Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the recently released Jurassic World Dominion brought the world spotlight on the beautiful archipelago of Malta. Wrapped in natural wonders, the Mediterranean nation has been frequently featured in films.

The latest film in the Jurassic franchise, Colin Treorrow’s Jurassic World Dominion, is set in the Mediterranean archipelago, Malta. But this is not the first time for Malta to be featured in a big label Hollywood film. Even in the past, Malta, Gozo and Comino have been the hotspot for some of the most famous Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator, The Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, Game of Thrones, Steven Spielberg’s Munich and the upcoming Ridley Scott film, Napoleon to name a few.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Italian island of Sicily, the tiny island-state of Malta has been more in the global spotlight ever since the release of Jurassic World: Dominion (2022). The American sci-fi action-adventure film took fans to the fascinating island nation with a history that spans over 7,000 years and is known to have hosted many civilisations.

There is a timeless atmosphere pervades about the island, owing to its long backdrop of cultural exchanges with the Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, Spanish, and British, almost palpable throughout crossroads of narrow streets and in some of Europe’s finest yet mostly unknown artworks, palaces and churches. No wonder Malta was the perfect fit that was required for creating the prehistoric landscapes required for the film. While the film was shot extensively over Valletta, Birgu, Mellieha, Pembroke and Floriana, here are some untapped experiences to explore and top attractions to visit in this gorgeous island.

The Blue Hole

25 metres deep into the blue sea opens up to a kaleidoscopic coral world in the Blue Hole in Dwejra, Gozo. With its unique natural beauty and a vast spectrum of underwater activities, the Blue Hole remains a hotspot for snorkelling and diving with access to the sea on exiting a huge archway. Understandably, the Blue Hole is a site of historical significance that had been used by smugglers to transport goods from the sea to land.

Popeye Village

The tiny seaside village of Anchor Bay in Northwestern Malta is dotted with brightly coloured houses that is famous for being the film set for the 1980 movie Popeye. Built in the typical Maltese fishing style with nineteen wooden buildings, exploring this village almost brings the famed sailor’s story to life. With the Popeye Village, one of the most well-known cartoon characters in history has an actual amusement park built around him. Popeye Village Malta offers a number of animation performances, entry to the iconic Popeye’s Comic Museum, admission to the theatre, and the opportunity to create a personalised movie, to name just a few activities.

Dingli Cliffs

As the highest point of the Malta islands, the Dingli Cliffs do not disappoint, offering an unmatched panorama stretching over 2 km from Bahrija to Mungar. Dingli Cliffs is a serene getaway in Malta for tourists with an endless blue sea on the one side and beautiful old townhouses of Malta on the other. From Bahrija, the cliffs continue all the way to the Munqar region, nestling another natural treasure of the Blue Grotto. Between Dingli and Rabat, travellers may discover Buskett, Malta’s largest woodland, also known as the island’s natural fortress. Ghar Lapsi’s crystal clear water surrounded by stunning rock formations is a popular tourists’ destination for swimming and snorkelling.

Valletta

A UNESCO world heritage site and Malta’s capital city, Valletta is an exotic fusion of multicultural heritage that mirrors the nation’s dynamic cultural history. Opulently gilded walls and flamboyant Baroque architecture with intricate paintings make the interiors of Saint John’s Co-Cathedral a sight to behold. While in Valletta, visitors must also explore the medieval fort settlements of the three cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Bormla (Cospicua) in a day trip. One of the oldest ones in Europe, the Manoel Theater and the picturesque Fort St Elmo are some of the other top attractions.

Marsaxlokk 

The charming little fishing village of Marsaxlokk offers ample photography opportunities against a rich cultural backdrop. Its nearby village of Sliema is a Maltese hub for delicious food and fantastic shopping. Once the playground of the country’s aristocracy, it is mainly a resort destination now that houses many offbeat treasures and mouth-watering food for tourists to explore. Lampuki pie, a traditional Maltese dish of baked pastry filled with fish, onions, spinach, and tomatoes, is a speciality here that must not be missed.