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Updated June 2025
Key takeaways:
Malta’s historic sites like Fort Ricasoli and Mdina are iconic filming locations for blockbuster films.
Famous spots like the Blue Lagoon and Anchor Bay are open to visitors, offering unique experiences.
Malta’s film sets, such as Popeye Village and Fort Manoel, attract fans and tourists alike.
Malta: The island Hollywood can’t stop filming
If you’ve ever watched an epic like Gladiator, Assassin’s Creed, Game of Thrones, or even Popeye and thought, “Wow, these sets look incredible,” chances are they weren’t sets at all – they were real locations in Malta.
For centuries, various powers have ruled this small but strategically vital gateway to Europe, each leaving behind stunning monuments and fortifications. These historical landmarks have stood the test of time, making Malta the ultimate destination for films that demand a breathtaking European backdrop.
In this feature, we’re diving into some must-visit filming locations in Malta. If you ever find yourself exploring the island, do yourself a favor—binge-watch the movies we’ve mentioned and relive those legendary scenes for an extra dose of fun.
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Fort Ricasoli
Malta’s largest fort has stood strong for centuries, bearing the marks of history like a warrior covered in battle scars. Built in the late 1600s, it was a powerhouse of defense, holding firm against many invasions. From arrows to bullets and even aerial bombings, it has taken it all—but despite its weathered look, it still stands proud, a symbol of Maltese resilience.
Hollywood has also noticed this raw, unpolished strength. Directors who prefer real, historic grandeur over CGI often turn to Fort Ricasoli. And no one seems to love it more than Ridley Scott, who has used it not once, not twice, but three times in Gladiator, Gladiator II, and Napoleon.
This legendary fort became the stage for the epic duel in Gladiator II, featuring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, and hosted several gladiator battles in Russell Crowe’s original Gladiator. It even got a Game of Thrones makeover, doubling as the gates of King’s Landing in season 1. And let’s not forget Troy, where its grand entrance became the gates of ancient Troy itself.
Although the fort still needs a much-needed restoration, its rugged, timeworn beauty is precisely what makes it so cinematic. Directors see beyond its cracks—they see history, power, and grandeur—and bring it back to life on the big screen.
Unfortunately, Fort Ricasoli is closed to the public due to its deteriorating condition, but it can still be admired from a distance, particularly from the nearby Grand Harbour area.
Azure Window
Once one of Malta’s most breathtaking natural landmarks, the Azure Window in Gozo looked like something straight out of an ancient legend—a massive limestone arch rising from the sea. Filmmakers saw it the same way.
Before its tragic collapse, this iconic formation made it to the big screen in some epic films and TV shows. Remember Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding in Game of Thrones (season 1)? That was here. It also provided a mythical backdrop for Clash of the Titans and made its way into The Count of Monte Cristo and The Odyssey.
The place’s rugged, almost supernatural look made it the perfect setting for fantasy and historical epics. Though the arch is gone, its cinematic legacy is forever etched in film history. Visitors can still explore the site, now known as the Azure Reef, which has become a popular diving spot. The surrounding area, including the Inland Sea and Dwejra Bay, remains breathtaking and well worth a visit.
Blue Lagoon
That impossibly turquoise water, shimmering under the sun, surrounded by rugged limestone rocks—it’s so stunning that you’ve probably seen it before, maybe in a movie, a travel show, or even as a desktop wallpaper.
The Blue Lagoon in Comino is pure tranquility, a place where the very air seems to carry a sense of calm. And that’s precisely what filmmakers love about it—it visually translates serenity and mystery into film.
Ever watched The Count of Monte Cristo? The breathtaking hidden island where Edmond Dantès finds his treasure? That’s the Blue Lagoon. It also played a sun-kissed deserted island in Swept Away and even made a brief but scenic appearance in By the Sea.
The Blue Lagoon is fully accessible and remains one of the country’s top tourist attractions. It can get crowded in peak season, so visiting early in the morning or during the off-season is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
Mdina
In Malta’s northern region lies the former capital, Mdina—a fortified city that dates back a staggering 4,000 years. That’s 40 centuries of history! Even today, this ancient city remains within its enclosed forts, home to a population of nearly 250.
The intricate architecture keeps the medieval essence of the city alive and untouched. Once a domain of religious authorities and noble families, it continues to serve a similar role—only now, in films. Mdina’s winding streets have doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones (season 1). Visit Mesquita Square, and you’ll find yourself standing in what was Littlefinger’s brothel in the show.
Mdina has also appeared in other major films, including the Leap of Faith scene in Assassin’s Creed and several moments in Popeye, which starred Robin Williams.
With its perfectly preserved baroque architecture, Mdina is a dream location for any film that wants to capture medieval grandeur. And for visitors, the experience is just as immersive—because even today, the people of Mdina are deeply connected to their cultural heritage, many of them descendants of noble bloodlines that have existed here for centuries. Mdina is open to visitors, and walking through its silent, narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.
Anchor Bay
Tucked away on Malta’s northwest coast is a little slice of cinematic magic—Anchor Bay, home to the quirkiest and most beloved film set on the island: Popeye Village.
When Robin Williams played Popeye, an entire wooden fishing village was built for the film. Instead of being torn down after filming, it was left behind and transformed into a theme park. Now, it’s a colorful, nostalgia-filled attraction where visitors can literally walk through a real-life movie set.
While Popeye remains the bay’s most significant Hollywood moment, the bay and its village have also appeared in commercials, TV shows, and music videos. With its storybook-like vibe and stunning coastal backdrop, Anchor Bay proves that some film sets are too magical to fade away.
Popeye Village is open to visitors and has become a family-friendly attraction with boat rides, interactive exhibits, and film memorabilia. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves cinema or just wants a fun, unique experience in Malta.
Fort Manoel
Sitting grandly on Manoel Island, Fort Manoel oozes history. Built by the Knights of St. John to protect Malta’s shores, it became the perfect setting for a modern historical film.
One of its biggest moments on screen? The execution of Ned Stark in Game of Thrones (season 1). That shocking, gut-wrenching scene at the Sept of Baelor? It was filmed right here. The fort’s imposing stone walls and grand courtyard made it look exactly like the place where such an intense moment would unfold. It has also been featured in World War Z and Assassin’s Creed, proving that its old-world charm is perfect for everything from historical dramas to full-blown action flicks.
Fort Manoel is occasionally open to the public for special events and guided tours. While general access is limited, visitors can still view it from the outside or check for open days when exploring Manoel Island. For Game of Thrones fans fortunate enough to secure a visit, the haunting silence of that fateful scene feels almost tangible.
