Photographers will have a new way to explore the Maltese Islands this fall when VisitMalta and Fotorivals.com launch the Malta & Gozo Quest: Capture the Islands.
Taking place in October 2026, the five-day photography scavenger hunt will lead participants through some of Malta and Gozo’s most photogenic locations. Historic cities, prehistoric landmarks, coastal landscapes and traditional Mediterranean communities will become the setting for a series of interactive photography challenges.
The event is open to photographers of all skill levels, including international visitors and residents of Malta. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and there is no fee to enter.
A Photography Adventure Across Malta and Gozo
Malta & Gozo Quest combines independent travel with a structured photography competition. Participants will receive an itinerary and competition kit designed to guide them through different destinations across the islands.
The route will include Valletta, Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital; Mdina, the country’s historic walled city; and the rugged coastline of Gozo.
Rather than simply visiting prominent landmarks, photographers will be encouraged to interpret the islands through their own creative perspectives. The scavenger-hunt format will introduce a competitive element while allowing participants to discover architecture, landscapes, cultural traditions and everyday island life.
“Malta and Gozo offer an incredibly rich and diverse backdrop for photography,” said Carlo Micallef, CEO of VisitMalta. “This partnership with Fotorivals.com creates a fresh way for visitors to discover our islands while generating beautiful content that showcases our destination worldwide.”
The three top-performing participants will receive cash awards.
Photographing the Historic Streets of Valletta
Valletta provides an evocative starting point for photographing Malta’s history and contemporary culture.
Founded by the Knights of St. John during the 16th century, the compact capital is characterized by honey-colored limestone buildings, narrow streets, colorful enclosed balconies and imposing fortifications overlooking the Mediterranean.
Its grid-like streets frequently open to dramatic sea views, while landmarks such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens provide opportunities for architectural and travel photography.
Beyond its historic attractions, Valletta offers cafés, galleries, restaurants and performance spaces that reveal the Maltese capital’s modern cultural life. The combination of old and new gives photographers a variety of potential subjects within a relatively walkable area.
Exploring Malta’s Walled City of Mdina
The scavenger hunt will also take participants into Mdina, a fortified hilltop city known for its quiet lanes and medieval atmosphere.
Once Malta’s capital, Mdina is sometimes called the Silent City. Its winding passageways, stone palaces, courtyards and church domes create an intimate setting for architectural photography.
The city takes on different personalities throughout the day. Early morning light accentuates the warm tones of its limestone walls, while the narrow streets become especially atmospheric after sunset.
Mdina’s elevated position also provides broad views across the surrounding countryside, giving photographers an opportunity to capture both the historic city and Malta’s interior landscape.
Capturing Gozo’s Dramatic Coastline
Gozo offers a noticeably different visual experience from Malta’s more urban centers. The island is known for its rural scenery, terraced fields, traditional stone farmhouses, Baroque churches and rugged Mediterranean coast.
Locations such as Tal-Mixta Cave provide elevated views across the shoreline, while rocky coves, salt pans and secluded bays offer an abundance of natural subjects.
Gozo is also associated with Homer’s legendary Calypso’s Isle and retains a quieter, slower-paced character. Its villages and agricultural traditions give photographers opportunities to document local life alongside the island’s better-known landscapes.
Among Gozo’s most important historic sites is Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing some of the world’s oldest freestanding stone structures. The prehistoric temple complex predates Egypt’s pyramids and illustrates the depth of history found throughout the Maltese archipelago.
Visitors can reach Gozo by car ferry from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta or by high-speed passenger ferry from Valletta. Both services arrive at Mġarr Harbour on Gozo.
Why Visit Malta in the Fall?
October is a particularly appealing time to explore Malta and Gozo. The intense heat of summer has generally eased, but conditions remain warm enough for sightseeing, coastal walks and outdoor photography.
Visitor numbers are typically lower than during the busiest summer period, creating more space to photograph popular streets, landmarks and coastal viewpoints.
The softer fall light may also appeal to photographers, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon when Malta’s limestone architecture develops warmer tones.
Participants can extend their trip beyond the five-day competition to explore Comino, visit Malta’s archaeological sites, experience its culinary scene or spend time diving and snorkeling around the islands.
Getting Around the Maltese Islands
Many of the locations included in the photography quest can be explored on foot, especially within Valletta and Mdina.
Public buses connect cities, villages, beaches and historic attractions across Malta and Gozo. Sightseeing buses with day passes are another option for travelers who want a guided route between major landmarks.
Cycling can be an enjoyable way to explore quieter parts of the islands, although riders should prepare for hills, traffic and warm daytime conditions. Ferries connect Valletta with several harbor destinations, while regular services provide transportation between Malta, Gozo and Comino.
How to Enter the Malta & Gozo Quest
The photography competition is open to anyone aged 18 or older, regardless of experience level. Both amateur and experienced photographers are invited to participate alongside Maltese residents.
There is no entry fee. Participants must register through Fotorivals to receive their competition kit and further instructions.
The Malta & Gozo Quest offers photographers an unusual way to experience the destination—one that encourages closer observation, creative exploration and a deeper appreciation for the history and landscapes of the Maltese Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Malta & Gozo photography competition?
Malta & Gozo Quest: Capture the Islands will take place over five days in October 2026.
Do participants need to be professional photographers?
No. The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, including beginners, enthusiasts and professionals.
Is there an entry fee?
No entry fee is required, but participants must register in advance to receive the competition kit.
What locations will participants visit?
The itinerary will include the historic streets of Valletta, the walled city of Mdina and coastal locations on Gozo.
How do travelers reach Gozo?
Gozo can be reached by car ferry from Ċirkewwa or by high-speed passenger ferry from Valletta. Both services arrive in Mġarr.
