Dingli Cliffs: Explore Malta’s dramatic seaside cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs rise majestically from the Mediterranean Sea on Malta’s west coast and, at 253 metres, form the highest point on the island. At sunset, these dramatic cliffs offer unforgettable views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Filfla Nature Reserve. Explore the picturesque hiking trails or visit the filming locations of Game of Thrones. Getting to Dingli Cliffs is easy by bus, car or bike, with plenty of parking available.
The highest point in Malta – What makes the Dingli Cliffs so special
Millions of years ago, waves and winds shaped the majestic island cliffs that rise from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. They offer an unforgettable view of the Maltese landscape and the uninhabited island of Filfla. The British once used the Filfla nature reserve as a target for bombing exercises. The steeply sloping cliffs seem to kiss the sea and form an imposing natural picture – perhaps Malta’s most spectacular natural landscape.
Is the name Dingli Cliffs Maltese?
According to legend, the Dingli Cliffs and the village of Dingli got their name from the English knight Sir Thomas Dingley. He is said to have settled there in the 16th century. Records show that the knight Thomas Dingley of the Order of St John owned land there in the 16th century. However, the village existed centuries earlier with just a few hundred inhabitants.
The Order of Malta lists Sir Thomas Dingley as ‘Venerables and servants of God’. Apart from his name and lands, little has survived. There are no churches or altars built by him in Dingli, nor any images or monuments bearing his name. It is possible that the parish of Dingli was renamed much later, in 1678, in honour of Sir Thomas Dingley. It was in this year that the name ‘Dingli’ first appeared in chronicles.
And what is the highest mountain in Malta?
The highest point on the Dingli Cliffs is Ta’ Dmejrek at 253 metres. Due to the impressive view, Ta’ Dmejrek is one of the most popular tourist attractions and an excellent vantage point.
The St Mary Magdalene Chapel
The chapel is dedicated to Mary Magdalene and was first mentioned in 1446. The rectangular chapel is enthroned on the cliffs and faces the endless horizon of the sea. With its simple, typically Maltese architecture and the small forecourt, it radiates a quiet dignity. Pilgrims enjoy a moment of contemplation here, given the breathtaking view over the sea.
A few benches at the Roman Catholic chapel invite you to linger. The historic chapel has defied wind and weather for centuries but was rebuilt after collapsing in 1646. Malta is hit by small tremors several times a year, so that centuries ago several churches around the 360 collapsed. The altar of the church is made of Maltese limestone. This combination of strategic vigilance and spiritual tranquillity makes the small chapel a place full of contrasts.
But the Dingli Cliffs are more than just a place of worship.
World of Malta insider tip: The Dingli Caves cave complex
Little known but highly interesting: the Dingli Caves consist of 8 caves on 2 levels. The largest cave is the Ghar il-Kbi. Until the 19th century, they served as homes for up to 36 families. They date back to prehistoric times and were used by the Punic and Romans, as the Punic and Roman tombs prove.
They are located between the cliffs at Dingli and Buskett Forest and can be reached without climbing. Guided tours are available for a donation. The Dingli Caves offer a unique combination of nature, history and culture and are a worthwhile destination for history buffs and nature lovers.
Cart Ruts – Malta’s mysterious ‘tram tracks’ on Malta’s Dingli Cliffs
At Dingli Cliffs, you will also discover the legendary Clapham Junction or Cart Ruts – Malta’s unsolved mystery. They are thought to be over 4,000 years old and were probably built in the early days during the Punic occupation.
Game of Thrones – A journey through time on the cliffs of the Mediterranean
Malta is well known to fans of the Game of Thrones series. The Dingli Cliffs were also filming locations for Game of Thrones. The cliffs were identified from the first, ninth and tenth seasons. The Dingli Cliffs, as well as the nearby Mtahleb Cliffs, served as the backdrop for scenes
- of the Dothraki camp,
- the funeral service for Khal Drogo and
- of the place where Daenerys and her dragons rose from the ashes.
The giant golf ball is the historic radar station
Six months before the start of the Second World War, the British occupying forces installed their first radar system in Malta – at Dingli Cliffs. For the Royal Navy, Malta was a crucial military base between Europe and Africa. The Dingli Radar System was the starting point of the Chain Home with 5 radar stations. The air defence at Dingli Cliffs was linked to Fort Tas-Silc in Marsaxlokk and Fort Madliena in Swieqi. In January 1935, Great Britain was the first country in the world to develop the integrated Chain Home air defence system.
The British government feared that Italy could attack Malta in the event of war with Germany. Italy could then have disrupted or, at best, interrupted the supply lines. The government was correct in this assessment. From June 1940, when Italy entered the war, Italian forces bombarded Malta. The ‘Malta Radar Early Warning System’ had been reconnoitring the airspace since March 1939.
In 1979, Malta took over the management of the air traffic control systems of the British Royal Air Force (RAF). However, the ‘golf ball’ on the radar building was only built in the 1980s and serves as a technical station for Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd. It processes air traffic from Greece to Tunisia. Today, the Dingli Radar Station characterises the Dingli Cliffs as an interesting landmark.
Exploring the Dingli Cliffs – hiking by the azure Mediterranean Sea
A hike right by the shimmering sea, numerous opportunities for a picnic and admiring the play of colours from sunset to dusk – every day comes to a spectacular end here.
Il-Wardija ta’ San Ä orÄ¡ – A Bronze Age settlement (between 2400 BC and 800 BC) south of the cliffs at Triq Panoramika offers a rich history as well as a marvellous view. The silo pits cut into the rocks were used to store supplies such as water and grain.
Triq Panoramika Cliffside Walk – The route is up to 4 kilometres long. To the north, you will visit the Dingli Radar Station, the Ras id-Dawwara cliff to Migra Ferha. To the south, the hiking route leads past the mythical Cart Ruts to Aurelio’s Place, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel and the Xaqqa Cliffs – always with a view of Filfla Island, which is around 5 kilometres away and 60 metres high, and its neighbouring island of Filfoletta.
Culinary highlights or Mediterranean delicacies above the abyss
At weekends, there is a food truck at St Mary Magdalene Chapel with snacks, sandwiches and coffee. The Bobbyland Restaurant on Panoramic Road, with its indoor and outdoor areas, is popular. However, it is generally only open at lunchtime and coffee time. There are no other restaurants directly on the cliffs. You will be rewarded with culinary delights in picturesque Dingli, around two kilometres away. Around ten first-class restaurants await you there, offering authentic Maltese cuisine and warm hospitality. An absolute insider tip is Diar il-Bniet, where local flavours are celebrated in a creative way – a must for connoisseurs!
What is the best time to visit Dingli Cliffs?
- Spring: Ideal for hikers as the weather is mild and the landscape is in full bloom. Rain showers are rare and temperatures are usually between 16 and 24 degrees.
- Summer: Offers long sunny days with spectacular sunsets, but temperatures often rise to over 35 degrees, which makes hiking during the day exhausting.
- Autumn: Brings back more pleasant temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees. The sun continues to shine often and short rain showers are rare.
- Winter: This is the quietest time of year, perfect for those who want to avoid the tourist crowds. Temperatures range between 10 and 18 degrees, which is pleasant for hiking. However, it can get windy and occasional rain showers are possible. Nevertheless, the Dingli Cliffs have a special charm, especially in winter: the waves crash powerfully against the rocks and the dramatic coastal landscape looks even more impressive.
Travelling and parking at the Dingli Cliffs or the cliffs of Maddalena
The two bus stops Maddalena and Depiro, are located directly on the cliffs, as is the Bugeja bus stop in the town of Dingli. Would you like to find out more about public transport? Then read our comprehensive guide on Public Transport – The free key to exploring Malta.
Bus route from Valletta to Dingli
Route 56 from Valletta departs every hour from 10:40 to 19:40 and you get off at the Depiro bus stop.
Alternatively, you can take bus number 52, which departs from Valletta every 30 minutes from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm and stops in the centre of Dingli at the Bugeja bus stop. Bus travellers can also enjoy the warm Mediterranean breeze at dusk on the Dingli Cliffs.
From Rabat via Dingli to Luqa airport and back
Bus route 201 takes you from Rabat to Dingli Cliffs every 30 minutes between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm. The bus runs from the airport between 8.45 am and 8.45 pm.
Exclusive round trips to the Dingli Cliffs
A round trip with pick-up from the hotel includes a visit to the Dingli Cliffs, the city of Mdina and the San Anton Botanical Gardens.
Another round trip to the Dingli Cliffs will delight you with a visit to the Blue Grotto, Rabat, Mdina, Ta Qali & Mosta.
Travelling to Dingli Cliffs by car
The roads to Dingli Cliffs are well developed and signposted. In addition to the official car parks and parking bays, you can park along the road in many places near the Dingli Cliffs. Do you love peace and quiet? Then experience the magic of the cliffs in complete silence early in the morning or at dusk.
Conclusion: Dingli Cliffs – The extraordinary natural beauty with a great story
The Dingli Cliffs are a true natural jewel and natural spectacle on Malta. With their dramatic cliffs and picturesque hiking trails, they are fascinating witnesses to bygone eras. The Dingli Cliffs offer both relaxation and adventure. The breathtaking view of the deep blue Mediterranean, the unspoilt cliffs and the impressive Dingli Cliffs sunset make this place unique.
History buffs can explore the millennia-old Cart Ruts, the prehistoric cave complex and St Mary Magdalene Chapel on their Dingli Cliffs walk, while nature lovers can hike along the coastal paths or discover the flora and fauna.
When Malta was still an important defence hub, the British set up the world’s first radar station for locating enemy aircraft on Dingli Cliffs in March 1939. Today, the radar tower, jokingly referred to as the ‘golf ball’, monitors the airspace between Tunisia and Crete.
Whether by car, bus or on foot – it’s easy to get here, and thanks to the nearby restaurants and food truck, you can always look forward to culinary delights. Do you love peace and quiet? Then experience the magic of the cliffs in complete silence early in the morning or at dusk.
The combination of culture, nature and history makes the Dingli Cliffs a must-see for every visitor to Malta.
