stalls and free children's activities. May provides an opportunity to get glammed up for Nabucco at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on Gozo, while in the summer, festival-lovers can enjoy house music at Abode on the Rock and electronic beats at Glitch. Elsewhere, an International Arts Festival, Carnival, fireworks festival and kite flying festival fill the calendar. Flights to Malta International Airport operate from a number of UK cities. It's easy to hire a car at the airport, but a comprehensive bus system and plenty of affordable taxi options are available, too, as well as efficient ferry services between the islands. For more information, go to visitmalta.com This is paid content for Visit Malta. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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10 stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites that were immortalized on screen
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The UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of the Kenya Lake System, designated in 2011, features prominently in the film's sweeping aerial shots of the Great Rift Valley, Ngong Hills, and most famously, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep's biplane buzzing Lake Nakuru with its iconic, if terrified, pink flamingos. The three alkaline lakes (Elementaita, Nakuru, and Bogoria) support exceptional populations of lesser flamingos and other migratory birds. Based on Karen Blixen's memoir of running a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya, the 1985 film's panoramic vistas helped define the visual language of the romantic African safari. Today, visitors can experience scenic viewpoints along the Great Rift Valley escarpment and flamingo-flocking at Lake Nakuru National Park. The region's luxury lodges will deliver an Out of Africa experience for a price. (19 of the most romantic destinations in the world.) 2. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand Few film franchises have transformed a country's global image more completely than The Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand. Tongariro National Park, with its dual World Heritage status (natural and cultural), was the dramatic landscape of Mordor in Peter Jackson's epic trilogy released between 2001 and 2003. Mount Ngauruhoe served as the infamous Mount Doom (filming at the summit was forbidden as the Māori people consider these volcanic peaks sacred.) Tawahi Falls created the perfect setting for Gollum's forbidden pool. The region's profound significance to New Zealand's first people adds cultural depth, not just a cinematic connection. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a rewarding day hike past sulfurous steam vents and snow-dusted volcanic peaks, though winter in the Southern Hemisphere (June to August) makes it challenging. New Zealand's summer months—from December to February—provide better weather for travelers. (How to explore Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand.) 3. Historic Center of Rome, Italy When Audrey Hepburn's Princess Ann flees her royal duties in 1953's "Roman Holiday,' she embarks on a Vespa-powered romance with journalist Gregory Peck, scooting past landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum located in the heart of the Eternal City and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. 'It's not only a movie,' says art historian Isabella Calidonna, whose Archeorunning tours showcase the city's heart while avoiding the crowds just as Hepburn and Peck tried to do. 'The film captures the moment visitors discover Rome in all her alluring simplicity,' she says. 'And in a time when over-tourism rules Rome, we need more of it.' Travelers can retrace the lovers' locales, though Calidonna advises doing so in the early morning hours to avoid the crushing summertime throngs. (How to dine like a local in Italy.) Machu Picchu, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru, has been a filming location for The Motorcycle Diaries and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Photograph by Jonathan Irish, Nat Geo Image Collection 4. Machu Picchu, Peru Another two-wheeled adventurer, Gael Garcia Bernal as Ernesto "Che" Guevara, stands contemplating the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in The Motorcycle Diaries (2004). The scene captures a pivotal moment in the revolutionary's formative journey across South America and his awakening to social inequalities. Designated a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1983, the Peruvian wonder serves as more than just a stunning set—it functions as a silent, brooding character. However, today's travelers face more stringent regulations than Che did. Advance visitor permits are essential, with options ranging from the classic four-day Inca Trail hike to day trips via train from Cusco. Conservation concerns have led authorities to implement visitor caps, making early planning crucial for travelers interested in seeing the capital of the Incas. (Go on a luxury rail journey through Peruvian mountains.) 5. Historic Center of Salzburg, Austria Few musical moments rival Julie Andrews spinning like a gyroscope atop an Austrian Alp in The Sound of Music (1965). The Von Trapp family's journey through Salzburg's baroque cityscape and surrounding mountains showcases why its historic center earned its UNESCO Cultural World Heritage status in 1996. The city's Mirabell Palace Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, and Residenzplatz became instantly recognizable to generations of viewers. Beyond the film's landmarks, visitors will discover Mozart's birthplace and other examples of the city's rich musical heritage. Dedicated Sound of Music tours remain popular, though classical music enthusiasts can opt to attend the Salzburg Festival held every summer (the Von Trapps appeared in 1936). The festival typically begins the last two weeks of July and runs through the end of August. (Fans of 'The Sound of Music' can follow in the footsteps of the famous von Trapp family.) Local artisans buy leather in bulk at a souk in Marrakech, Morocco. Photograph by Erika Skogg, Nat Geo Image Collection Marrakesh is known for its intricate and vibrant tile work, a hallmark of Moroccan architecture, as seen here at the Ben Youssef Madrasa in the city. Photograph by Erika Skogg, Nat Geo Image Collection Ornate lanterns, teapots, and mirrors are just a few items for sale at this souk in Marrakesh. Photograph by Erika Skogg, Nat Geo Image Collection 6. Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco Alfred Hitchcock brought the colorful chaos of Marrakesh's ancient walled city to audiences through his thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). The Medina, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site in 1985, provides a labyrinthine backdrop for James Stewart and Doris Day's search for their kidnapped son. Locations such as Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, La Mamounia Hotel, and the twisting souks create a sensory overload perfect for Hitchcock, the master of suspense. Today, the 11th-century neighborhood with its distinctive red architecture perfumed by the competing aromas of saffron, leather, mint, and motorcycle exhaust, offers visitors an immersive and vibrant experience. Early morning and evening explorations help avoid summer's midday heat. (Everything families should know for the ultimate trip to Marrakech.) 7. Hanseatic City of Lübeck, Germany F.W. Murnau's expressionist vampire film Nosferatu (1922) utilized the medieval atmosphere of Lübeck, founded in 1143 to create its haunting mood. This UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site (designated 1987) showcases the brick Gothic buildings and narrow streets of a once-powerful Hanseatic League trading center located on Germany's Baltic coast. The Salzspeicher (salt storehouses) featured prominently in the film remain largely unchanged a century later. Still weathered by sea mists, they cast the same eerie silhouettes that gave Murnau's vampire tale its horror. 'It looks idyllic during the day and then the light changes and these narrow little lanes become creepy crawly,' says Christel Obenaus who leads walks around Lübeck including one about the film. Self-guided tours also allow visitors to explore Gothic churches and city streets while discovering the maritime history that made it prosperous. Film fans flock to the area in November for the festival Nordic Film Days Lübeck. (Germany's Camino trek rivals Spain's famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded.) 8. Wadi Rum, Jordan The vast, otherworldly landscape of Jordan's Wadi Rum served as a location for films like Dune and The Martian but it first captivated global audiences in Lawrence of Arabia (1962). In one memorable scene, Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) takes up the invitation of tribal leader Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) to 'dine with me in Wadi Rum,' the next cut reveals the UNESCO Mixed Cultural and Natural Site's spectacular rocky scenery. There's authentic history behind the David Lean masterpiece, as the real Lawrence passed through the region during the Arab Revolt of World War One. Today, the country's Bedouin communities maintain ancient relationships with this challenging landscape, offering visitors authentic cultural encounters alongside natural beauty. Desert camping in front of a crackling fire beneath star-filled skies offers the most immersive experience. Tours by 4x4 provide access to a host of film locations. (Here's what it's like to visit Jordan's Wadi Rum for the first time.) The North Gate at the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photograph by Diane Cook, Len Jenshel, Nat Geo Image Collection 9. Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia When Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft vaulted through the temple ruins of Ta Prohm in Tomb Raider (2001), she introduced millions to the atmospheric wonders of Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park. This 1992-designated UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site showcases the vast religious complexes of the Khmer Empire that ruled here between the Ninth and 15th centuries. The 'Tomb Raider Temple' with its famous tree roots strangling the ancient stones like thick, gnarled tentacles, became one of the park's most photographed locations. Visit early mornings to duck both the crowds and the intense midday heat. A multi-day pass allows visitors to go beyond the action film's locations, discovering Angkor's lesser-known temples. 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