Dingli is a village in the Northern Region of Malta that is most famous for its high cliffs toward the Mediterranean Sea. The village is also known by its Maltese name Ħad-Dingli. The highest point in Malta with a height of 253 meters, Ta’ Dmejrek, is along the Dingli Cliffs. The village itself has a population of around 3.700 inhabitants who live next to the southwestern coast of Malta.
Our blog posts about Dingli:
The History of Dingli
Dingli became its own parish in 1678 after the settlement in the village had grown. Originally the village of Ħal Tartarni was a short distance to the east, but its inhabitants had started to move closer to the fields where they were doing their daily labor.
Dingli has grown in what seems to be silence during the centuries since its establishment. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the population started to grow a bit more rapidly.
The first radar in Malta was built by the British at Dingli Cliffs in 1939. It would be the first of many before the whole island was covered by 1941. Maltese authorities control the radar stations since 1979 and today they are used also for air traffic control.
Sights
On the southern outskirts of the village is one of the main attractions in Malta, the Dingli Cliffs. The main area around the cliffs is usually crowded with tourists, but you will not find as many people in the village itself.
Close by in nearby Siġġiewi is also Misraħ Għar il-Kbir, or the Clapham Junction. These are cart ruts that are up to 60 centimeters deep into the rock. Other places just outside of Dingli are the Verdala Palace and Buskett Woods.
Dingli Cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs are one of the main attractions in Malta. The cliffs offer an amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea with a direction that makes it a great place to enjoy the sunset. This is also where you will find Malta’s highest point, Ta’ Dmejrek.
Dingli Radar
The radar station at Dingli Cliffs was the first radar station built in Malta when it was completed in 1939. It is known locally as the golf ball or Il Ballun.
Parish Church of the Assumption
Its full name is the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, which is Knisja Parrokkjali ta’ Santa Marija Assunta in Maltese. The long name aside, this is the parish church and its construction began in 1903 and replaced the former church from the 17th century.
Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel
Next to the Dingli Cliffs is the Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel. This is a Roman Catholic chapel that is dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It was built in 1646 and is a popular viewpoint of the cliffs.
Dingli Activities
Dingli might be a sleepy small village, but this is also what opens up the possibilities for people looking for outdoor activities in less crowded rural areas. Hiking might be one of the main activities in the area and the coast does offer some amazing possibilities to explore many sights on foot.
Beaches
With the cliffs toward the sea, it is hard to imagine where there could be a good spot for swimming. One thing is for sure and that is that it will be a long climb to get down to the water. If you know of any good spots for swimming, please let us know in the comments below.
Hiking
Dingli is surrounded by countryside and rural paths, making it perfect for hikes. Three directions are easy to identify, but there is a lot more to do for the one who dares to go out in the unknown.
To the West
To the west, or rather northwest, there are plenty of hiking trails along the coast. In addition, there are also many viewpoints and sights to explore depending on which route you take.
To the East
To the east is one of the more famous hiking trails in Malta, the one leading to the Blue Grotto. It will take you down the cliffs toward the waterfront with some amazing views along the way, before heading along countryside roads along the coast.
To the North
To the north is a larger road leading to Rabat and Mdina. It might not be the most beautiful path, but the feeling when entering the gates of Mdina after a long hike is quite extraordinary. Maybe you can get all the way to the Golden Bay?
Shopping in Dingli
Shopping in Dingli will be very limited and you will most likely need to go to Rabat to find more than a convenience shop. To find shopping centers and more streets for shopping, you might need to make an excursion to Sliema or Valletta.
Excursions from Dingli
Dingli is a bit more remote than many other places in Malta and excursions with public transport might be more time-consuming. Malta is, however, not big, and reaching most corners of the island is still possible. Especially if you decide to go by taxi or dare to drive yourself.
Birżebbuġa
Birżebbuġa is a coastal town in the southeastern part of Malta. In addition to being the home of the large Malta Freeport, it is also the home of a few historical sites. You will mainly find two interesting archaeological sites here, Għar Dalam and Borġ in-Nadur. This is also a popular summer resort for the local Maltese.
From our visit:
Marsaskala
Marsaskala is a coastal resort town in the eastern part of Malta. Its location is as far east as you can get from Dingli. This former fishing village has grown into a resort town with beaches, playgrounds, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
From our visits:
- Marsaskala – Exploring Malta
- Malta Highlights – November 2021
- Marsaskala, Malta – Sant’Antnin Family Park
- Marsaskala, Malta – Exploring the Playgrounds
- Marsaskala, Malta – A December Visit
- Marsaskala, Malta – Arrival and First Visit to the Playground
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is an old fishing village famous for its traditional colorful boats and the daily market. This is one of the main tourist attractions in the eastern part of Malta. The colorful fishing boats, known as Luzzu, are an addition to the Maltese culture dating back to the early 12th century.
From our visits:
Mdina
Mdina is the former capital of Malta and is today a small fortified town that is actually within easy reach from Dingli. This former capital of Malta is one of the most impressive sights on the island and a must-see when visiting Malta.
From our visits:
- Mdina – Exploring Malta
- Mdina, Malta – Exploring the Old Capital of Malta
- Blue Grotto, Malta – A Hike to Dingli Cliffs and Mdina
Saint Julian’s
Saint Julian’s is the main tourist resort in Malta. This is where many of the hotels are located and it is popular for its restaurants and shopping. It is also the home of Paceville, an area that is both loved and hated for its many bars and nightclubs. From Dingli, this is what can be considered to be on the opposite side of Malta, but at the narrowest point.
Sliema
Sliema is the coastal resort town neighboring Saint Julian’s. This is one of the busier towns in Malta and a modern commercial center. For anyone looking for shopping or other urban activities, then Sliema is usually among the main options on the island. Together with Saint Julian’s, Sliema makes up one of the main tourist resorts in Malta.
From our visits:
- Sliema – Exploring Malta
- Sliema, Malta – Playgrounds and City Life
- Sliema, Malta – Finding More Playgrounds
The Three Cities – Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea
The Three Cities of Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea are famous for their fortifications and marinas. This is a destination that is easy to combine with Valletta, as it is just a short ferry ride across the Grand Harbour to reach Senglea. This is where you will find Fort St Angelo and several other sights and amazing views. There is the large yacht marina, the Grand Harbor, and the view of Valletta.
From our visits:
- Birgu (Vittoriosa) – Exploring Malta
- Cospicua (Bormla) – Exploring Malta
- Senglea (Isla) – Exploring Malta
- Marsaskala, Malta – A Hike to Senglea
- Birgu, Malta – The Three Cities
Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is one of the cities in Europe that you will have to see at least once. Its high walls and other fortifications make it an impressive sight and the view of the sea is never far away. It might take some time to cross the inland of Malta, but it will be worth it.
From our visits:
- Valletta – Exploring Malta
- Valletta, Malta – A Carnival in Town
- Valletta, Malta – A Kid Re-discovers the Island
- Valletta, Malta – Sunshine in the Capital
- Valletta, Malta – Christmas in the Capital
Dingli with Kids
Dingli with kids might be considered safe due to less traffic and calmer streets, but some kids might consider it a boring place. There are limited arranged activities for kids in the area, but as a parent, there are still plenty of options to arrange your own options.
Read more about Malta with kids:
Playgrounds in Dingli
We have not located any playground in Dingli during our visits, but have later understood that there is at least one smaller family park in the village. Please feel free to provide more insights in the comments below.
Dingli Family Park
Dingli Family Park is on the northwestern outskirt of the village and according to aerial photos includes a small playground. It has, however, not received promising reviews. If you have visited, please let us know what you think in the comments.
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