Welcome to Mdina
The mysterious golden-stone Arabic walled city of Mdina crowns a hilltop, and is a world apart from modern Malta. Its hidden lanes offer exquisite architectural detail and respite from the day-tripping crowds, who largely stick to the main street. Today, with its massive walls and peaceful, shady streets, it is often referred to as the Silent City, a nickname that becomes appropriate after dark.
Top experiences in Mdina
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $25.99
Mdina activities
Malta 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Full-Day Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: San Anton GardensGardens of King's Landing, Tower of the Hand, The Stables, Maegor's HoldfastDuration: 1 hourStop At: Mdina Old CityKing's LandingDuration: 1 hourPass By: Valletta WaterfrontViews of Entrance to the Red Keep & Fortifications used for DungeonsStop At: Migra l-FerhaThe Red WasteDuration: 1 hourStop At: Popeye VillageCourtesy Photo Stop overlooking the village (we do not enter)Duration: 15 minutesStop At: San Duminku u l-Vergni MbierkaThe Red KeepDuration: 25 minutesPass By: Il-Majjistral Nature and History ParkCountry drive
Mdina, Mosta Dome, Ta Qali Crafts Village Tour in Malta
Start your day with a pickup from your selected hotel and travel by air-conditioned coach to the central part of Malta, dominated by the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital. The narrow, winding streets, dating back to medieval times, lead to the imposing bastions, commanding a magnificent panorama of the island. On the way there, discover different styles of architecture, including Siculo-Norman palaces and other baroque buildings of historical importance.Leaving Mdina through Greeks’ Gate, stop at the early Christian catacombs in Rabat before heading to the Dingli Cliffs. Enjoy a break in an authentic Maltese restaurant for a 3-course lunch with a glass of wine. Relax while eating and chatting with your guide, and then travel to the San Anton Botanical Gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside. You'll also spend time at the crafts centre at Ta’ Qali. At the end of the tour, visit Mosta’s majestic dome, one of Europe’s largest. Walk around inside the church with your guide and learn about its architectural glory. Your full-day tour then finishes with a hotel drop-off.
Private Highlights of Malta Full-Day Tour from Valletta
This is a flexible tour. You can discuss your preferred sites to see at the time of placing your booking and we will work on your personalised tour itinerary. You can also advise us of an alternative preferred start time. It all starts at 8:45am when our private guide will collect you from your hotel or cruise ship.You’ll start off your day discovering the stunning World UNESCO Heritage Site, Valletta, the capital city that was built by knights.Next up is an opportunity to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Marsaxlokk, the charming traditional fishing village in the south of the island.We’ll take a scenic 25-minute boat ride along and inside the sea caves at Blue Grotto (optional).If you thought Stonehenge or the Pyramids were the only super-old man-made constructions in the world, wait until you check out the ancient temples at Hagar Qim - even Indiana Jones would be impressed by this historic site (optional).Then a quick walk along one of the highest points of the island at Dingli Cliffs, with gorgeous views of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, and Filfla, the island used as a practice target for airborne bombs in WWII.No visit to Malta would be complete without a tour through the medieval streets of Mdina, the Silent City, where you’ll capture stunning views of Malta and appreciate the country’s tiny size.Your day isn't over yet! We’ll also show you Golden Bay, the location of the blockbuster film Troy.Last up, another movie set! Watch the animators bring the location of the Popeye film, starring the late Robin Williams, back to life!Just a short drive along the coast and you’re back to your start point at approximately 5pm.This tour is approximately eight hours long.Entrance fees to attractions, lunch and any souvenirs you wish to purchase are not included.This tour requires moderate walking, but it is wheelchair friendly.
Malta Shore Excursion: Private tour of Valletta and Mdina
On this private shore excursion in Malta, you'll journey in a comfortable private vehicle with a local guide to the fortified city of Mdina, Malta's first capital, dating back to before Roman times. Together with your guide, you will stroll through Mdina’s quaint winding streets, admiring its blend of medieval and Baroque architecture and the beautiful homes and palazzos still used by old Maltese noble families. Enjoy the view from the bastions of the ‘Silent City,’ and listen as your guide points out the Mdina Cathedral and the Museum of Natural History, housed in a palace once owned by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. You’ll then leave Mdina and proceed to Valletta, Malta’s current capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will go on another walking tour, starting with a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta's highest vantage point and an ideal place for photo opportunities of Malta's lovely Grand Harbor.Continuing through Valletta, you will walk past various stately buildings such as the Auberge de Castille, which houses the office of the Prime Minister, and then arrive at St John's Co-Cathedral, the16th-century church built by the Knights of Malta. Revealing a staggering display of Baroque art, it houses some of Malta's finest treasures; two masterpieces by Caravaggio, The Beheading of St John the Baptist and St Jerome, hang in the oratory. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the cruise terminal.Worry-Free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Malta port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Mosta Crafts Village Mdina and Valletta Full Day Tour
During this full day tour you will first visit Mosta, a central town famous for its Rotunda church. The Rotunda also famous as the Mosta Dome is the third largest unsupported dome in the whole World with an internal diameter of 37.2 meters and walls nearly 9.1 meters thick. This church was built in the 18th Century and became known throughout the country in 1942 when during World War II, a dropped bomb failed to explode, thus sparing the lives of some 300 people.The next stop is the town of Ta'Qali, located nearby was once a British WWII outpost, but has been converted to a village for local handicrafts. You will be able to watch local artisans at work blowing elaborate glass art pieces, intricately assembling original silver filigree jewelry and many more. This is the perfect place to pick up treasures that will remind you of your Malta visit.You will then visit Mdina. Mdina is built on a plateau in the center of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital city of Malta has had many names including Melita (Roman Occupation), Medina (Arabic Occupation), Citta' Nobile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today is also referred as the Silent City since it inspires tranquility at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far reaching views from the high bastion walls.Finally you will visit Valletta, Malta's Capital City and a World Heritage Site. Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. You will walk through the bustling streets and to Barracca Gardens for a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour.Free time for lunch will be given in Valletta.
Malta by Night Open Top Bus Tour
The tour leaves from Bugibba and passes through various areas. All buses are equipped with an audio system and commentary is available in 16 different languages.While listening to the interesting commentary you will pass by: • Paceville • St. Julian’s • Sliema • Ta’Xbiex • Msida • Valletta • Mediterranean Conference Centre • Fort St. Elmo • Auberge de Castille • The Aqueducts • Rabat • Mdina • Mosta • Naxxar • LijaDuring the tour you stop for 60 minutes in Mdina where you can visit this quiet but attractive city. The tour takes around 4 hours.