Europe or northern Africa? Mdina, Malta

The small Mediterranean island of Malta is a great holiday destination. This small island appeals to travellers seeking beautiful, sunny weather, gorgeous coastlines, crystal-clear sea and impressive historical sites and stunning Neolithic temples.

Although much of Malta has been (horrendously) over-developed, and I did my very best to avoid these areas, there are many beautiful destinations on this island that immediately transport you back in time.

I really enjoyed my trip to visit the charming Maltese town of Mdina (according to Maltese friends, pronounced EM-dina), with its impressive fortifications.

Although originally settled by the Phoenicians, the town today bears the stamp of its later Arab settlers. While wandering the winding, narrow, labarynth-like alleyways, you could be forgiven for wondering if you are in northern Africa rather than Europe.

There are wonderful baroque details on the buildings, much of it pointing clearly to the golden era of the Knights of Malta.

The powerful Knights of Malta brought great wealth to their island state and this is clearly reflected in the ornate baroque churches and palaces that the Knights constructed during major renovation efforts of the town in the early 18th century. Not to be missed is the stunning and elegant St. Paul’s Cathedral, completed in 1702.

In northern African towns, it is always a pleasure to observe the intricate door-knockers. Mdina also has some fine, whimsical examples.

Malta is extremely hot during the spring and summer months. It is best to visit Mdina in early morning or late afternoon hours.

My suggestion would be to combine this lovely town with the nearby beach of Ghajn Tuffieha, just a few kilometers away.

Enjoy a day wandering the magical, labarynth-like streets of stunning Mdina followed by lazing on the golden sands of Ghajn Tuffieha and swimming in its refreshing, turquoise waters as you enjoy view up to one of the Knights’ impressive watchtowers.

8 Comments

  1. ledrakenoir on June 26, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Malta ia a lovely place visiting… 😉

  2. kimberlysullivan on June 26, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Thanks, Ledrakenoir! Yes, it does make a nice little get-away..

  3. Julia on June 26, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    What a gorgeous place to visit. Thanks!

  4. kimberlysullivan on June 27, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Thanks, Julia! There’s a lot of interest to see on Malta (besides the beaches!) Mdina and Valletta are wonderful cities and the island is filled with spectacular neolithic temples that are truly impressive.

  5. The Blue Lagoon, Malta « kimberlysullivan on September 4, 2012 at 7:03 am

    […] other places of interest on a Maltese visit, be sure to take a stroll around the charming town of Mdina . Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like […]

  6. […] island of Malta  is a great holiday destination, offering visitors historic cities, like Mdina, spectacular beaches – see my post on the Blue Lagoon , and glimpses into its ancient […]

  7. […] written about lots to see on the Mediterranean island of Malta, including  the historical town of Mdina, tempting swimming at the Blue Lagoon, and the colorful local buses that will ferry you around the […]

  8. nylonliving on October 29, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    Reblogged this on Just Go Places.

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