Malta Takes Centre Stage
Starring Millie Bobby Brown as the young detective Enola Holmes, the third film brings a large part of the story to Malta during the period of British rule. Filming took place for more than a month across locations including Valletta, Mdina, Mellieħa and Ħ’Attard, as well as at the Malta Film Studios.
Malta’s limestone architecture, historic fortifications and narrow streets provided a natural setting for the Victorian-era mystery, allowing the island’s real character to become an important part of Enola’s latest case.
Explore the Locations Behind the Mystery
Some of Malta’s most recognisable historic locations appear throughout the film. Mdina’s winding streets become part of one of Enola’s pursuits, while Valletta was transformed for scenes featuring a period carnival. Villa Bologna in Ħ’Attard also appears as the fictional Hotel Cornelisse, where Enola stays during her time on the island.
Malta’s coastline also plays an important role, with scenes filmed around the western and northern parts of the island. Together, the locations showcase everything from fortified cities and traditional Maltese architecture to open Mediterranean scenery.
A Connection Close to Sliema
Guests staying in Sliema may be particularly interested to know that filming also took place at Fort Manoel, located on Manoel Island beside neighbouring Gżira and just a short distance from Sliema. The historic fort was used alongside Fort Ricasoli for sequences in the film, adding another piece of Malta’s military history to Enola’s adventure.
From Sliema, visitors can also easily travel across Marsamxett Harbour towards Valletta, making it possible to explore some of the streets and surroundings featured on screen while enjoying one of Malta’s most historic cities.
See Malta Through a Different Lens
For fans of Enola Holmes, visiting these locations offers another way to explore Malta. A walk through Mdina can suddenly feel like stepping into one of Enola’s investigations, while Valletta’s grand streets and centuries-old buildings make it easy to understand why the island was chosen for the production.
Unlike many international productions where Malta stands in for another destination, Enola Holmes 3 places the island at the centre of its own story, giving viewers a chance to recognise the real Malta behind the mystery.
Stay in Sliema at Palazzo Violetta
Palazzo Violetta provides a comfortable base for visitors looking to explore Malta’s cinematic side while staying close to the coast. From Sliema, guests can plan day trips to Valletta, Mdina and other filming locations before returning to the quieter surroundings of the boutique hotel.
Whether you are a fan of the films or simply curious to see Malta through a cinematic lens, Enola Holmes 3 offers fresh inspiration for exploring the island — with historic mysteries, familiar landmarks and Mediterranean scenery waiting just beyond Sliema.
