Inside Malta’s Cultural Renaissance

Hidden among the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean lies the small archipelago of Malta, a cultural gem steeped in rich history and shaped by a millennia of diverse cultural influences.

Maltese Wine

First settled by Neolithic communities as early as 5500 BCE, the islands were later colonized by several of the world’s most influential civilizations, each leaving its mark. The Maltese people absorbed these diverse influences to craft a unique cultural identity that continues to evolve today, nowhere more so than in their wine. The secret behind Maltese wine is a pair of indigenous grape varieties: the red Ġellewża and the white Girgentina. Native to the Maltese islands and grown nowhere else in the world, they give the wine a taste that is truly one of a kind. As of June 2026, Malta has begun exporting to the U.S. for the first time, two of its luxury wines through Marsovin. This marks a significant step forward for the country’s wine market. For inquiries regarding how to source these wines in the U.S., contact Marsovin directly.

Set Jetting

The twists and turns of Malta’s timeless architecture make for a great photoshoot and an even better backdrop for a film. In recent years, Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular filming locations, hosting blockbusters such as Gladiator and Gladiator II, Popeye, The Count of Monte Cristo, Jurassic World Dominion, Napoleon, and the recently released Enola Holmes 3. Most famously, the city of Mdina stood in for King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Between its ancient walled cities and sweeping landscapes, the archipelago is a timeless destination for filmmakers and film lovers alike.

Alongside the calm shoreline and limestone cliffs sits one of the island’s key cinematic assets: the water tanks at Malta Film Studios. These three vast pools have been used to shoot some of cinema’s most memorable nautical scenes. The latest addition to Malta’s filmography, Enola Holmes 3, now streaming on Netflix, stirs the viewer’s instinct to solve a mystery while offering a breathtaking view to take in along the way.

For more information VisitMalta.com and VisitGozo.com.