Cinematic productions seeking a closed set in picturesque Maltese gardens can expect to pay up to €3,000 a day – but smaller shoots with open sets might get to pay no fees at all
When filming in Malta’s public gardens, the cost structure varies significantly depending on the scale and type of production.
Cinematic productions – those requiring full or partial closure of gardens and heavy equipment – incur the highest fees.
For example, rates for full closure with equipment can reach up to €2,832 day (Sant’ Anton Gardens). Such productions also need to budget for additional charges like post-event cleaning and overtime for security personnel.
Conversely, smaller-scale shoots, such as local drama or documentary scenes requiring no closure may be eligible for open access or significantly reduced fees. In fact, non-commercial shoots involving minimal crew and no public disruption may in some cases be allowed free access, especially when falling under the categories of NGOs or educational entities.
This flexible tier system encourages local creativity while protecting the integrity and accessibility of Malta’s public green spaces.
Top Gardens in Malta for Filming
1. Sant’ Anton Gardens – Attard
Sant’ Anton Gardens, one of Malta’s most prestigious and historic gardens, is located in Attard and adjacent to the Presidential Palace. Dating back to the 17th century, these gardens are a baroque blend of symmetry, stone sculptures, fountains, and shaded walkways lined with mature trees. The central courtyard and serene ponds create an old-world charm ideal for period dramas and historical features.
Filming Suitability
Due to its popularity and significance, Sant’ Anton is among the most expensive sites, with commercial cinematic filming costing €2,832 for closed shoots and €590 per day for open filming. However, the garden’s scale and varied scenery, from floral avenues to rustic walls, provide directors with diverse natural sets in one location. Note that this site typically requires formal permission, and shoots during non-public hours might require additional security and cleaning fees.
2. Il-Mall Gardens – Floriana
Nestled in Floriana, Il-Mall Gardens is the oldest public garden in Malta, dating back to the 18th century. It features long tree-lined boulevards, neoclassical statues, and elegant fountains. The setting is distinctly romantic and often quiet during weekdays, making it suitable for contemplative scenes or fashion shoots.
Filming Suitability
Il-Mall offers one of the most cinematic urban garden backdrops and is relatively accessible for both commercial and smaller-scale shoots. Closed filming rates with equipment are set at €1,180, with open access shoots potentially costing as low as €590. The garden’s proximity to Valletta adds logistical convenience for transport and crew movement, increasing its appeal for international productions.
3. Argotti Botanical Gardens – Floriana
Argotti Gardens, also in Floriana, houses a botanical collection and a blend of manicured formal gardens. It is perched on bastions overlooking Marsamxett Harbour, offering panoramic views ideal for establishing landscape shots and drone cinematography.
Filming Suitability
This garden is moderately priced, with cinematic filming rates up to €1,180. Its structured layout and scenic overlooks are especially fitting for educational programs or science-related narratives. The garden’s layout allows for shooting without significant disruption to the public, supporting flexible scheduling and minimal closures.
4. Upper Barrakka Gardens – Valletta
Situated above the Saluting Battery, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The arched colonnade and baroque-style layout make it one of the most iconic and photogenic spots in Malta.
Filming Suitability
Filming is permitted with certain restrictions. Rates can rise to €2,360 per day for full-scale cinema shoots. Open filming with minimal disturbance might be allowed at significantly reduced rates. Due to heavy foot traffic and touristic appeal, early morning shoots or low-crew events can be most feasible for those seeking ideal conditions and lower rates.
5. Lower Barrakka Gardens – Valletta
Just a short walk from its upper counterpart, the Lower Barrakka is quieter and more compact, featuring a neoclassical temple and views of Fort Ricasoli. It’s a perfect site for contemplative scenes, romantic narratives, or seaside vistas.
Filming Suitability
Costs for closed shoots range up to €1,770 per day, while smaller, open shoots cost around €590. The peaceful ambiance and symmetry of the site make it ideal for tight framing and slow-paced storytelling. This site allows for creative cinematography, especially during golden hour.
6. Herbert Ganado Gardens – Floriana
This less touristy garden offers wide open lawns and a quiet atmosphere just outside the city walls. It includes a mix of native vegetation and structured paths, making it a good fit for local productions or documentary work.
Filming Suitability
Rates for cinematic shoots range around €1,770. Due to its low foot traffic and accessible layout, it’s a practical choice for scenes requiring multiple takes or heavier equipment, with fewer disruptions compared to more central gardens.
7. Sa Maison Gardens – Pietà
Sa Maison Gardens, tucked into the bastion of Provence, offer a unique blend of natural greenery and military architecture. Originally a private garden used by the Knights of St. John, the space features fortification walls, and strategically framed views of Marsamxett Harbour. It is smaller than other public gardens, which lends itself well to intimate scenes and location shoots that require historical or rustic backdrops.
Filming Suitability
This garden is well-suited for lower-budget or semi-closed filming, with commercial/cinema closed-sets costing €1,180 per day. Because of its relatively low visitation compared to major gardens, it allows more flexible filming schedules and fewer logistical hurdles. Its elevated positioning and bastion setting are perfect for period pieces, indie films, or scenes requiring a blend of nature and stone-built ambiance. Its heritage value and atmospheric character give filmmakers a chance to shoot visually rich sequences without extensive set dressing.
A Fixer Protects Your Production
A fixer is your guarantee that your production runs smoothly, legally, and without risk to future projects. By hiring a fixer, production teams get:
Hassle-free permit applications handled by an experienced local.
Site coordination to meet authority requirements.
Crisis management if unexpected issues arise.
Long-term access to Malta’s best locations.
