Perched on Malta's highest point at 250 meters, this rural village sits atop dramatic limestone cliffs that drop straight into the Mediterranean Sea.
Dingli sits at Malta's highest point, where limestone cliffs drop 250 meters into the Mediterranean Sea. You can walk to the St. Mary Magdalene Chapel for views of the uninhabited isle of Filfla, explore the cypress groves of Buskett Gardens, or see the Renaissance architecture of Verdala Palace. In the village's surrounding fields, farmers grow vegetables and herbs that supply local restaurants with fresh ingredients.
Getting to Dingli
You can reach Dingli by taking bus 52 or 56 from Valletta, with the journey taking about 45 minutes. The buses stop near St. Mary Magdalene Chapel and in Dingli center, making it easy to explore the area on foot. If you're driving, follow the signs from Rabat, which is 2 kilometers away, and park near the cliffs viewpoint or in the village center.
Walking Along the Cliffs
The limestone cliffs stretch for more than 2 kilometers from Bahrija to Munqar, with several marked walking paths along the edge. Start your walk at the radar station and continue past St. Mary Magdalene Chapel. The chapel marks Malta's highest point at 253 meters above sea level. In spring, purple thistle and yellow cape sorrel bloom across the cliff tops. On clear winter days, you can see Filfla island and the Mediterranean horizon.
Exploring Buskett Gardens
A 15-minute walk from Dingli leads to Buskett Gardens, where cypress, pine, and olive trees create a network of shaded paths. Look for local birds like the Sardinian Warbler among the branches. The adjacent Verdala Palace dates from 1586 when the Knights of Malta built it as their summer residence. Today, Malta's President uses the palace during summer months, though the exterior remains visible to visitors year-round.
Best Times to Visit
Plan your visit between March and May or September to November when temperatures range from 15-25°C, ideal for walking. The west-facing cliffs make an excellent sunset viewing spot - bring a camera around 7:30 PM in summer or 5:00 PM in winter. Winter brings clear skies but strong winds, while summer afternoons can reach 35°C on the exposed clifftops.
Local Agriculture
Farmers in Dingli grow potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and various herbs in small plots divided by limestone walls. You'll see these ingredients in local restaurant dishes like 'stuffat tal-fenek' (rabbit stew) and fresh vegetable soups. Some farmers also keep beehives, producing honey from the wild thyme that grows along the cliffs.
Historical Background
Archaeologists have found Phoenician-era rock-cut tombs near the village, dating back to 700 BCE. The village's name comes from Sir Thomas Dingley, an English knight who owned land here during the Order of St. John's rule in the 16th century. Dingli remained a small farming community until the 1950s, when improved bus routes connected it to Valletta, leading to gradual growth.
