Enjoying a prime spot in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. With such sun-soaked credentials, your chances of catching a spectacular sunrise should be very high. Whether visiting Malta for a long weekend or setting in for two weeks of exploring, it is always worth an early start to watch the sunrise.
A heap of vantage points exist across the island, from the Dingle Cliffs to the fortress walls of ancient Mdina. There is, therefore, a wealth of candidates for the best sunrise spot in Malta, each with solid credentials.
However, we think the best place to watch the sunrise in Malta is Wuestenwinds beach, which is hidden on the edge of Valletta underneath the towering walls of Fort St Elmo.
How to get to Wuestenwinds beach to watch the sunrise
The easiest way to reach Wuestenwinds beach to watch the sunrise is:
- Head towards Fort St Elmo at the northern tip of Valletta.
- Once you reach the gates of Fort St Elmo, turn right and follow the road as it curves around the corner.
- Walk past the entrance to the Malta Experience.
- A few seconds after you pass the Malta Experience, you will see a set of steps to your left.
- Walk down these steps and see Wuestenwinds beach stretched out beneath you.
Once you have arrived at Wuestenwinds, you have the choice of turning left or right.
If you turn left, you will find a weather-worn stretch of limestone shore sandwiched between Fort St Elmo and the choppy waters of Valletta’s Grand Harbour. If you turn right, you can wander along a handful of winding alleyways whilst admiring the ramshackle collection of fishing huts and upturned boats clinging to the steep slopes.
With plenty of sites to explore, you are almost guaranteed to find a peaceful spot to watch the sunrise at Wuestenwinds.
The best things to see when watching the sunrise at Wuestenwinds beach
1. The dramatic walls of Fort Ricasoli
Immediately after sunrise, gaze across the entrance to the Grand Harbour and admire the distant Fort Ricasoli. The fort’s imposing 17th-century walls will be spectacularly silhouetted against a golden sky.
One particular icon to watch out for is the classic WWII pillbox on the edge of Ricasoli. These gun defence towers are a sombre fixture of Malta’s fortresses and a throwback to one of the darkest periods in Malta’s history, when the tiny island became the most bombed location on the planet.
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2. The Grand Harbour’s photogenic lighthouses
Twin lighthouses stand proud at the entrance to Valletta Grand Harbour:
- A lighthouse at the end of the Ricasoli East Breakwater, a stone’s throw from the Ricasoli fortress
- On the Valletta side is a lighthouse at the end of the St Elmo Breakwater, which juts out from the northwest corner of Fort St Elmo.
The two lighthouses form a classic scene as they frame the infinite expanse of sea that stretches to the horizon. Cross your fingers for an epic cloud display and get snapping away.
3. The comings and goings of fishing boats and ferries
If you watch the sunrise at Wuestenwinds, you will catch a number of ships entering and exiting Valletta Grand Harbour.
This maritime traffic can range from tiny fishing vessels to monumental cruise ships that tower over everything in sight as they rumble along the narrow shipping channels.
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4. The iconic Siege Bell War Memorial
The colossal bell at the memorial to the Siege of Malta during WWII will be lit in gentle golden light as soon as the sun peaks above the rooftops of Kalkara and Birgu.
Although the bell and the surrounding colonnades of the memorial are often crawling with tourists during the day, sunrise offers the perfect opportunity to beat the crowds and explore the site at your own pace.
5. The view back to Valletta and Fort St Elmo
As the sun races higher into the sky, head back up the steps and grab a view back towards the walls of Fort St Elmo as they become illuminated by the first light of the morning. The Siege Bell offers a particularly excellent vantage point when the sun begins to race into the sky.
6. The sleepy cats of Wuestenwinds
The fishing huts of Wuestenwinds are home to a healthy population of Valletta’s friendly street cats. Sunrise sees the cats emerge from their slumber and start to explore. Whether slinking along a rooftop or sitting on the top of an old fishing boat, Valletta’s cats are always up to something once the sun comes up.
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7. The iconic view across to the Three Cities
Malta’s famous Three Cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua lie across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. Whilst a short ferry trip is the best way to reach the Three Cities, sunrise from Valletta offers the best conditions to catch an unforgettable view. The spots around Wuestenwinds are an ideal place to enjoy the achingly beautiful scenery on show.
Throughout our time in Malta, we only encountered a handful of other people at this beautiful spot – it’s undoubtedly a crowd-busting gem. Whether gazing out at the Mediterranean or admiring ancient rooftops bathed in a golden glow, there is no doubt that Wuestenwinds is one of the best places in Malta to watch the sunrise.
Read next: A guide to catching the ferry between Valletta and the Three Cities in Malta