For a country covering just 316 square kilometres, Malta has played an extraordinary number of roles. It has become Ancient Rome, Troy, King’s Landing, the Somali coast, Jerusalem, and 1920s Istanbul, often without losing its distinctive Mediterranean identity.
Malta is frequently described as the Mini Hollywood of the Mediterranean, and the reason becomes clear as soon as you arrive. Its honey-coloured fortifications, historic cities, deep natural harbours, and clear Mediterranean light give filmmakers a remarkable variety of settings within a very small area.
Why Directors Return
Much of Malta’s cinematic appeal was created centuries before the arrival of film. The Knights of St John transformed the islands into a network of fortified cities, harbours, and coastal strongholds. Valletta, founded in 1566 following the Great Siege, remains one of the finest examples of a planned fortified city anywhere in Europe.
This gives filmmakers something difficult and expensive to recreate: authenticity. When a production needs a medieval gateway, a Renaissance city, an ancient port, or an imposing Mediterranean fortress, places such as Valletta, Mdina, Vittoriosa, Fort Manoel, and Fort Ricasoli already provide the setting. Malta also has a long-established film services industry. The Malta Film Studios at Rinella opened in 1964 and became internationally recognised for its specialised water tanks, which allow productions to film convincing sea sequences in a controlled environment.
The tanks are positioned against a natural sea horizon, creating the illusion that vessels are far out at sea. This has made Malta especially attractive for productions involving naval battles, storms, shipwrecks, and open-water action.
Malta’s Biggest Productions
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator used Fort Ricasoli to recreate Ancient Rome. A large section of the Colosseum was built inside the fort, with digital effects completing the arena's scale on screen.
More than two decades later, Scott returned to Malta for Gladiator II. Fort Ricasoli once again became the heart of Imperial Rome, confirming Malta’s place in the visual identity of both films.
The first season of Game of Thrones also made extensive use of Malta. Mdina Gate became an entrance to King’s Landing, Mesquita Square appeared in scenes involving Littlefinger, and Fort Manoel provided the setting for the Great Sept of Baelor.
The series also travelled beyond Malta’s historic cities. San Anton Palace represented parts of the Red Keep. At the same time, the former Azure Window at Dwejra in Gozo provided the dramatic setting for the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo. The natural arch collapsed in 2017, although Dwejra remains one of Gozo’s most impressive coastal landscapes.
Other major productions filmed in Malta include Troy, Munich, The Count of Monte Cristo, Captain Phillips, World War Z, Assassin’s Creed, Murder on the Orient Express, and Jurassic World Dominion.
Sometimes Malta is clearly visible. At other times, its streets, coastlines, and fortifications are transformed so convincingly that viewers would never know they were looking at the Maltese Islands.
A Village Built for Film
One production left behind an entire village. The wooden set constructed at Anchor Bay for the 1980 musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams, still stands today as Popeye Village.
Created as the fictional village of Sweethaven, it is now a family attraction overlooking one of Malta’s most picturesque bays. Visitors can walk through the original buildings and experience one of the few film sets on the islands that has remained in place long after production ended.
Explore the Locations
Many of Malta’s best-known filming locations remain part of everyday life and can be explored without entering a studio.
Mdina is one of the best places to begin. Walk through the gate used in Game of Thrones, continue towards Mesquita Square, and then explore the narrow streets that have attracted filmmakers for decades. The city is especially atmospheric in the early morning or evening, when it becomes quieter, and its title as the Silent City feels fully deserved.
From Mdina, continue to Valletta. The capital’s streets, stairways, squares, and waterfront have appeared in productions including Munich, World War Z, Murder on the Orient Express and Jurassic World Dominion.
Across the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities offer another perspective on Malta’s film history. Their waterfronts, fortifications, and narrow streets provide the kind of historic Mediterranean scenery that filmmakers frequently seek.
Fort Ricasoli remains an active production location and is not normally open for casual visits. Its immense outer walls can still be appreciated from across the Grand Harbour or from a harbour boat.
For families, Popeye Village provides the most complete film experience. It is a ticketed attraction, so visitors should check the latest opening hours and admission information before travelling.
Plan Your Film Trail
A rewarding introduction can be enjoyed by combining Mdina and Valletta. Both cities offer several filming locations within compact, walkable historic centres, although travelling between them requires a bus, taxi, or car.
Visitors with more time can add the Three Cities and a harbour cruise, which provide excellent views of Malta’s fortifications and Fort Ricasoli. A separate visit to Anchor Bay can then be planned for Popeye Village.
Film enthusiasts may also choose a guided location tour. These tours often combine recognisable places with production stories that are not always obvious when visiting independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which films were made in Malta?
Malta has hosted productions including Gladiator, Gladiator II, Troy, Munich, The Count of Monte Cristo, Captain Phillips, World War Z, Assassin’s Creed, Murder on the Orient Express, and Jurassic World Dominion.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Malta?
Yes. Malta and Gozo were used extensively during the first season. Recognisable locations include Mdina Gate, Mesquita Square, Fort Manoel, Fort Ricasoli, San Anton Palace, and Dwejra in Gozo.
Can visitors explore the locations?
Many locations, including Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities, are public places that can be explored on foot. Fort Ricasoli has restricted access, while Popeye Village operates as a paid visitor attraction.
What is the best route?
For a shorter visit, combine Mdina and Valletta. With a full day available, include the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Popeye Village is best treated as a separate visit, particularly if travelling with children.
