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If you’re searching for a guide to exploring Malta’s Dingli Cliffs, you’ve come to the right place. I have lived in Malta since 2011, and I’ve explored these cliffs many times. This guide is a comprehensive overview of all you need to know to plan a visit to Dingli Cliffs.
You’ll learn about the must-see viewpoints and hidden places only locals know. Ready? Let’s dive in.
A Brief Overview of Dingli Cliffs
Malta’s highest point is Dingli Cliffs, which display Upper Coralline Limestone composition. The rock formations at Dingli Cliffs are the result of millions of years of natural forces – waves and winds.
The cliffs are a major tourist attraction due to their incredible views. You can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Maltese countryside. In the distance there is also an uninhabited islet called Filfla.
The Dingli Cliffs are even more beautiful at sunset. They are an ideal place for a picnic, sunset walks and photography.
Dingli Cliffs’ Location
Dingli Cliffs are on Malta’s southwest coast, about 16 kilometres from Valletta.
Getting to Dingli Cliffs is straightforward, with several transportation options available:
By car: Driving is the easiest way to explore Dingli Cliffs. Parking is available near St. Mary Magdalene Chapel. It is next to a walking track and viewpoint.
By bus: Public transportation is a viable option for those without a car. The nearest bus stop to Dingli Cliffs is ‘Maddalena’ at Ħad-Dingli, accessible via Rabat.
You can also get into Dingli town center and walk around 15 minutes to the cliffs.
Getting there:
- Location: link to Google Maps
- Nearest bus stop: Maddalena. There is a bus 201 that connects the airport with Zurrieq, Rabat, and Dingli.
- Frequency of the buses: every hour
- Parking available: Along the road, there is plenty of parking
The Best Time to Visit Dingli Cliffs
Visiting Dingli Cliffs offers an experience that varies with the seasons. Here’s a detailed look at the best times to visit, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each season:
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November):
Pros: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Dingli Cliffs. These seasons have mild weather, suitable for hiking and exploring. My favourite time of year to visit Dingli Cliffs is spring when the landscape turns lush and green.
Cons: Spring and autumn weather can be unpredictable, with rain showers.
Summer (June to August):
Pros: Summer at Dingli Cliffs brings long, sunny days with clear skies. It a great time for sunset lovers.
Cons: The heat in summer can be intense, particularly in the afternoons. Also, the area can get quite crowded with tourists. The landscape tends to be less green, leaning towards yellow hues due to the intense sun.
Winter (December to February):
Pros: Dingli Cliffs are beautiful in winter. You can see big waves on windy days. Plus, there are less visitors so it will be a peaceful experience.
Cons: The main drawback of visiting in winter is the cold and windy weather.
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Dingli Cliffs: The Best Viewpoints
Exploring the Dingli Cliffs offers a variety of viewpoints. Here are some of the top ones to consider. Additionally, I’ve included a map of the area showcasing these locations.
St. Mary Magdalene Chapel Area
The St. Mary Magdalene Chapel area is one of the most popular (see its location on the map above).
The chapel itself, dedicated to Mary Magdalene, is a remarkable historical site. The exact date of its construction remains unknown, but records mention the chapel as early as 1446.
It’s also known as the Chapel of the Cliffs. It’s named for its breathtaking vantage point overlooking Dingli Cliffs.
The chapel area is well-equipped for visitors. There is a large parking area. A few benches are available, providing a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the views. During the summer and weekends, food trucks offer snacks and sandwiches.
Bronze Age Village Il-Wardija ta’ San Ġorġ
The Wardija ta’ San Ġorġ settlement is another viewpoint along the Dingli Cliffs. It does not only provide great views, but is rich in history. To get there, follow the Triq Panoramika south.
This particular settlement dates back to the Bronze Age, between 2400BC and 800BC. This was a period marked by bronze introduction to Malta by new settlers.
Wardija ta’ San Ġorġ is notable for rock-cut silo pits. These pits were likely used for storing essential supplies like water and grain.
Accessing this spot involves a 200-meter walk from Triq Panoramika on an uneven path. Thus, sturdy shoes are necessary if you pla exploring this area.
Triq Panoramika Cliffside Walk
You can enjoy the views of the Dingli Cliffs by walking along the Triq Panoramika road. This path stretches for over 3 kilometres, providing a picturesque experience.
For the best experience, head north from St. Mary Magdalene Church. In this section of Triq Panoramika, there is a pedestrian sidewalk.
You can stop and enjoy the views at your own pace. Along the path, there are benches inviting you to relax and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you.
The path is well-maintained and suitable for most walkers. While it’s an easy and accessible walk, it’s imperative to stay mindful of the cliff edge for safety.
The Panoramic View of Ras id-Dawwara
The last panoramic I recommend is a viewpoint overlooking Ras id-Dawwara. It is at the end of Triq Panoramika. This viewpoint offers amazing views of the bay and rocky coastline. You will also see small village roads and farmland that stretch into the distance.
My visit was in autumn, and while the greenery hadn’t set in, the landscape was still picturesque. I can only imagine how vibrant and lush this view must be in spring.
In my opinion, the view from this point surpasses that of other stops along the cliffs. The panorama is more expansive and immersive.
If you want to visit this viewpoint, it’s about a 3 km walk from the St. Mary Magdalene Chapel. This makes it an enjoyable and not too strenuous trek. Or, you can also drive and park along the side road.
Ras id-Dawwara viewpoint is quiet because it’s not known and less visited. The lack of crowds means you can enjoy the views without distraction.
Dining Options at Dingli Cliffs
Following a visit to the Dingli Cliffs, you can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in the area.
Bobbyland Restaurant offers an outdoor seating area, suitable for enjoying sunny Malta weather.
This restaurant is open only for lunch. It serves Maltese and Mediterranean dishes. If you want to taste something Maltese, try the traditional snail dish.
Another restaurant at Dingli cliffs is the Cliffs Restaurant. It also serves traditional and Mediterranean dishes. They grow many of their own herbs and vegetables, making food fresh and full of flavor.
I once had a vegetarian platter from The Cliffs, which was an excellent choice for a picnic.
If you plan to visit these restaurants, book a table in advance.
Hiking Trails in the Dingli Cliffs Area
Hiking in the Dingli Cliffs Area offers three fantastic trails. Here are 3 different ones you can try.
Fawwara Trail:
This hike is a 6.7 km trail offering sea views, green fields, and Filfla islet. It starts and ends at St Mary Magdalene Chapel.
The trail takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. It is suitable for hikers of a moderate fitness level. Here is a link to a complete guide for this hike.
Buskett Garden to Dingli Cliffs:
Starting and ending at Buskett Gardens, this hike is 5 km long. It takes about 1 hour to 20 minutes to complete it. It is suitable for hikers of any fitness level.
The trail offers natural landscapes and panoramic cliff views. For more info, check this guide.
Dingli Town to Dingli Cliffs:
This circular route starts and ends in Dingli village, covering about 6 km. The hike takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete it. It’s ideal for those with a moderate fitness level.
Along the way, you explore Dingli town, enjoy sea views and rural landscapes.
Each of these hikes showcases the natural beauty of the Dingli Cliffs area. So, if you like the outdoors, check them out.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, take some water, and check the weather before you go.
Exploring Dingli Town
After seeing Dingli Cliffs, you can also check out Dingli Town. It’s not touristic and you can see authentic Maltese village life.
You can explore the town’s pretty streets, visit St. Mary’s Parish Church, and try local Maltese cuisine.
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Dingli Cliffs: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dingli Cliffs worth it?
Dingli Cliffs are definitely worth seeing in Malta. They have stunning sea views and quiet walks in nature. The sunsets there are amazing. But if you’re only in Malta for a few days, you might not want to spend a whole day there. Instead, visiting for a sunset could be a great choice.
How high are Dingli Cliffs Malta?
Dingli Cliffs are around 250 meters high. They stand as the tallest cliffs in Malta, offering some of the most spectacular views on the island.
What is the highest point in Malta?
The highest point in Malta is the Dingli Cliffs. They reach about 250 meters above sea level, making them a significant landmark in Malta.
What is the history of Dingli?
Dingli’s history dates back to ancient times with tombs from Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman eras. The area had a village called Ħal Tartarni until the 16th century, with a significant church, now in ruins. Over time, people moved to where modern Dingli is, leaving Ħal Tartarni. Dingli area was considered safe from pirates during the Order of Saint John’s rule due to its cliffs.
How long are Dingli Cliffs?
Dingli Cliffs stretch along Malta’s southwest coast. They cover around 5 kilometres and offer many spots to enjoy the scenery and the Mediterranean Sea.
What does “Dingli” mean?
The name “Dingli” has probably to come from Sir Thomas Dingley, an English knight in the Order of St. John. Sir Thomas owned a lot of the land around the area, which likely influenced the naming of Dingli.
Malta’s Dingli Cliffs offer stunning views, rich history, and great hikes. You can enjoy nature, dine at local spots, and walk through Dingli Town. Nearby places like Rabat, Mdina, and Buskett woodlands are also worth visiting. For hiking enthusiasts, check out my guide on Malta’s best hikes.
