STUART SILCOX
PHOTOGRAPHY

For my last full day in Malta, I visited the preserved 1980 film set for the Robert Altman-directed "Popeye". Located in a coastal inlet, the site has been maintained as a sort of quirky tourist theme park.

I took a ferry from the main island to Malta's second-largest island, Gozo. A bus journey from the ferry port up to a high point on Gozo, the main city of Victoria (Ir-Rabat Għawdex).

Formerly a medieval fortress located in central Malta, perched on a hill giving all-round views of the island, is Mdina. Known as the silent city because vehicle access is restricted to locals only.

A selection of colour stills from the Three Cities of Malta - Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). Also included are views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour.

Some black-and-white captures from Malta. These are shots of Valletta, the Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities - Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla)

I dropped off my luggage at my accommodation, which overlooked the Grand Harbour, and took a stroll around the Maltese capital. Here are some shots of my first impressions of Valletta.

On the slope of Mt Caputo, overlooking the Palermo Valley, the former Norman stronghold has a world-renowned cathedral. The town was developed by the Norman kings for hunting.

A walk from the centre of Palermo to the harbour and returning through the back streets.

My brief stay would be rewarded with still waters and near-perfect light as the setting sun bounced off the old town.

My final night in Taormina was spent taking these shots. I love the slow pace and stillness of night photography.

A walk from the old town down to the beach and Bella Isola, where a few brave souls were swimming on a crisp spring morning

On the map, it looked like a short walk from the train station to my accommodation, but in reality, it was a steep climb to my destination.

On my first walk around, I encountered Mormons, markets, mobility scooters, the omnipresent Mt Etna and more.

The name Ortigia comes from the Ancient Greek órtyx, or "quail". The city was a Greek colony, also home to Archimedes, the famous mathematician.

A short train ride west of Rome, Ostia Antica is the preserved site of the ancient port of Ostia, which served as the primary port of the imperial capital.

As one story tells it, the buildings are differently colored to help drunk fisherman find their way home without stumbling into the wrong house.

Leaving Naples/Napoli, I took a train south, leaving the suburbs behind, and arrived at the coastal resort town of Sorrento,

Having left Sorrento by bus, traveling around some very tight, hair-raising, cliff-side bends I arrived in Amalfi on a cold, wet day

A short but harrowing bus ride from Amalfi where I was staying is Positano,

Trenta Trenta," came the cry, to which I retorted, "Venti Venti." A sob story about the cost of fuel then ensued.