Cyprus and Malta are island countries located in the Mediterranean Sea. They are popular holiday destinations because of their beautiful location and history - both great reasons for photographers to visit. Cyprus holidays are among the most popular in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year, while strictly Malta Holidays are less common, as visits to Malta tend to stem from travelers exploring Italy, as it is located just south of Sicily. Both countries, however, are worth exploring and are filled with numerous photographic opportunities.

Pissouri Bay, Cyprus

Cyrpus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean with a typical Mediterranean climate of dry summers and rainy winters. Summers can be hot in the lowlands, but in the winter, it is cold enough in the Troodos mountains to get enough snow for seasonal skiing. While geographically located in the Middle East, close to Asia Minor, it is generally considered a European nation, and has been a part of the European union since May, 2004. A flight to Cyprus will land you in the Larnaca International Airport on the southwest side of the island. There are many archaeological and antiquities sites scattered around the island, dating from the New Stone Age through to the Roman Empire, while the stunning coastline of the island - generally “human-free” in many places - is well worth photographing. Other photographic opportunities include the beautiful Troodos mountain peaks, abundant vineyards filled with olive trees, citrus groves and a collection of old stone villages - each with a unique look and flavor.

A typical fishing village in Malta

Malta is a densely populated island nation comprising an archipelago of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea, about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) from Cyprus. It is home to what many consider to be the oldest freestanding structures in the world: the Neolithic temples which inclide the megalithic temple il-Ġgantija in Għawdex, which dates back to before 3500 BC. The islands eventually fell under the Rule of Rome around 218 BC, and thus, many Roman antiquities still exist (and are waiting for you to photograph them). The landscape is generally characterized by low hills and fields, with the highest point at Ta’ Dmejrek on Malta Island at 830 feet (253 metres). Although there are some small rivers at times of high rainfall, there are no permanent rivers or lakes on Malta. Some watercourses, however, are found throughout the islands that have fresh water running all year round. Unique patterns created and left by these ever-changing watercourses will leave you hunting all over the islands to photograph them. The capital city of Valletta is host to regular plays and concerts, as well as numerous exhibitions and street events. The Museum of Archaeology in Valletta houses a collection of prehistoric artifacts. The War Museum at Fort St. Elmo is home to a Sunday military parade in period costumes re-enactment - during popular tourist times of the year, make sure to get there early to set up your camera and claim a good spot. Other popular destinations for photographers include: Hagar Qim and Mnajdra (two very beautiful stone age temples set on the cliff-side of south Malta), Mellieħa (Malta’s biggest beach), Blue Grotto (a series of caves and inlets on the southern side of Malta, famous for deep blue waters and spectacular natural rock formations), and Golden Bay (one of Malta’s most beautiful sandy beaches, on the northwest coast of the island).

Valleta Bastions, Malta

When you get back, make sure to post up some photos in the Corner Photo Galleries!