Mdina holidays

Holidays to Mdina take you to a tiny city that goes big on history and charm. And with a setting near the middle of Malta, it puts all the island’s hotspots within daytripping distance.

Heaps of history

You’ll find Mdina perched on a hilltop in southwest Malta, looking out over much of the island and the surrounding sea. It’s a small city, home to only a few hundred people, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in history. When the capital moved over to Valletta in 1571, most of Mdina’s population went with it. This, along with the fact that the streets are mostly car-free, is what earned it its nickname – the Silent City.

Architecture to admire

Mdina’s architecture’s a pick ‘n’ mix of Norman and Baroque styles. When you wander across the moat and through the city’s main gate, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping back in time. Inside the old city walls, the narrow, stone-paved streets are full of ancient charm. They’re peppered with quaint cafés and boutique shops, and the bell towers of St Paul’s Cathedral dominate the city’s modest skyline. Plus, brightly coloured doors and pretty facades provide photo opportunities at almost every turn.

Daytrips to Valletta

Thanks to its small size, Malta’s easy to explore, and Mdina doesn’t sit far from the centre. The island’s capital, Valletta, is less than half-an-hour’s drive from here, and it’s an ideal spot for a daytrip. This UNESCO-listed gem is packed full of golden-hued buildings and waterfront bars. Plus, there’s plenty for history buffs to see. You can learn about Malta’s past in the National Museum of Archaeology, or nosey around the halls of the centuries-old Grand Masters Palace.