Mdina: A Hidden Gem in Malta That's Totally Worth Visiting
add_circle Pros
- The town's narrow streets are perfect for getting lost in and discovering hidden gems
- The ancient walls and fortifications are incredibly well-preserved and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside
- The town has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to ancient times
- The local culture is incredibly welcoming, with many residents eager to share their knowledge and traditions
- The town is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot and get a feel for the local way of life
- You can find plenty of affordable accommodation options, including hostels and guesthouses
remove_circle Cons
- The town can get pretty crowded during peak tourist season, which might detract from the overall experience
- Some of the streets and alleys can be quite narrow and steep, which might be challenging for visitors with mobility issues
- The town's ancient walls and fortifications can make it feel a bit claustrophobic at times
- Some of the local businesses and shops may be a bit overpriced, which might be a turn-off for budget-conscious travelers
- The town's limited infrastructure can make it difficult to find amenities and services
- You might struggle to find parking in the town center, especially during peak season
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Editor's Summary
Mdina is a must-visit destination in Malta that's packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. I spent a day exploring the town's narrow streets, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and learning about its rich history. From the ancient walls to the picturesque alleys, Mdina is a true gem that's worth every penny. Whether you're into history, architecture, or just want to experience the local culture, Mdina's got something for everyone.
Specifications
We stumbled upon Mdina while exploring Malta, and it's a must-see destination if you've got the time and inclination. This tiny town was once the capital, and we were stoked to explore its narrow streets and rich history.
Mdina (also known as L-Imdina in Maltese, Melittē in ancient Greek, and Madīnah in Arabic) is a fortified town in northern Malta that's been the capital of the island from ancient times to the Middle Ages. The town is still surrounded by its ancient walls, and it's got a population of just under 300 people.
To get there, we stayed in Gżira, which is close to the Sliema area. We walked to the Valletta ferry, then took bus #53 (which also runs as #51 and #52) from the Central Bus Station. We paid with our Tallinja card, which we'd bought at the airport for a weekly pass costing €25. The journey took about an hour, and we arrived in Mdina feeling pretty excited.
The town is surrounded by walls, which makes it all the more charming. We entered through the same gates that were featured in Game of Thrones, which added to the excitement big time. I mean, who wouldn't want to walk in the footsteps of Lord Snow and his companions?
In the third episode of Game of Thrones, Lord Snow and his companions, including Lady Catelyn Stark and Ser Rodrik Cassel, entered the city through these gates to investigate the attack on Bran Stark.
As we walked through the streets, we stumbled upon the Mdina Dungeons Museum, which cost €6 to enter. It's a small but interesting museum with some impressive sound and lighting effects. However, it might not be for everyone, so be prepared - it's not for the faint of heart. We were a bit apprehensive at first, but it ended up being a really cool experience.
We continued our walk through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the town. We eventually made our way to the St. Paul's Cathedral, but we discovered that we needed to buy tickets in the adjacent building, which is also a museum. The entry fee was €10 (now €15), which included entry to the museum and the cathedral. Since we'd already paid for the museum, we decided to explore it instead of the cathedral - and we're glad we did. The museum was really well done, and we learned a lot about the history of Mdina.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the town, taking in the views from the other side of the city, and popping into some souvenir shops. The prices were pretty standard, but we did find one shop that sold spices that caught our eye - we ended up buying a few bags to take home. We also picked up some really cool postcards and souvenirs to remember our trip by.
We really enjoyed our visit to Mdina and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Malta. It's definitely worth a day trip, and we're so glad we made the effort to get there. We even tried to catch the old-style bus from Sliema, but we missed it when we needed it - next time we'll be more on the ball.
