Below Us the Waves

Photo bu Dee Hayman

Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta

The bastions of the Three Cities sparkle in the sun from this vantage point, which commands jaw-dropping views of the shimmering waters of the Grand Harbour. Here, high on the capital’s bastions, the entire Grand Harbour area lies spread before you in all its splendour - from Fort St Angelo which, according to legend, stands on the site of a fortified Roman settlement to the Three cities and the open sea beyond. At the side, one can also glimpse the fortifications which line the inside of the natural harbour, standing as strong and as steady as when they defended Malta from Turkish invaders in the Great Siege.

Gardjola Garden, Senglea

Across the waters from the capital, this modest garden, located at the farthest tip of the 500-year-old city of Senglea, is set on the outermost point of St Michaels’ Fort and even includes a Gardjola.

From this time-honoured look-out point, nothing stands between you and the sweeping views of the sea and the Valletta bastions. You can also glimpse the yacht marina, inserted snugly between Senglea and Vittoriosa, and the harbour breakwater in the distance.

Mellieha

The sense of looking out of the edges of the island is almost tangible in the northern village of Mellieħa, best-known for Malta’s largest sandy beach Għadira, which stretches all around the bay and is appreciated by swimmers for its mild currents and gentle drop in depth.

The bay is also home to a number of water sports, such as canoeing, jet-skis, small water-parks and, wind-permitting, windsurfing. Nearby vantage points such as the Red Tower and the peaceful Mellieħa village command spectacular views of the bay as well as Comino and Gozo beyond.

Easily discernible through its blushing pink colour, the Red Tower dates back to the time of the Knights, who built a number of such towers around the Maltese coast to stand watch against slave-ships and corsairs.

Dingli Cliffs


Towering high above sea level along Malta’s western coast, the cliffs at Dingli can reach a height of roughly 250 metres - Malta’s highest point - and one of the best viewpoints to watch the little islet of Filfla, endowing the scene with a gently mythical quality. With its sense of timelessness, this area is ideal for a walk either early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s strength is not at its fiercest and a serene and refreshingly gentle wind often blows over the picturesque hills and cliffs.

This view is from the area close to Mary Magdalene Chapel, which was rebuilt on the cliff’s edge in 1646. The views of the cliff side, with its sweeping terraced fields which suddenly drop into the deep blue sea, make it one of the most visually impressive in Malta.

Ta’ Kenuna Garden, Nadur, Gozo


Benches and walkways in this garden allow visitors to enjoy the sweeping views of Gozo’s green rolling landscape as well as the sea beyond, including Comino and even Malta in the hazy distance. Found in the village of Nadur, the garden also includes Ta’ Kenuna Tower at its centre, Gozo’s only telegraphic tower, which was built in the 1800s under the British. A place to dream and meditate, to think and be alone.