Famous for gigantic cliffs overseeing the beautiful Mediterranean sea, Dingli has become a destination for the tourists who seek blue skies, good food and untamed nature. The latter, of course, comes with the spectacular Dingli Cliffs, which offer a true experience of wild nature, something which is no longer so common in cluttered Malta. A small town that has quite a lot to offer, in this article we will explore our beloved Dingli.
Why stay in Dingli?
Like anywhere else in Malta, nothing is too far. And Dingli sits in a unique spot where on one side there’s the unending sea, and on the inner side, a beautiful old town with old townhouses, characteristic of the Maltese islands. Staying here means you’re off to live somewhere quiet but within a reasonable distance from major attractions, such as the old medieval city of Mdina. It also means you’re always a stone-throw away from a nice walk among nature. Rent here comes at a reasonable price, especially when compared to highly touristic places like Sliema or Bugibba. Therefore, to find some solace here might not come at an exorbitant price.
Where is Dingli located?
Dingli sits on a side of the island which is not too inhibited. It neighbours other beautiful towns which ought not to be missed on your holiday in Malta. Places like Rabat or Mdina, border Dingli and are both very much worth your attention. It’s an interesting place to set yourself for a holiday in Malta and one which you should definitely consider. The capital city Valletta is not too far and just one 8 kilometre bus ride away.
History of Dingli
Interestingly, Dingli sits at one of the highest points in the Maltese islands with over 250 metres above sea level. The name is believed to have originated from the name of an English Knight of the Order of St John, Sir Thomas Dingley who apparently owned a lot of land in the area.
Like many other places in Malta, in Dingli, archaeologists managed to find artefacts which date back to the Roman era and the time of the Phoenicians. Roman Baths were also found in areas close to Dingli. Historical documents seem to suggest that between Dingli and neighbouring Buskett gardens, there stood a small village called Hal Tartarni which formed one of the original ten parishes established in Malta. The village expanded more and moreover the years to form what we have today in Dingli.
Best time to visit Dingli
Dingli is the kind of village you would enjoy on a sunny day but at a time when the weather is not too warm so that you can handle a nice walk in nature. Spring and Autumn would be the ideal times to spend some time in Dingli. Windy days can be very wild here. There’s cliffs, open sea and it’s at a relatively high altitude, so you can’t expect anything less.
Things to do in Dingli
Dingli is an ideal spot for people who love walks in nature, history and enjoy quiet in the middle of a small town. The activities here are interesting and everything is to be enjoyed by taking your time. Here’s what you can do:
- Spend an afternoon exploring Dingli Cliffs, which is the most popular attraction in the area. With a stretch of more than 2 kilometers from Bahrija to Mungar, these stunning cliffs offer sharp edges to pathways down to the sea, where you can also spot Filfla, a small uninhabited islet
- Visit St Mary Magdalene Chapel, located on the edge of Dingli Cliffs, marking the highest point in Malta
- Don’t miss out on the stunning sunset with breathtaking open sea views
- Walk around the Dingli Cart Ruts/Clapham Junction and several prehistoric sites with unexplained parallel tracks in the rock with several megalithic caves can also be found in this area.
- If you want something different and fun, why not try the Dingli Funtastic Tour with Malta Segway! Tour takes around 3 hours.
- Visiting Malta from October to May? Hike from Dingli to Zurrieq, this is at 11.2km walk planned by Malta Tourism Authority which starts from the interpretation centre close to Dingli Cliffs. Follow the red signs throughout the route which will lead you to Zurrieq from where you can catch bus number 201 back to Dingli.
- Make sure to explore neighbouring places like Rabat, Mdina and You can take the bus to Mdina which is a stone throw away and if you are up for more walking follow the orange signs through a more rural path back to Dingli.
Where to eat?
- Dar il-Bniet located in a beautiful farmhouse, this family-run restaurant offers traditional Maltese delicacies sourced from their own farm and other local producers. If you are looking for an extra special experience, cooking classes can also be arranged! You can check their website here.
- The Cliffs is an Interpretation Centre with a restaurant area offering local food specialities enriched with local wild edible plants such as nettles, borage and wild asparagus. As the name implies, it also has a panoramic landscape of the cliffs. You can visit their website here.
- 1640 Wine Room for a nice selection of pizza, burgers and other Mediterranean dishes. Perfect place to enjoy good food and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Here they are on the Map.
How to get to Had-Dingli?
From Airport Catch bus number 201
From Valletta Bus number 52 and 56
From Cirkewwa There is no direct bus from Cirkewwa to Dingli, so one has to hop on and off between buses; from Cirkewwa catch bus no 41 or 42, Stop in Burmarrad and grab bus no 186 towards Rabat. When in Rabat, buses number 52, 56 and 201 will take you to Dingli.
