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I have visited Malta over the Easter weekend this year and of course I had to take my sketchbook with me :) I have walked through Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, Rabatt and Gozo and noted the best spots for some sketching. If you like both seascapes, shores and medieval buildings, Malta is definitely for you!
#1. Gardjola Gardens - Valletta Grand Harbour
There are so many places around the Grand Harbour to sit down and just admire the view & sketch! But I find one of the best spots is the Gardola Gardens where you can have a 360 degree view of the harbor with the Valletta Waterfront, the Fort St. Angelo and all the beautiful yachts around.
The garden itself is a worthy urban sketch theme as well and you have plenty of spots to sit under the trees and relax.
#2 Lower Barrakka, Valletta
With the monument of Sir Alexander Wall you have a typical neoclassical temple, plenty of greenery and the fountain in one place. Great spot to just sit in the shade and sketch away. If you don't mind the sun, you can also admire the view on the Great Harbour from the edge of the garden.
#3 Inland Sea - Gozo
A beautiful little spot that is known more among divers is the the Inland Sea on the island of Gozo. If you decide to come to Gozo, don't take the jeep or tuktuk tour! You will not have more than 20 min at any location.. if you feel good enough driving on your own, rather do one of the self-driving tours and take your time where you like. :)
If you fancy, take the boat through the narrow arch for a short ride to see the Blue Hole and the rock formations. You can also swim around and enjoy the sunshine. Around the Inland Sea there are several typical fishing boats and fishermen's huts that can be a nice composition for a sketchbook spread.
You can simply sit down on the rocks at the shore, take off your shoes and cool down while sketching away. :)
#4 Dwejra Bay/ Xlendi Bay - Gozo
Two beautiful bays not far from each other on the western side of Gozo. While Dwerja Bay is secluded and you don't have a single cafe around, Xlendi Bay is usually quite touristy, which means you can have a lunch & a coffee as well.
Both bays have a very distinctive view that is definitely worth a sketchbook page:
- the Dwejra Bay has the Fungus Rock which was said to have been a sacred place for the Knights to get the Maltese Mushroom which was said to have healing properties.
- Xlendi Bay has a beautiful cliff side and plenty of walking routes as well as cafes/restaurants to sit down. The restaurants can be a bit rude if you don't consume a meal (we just wanted a coffee but were sent away twice), just a heads-up!
Xlendi bay
Dwejra bay
#5 Mdina
If you like sketching old historical buildings, Mdina is for you! Also called the Silent City (basically no cars are allowed inside - which makes it a much better spot than Valletta old town which is so full with parking cars that you have to walk on the street!), Mdina is full of narrow streets, old 16th-17th century palazzos, beautiful corners and hidden gardens. It would be way too difficult to point out any exact spot within the city, so I would say just walk around and if a spot sparks inspiration, stop & try to capture it :)
If you can, take a foldable chair with you! There are not many cafes around and the nicest spots are usually hidden away.
