Mdina Old City Fortress is situated on a plateau in the center of Malta Island. It served as the old capital from ancient times until the end of the Middle Ages, with a settlement history dating back nearly 3,000 years to the Phoenician era. Even the name "Mdina" is derived from the Arabic word for "city." Today, the city has only a few hundred permanent residents, and its Norman and Baroque mansions, churches, and walls largely maintain their original layout. St. Paul's Cathedral in the city center is the city's highlight: legend has it that the original site was the residence where the Roman governor received the shipwrecked Apostle Paul. The existing cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake under the direction of architect Lorenzo Gafà. The floor inside is inlaid with marble tombstones of Maltese nobles, and the large mural behind the main altar depicts the scene of Paul's shipwreck and arrival on the island. The facade also features two clocks side-by-side, one for the time and one for the date, and the adjacent museum houses Dürer's woodcut series "The Life of the Virgin." Standing on the viewing platform by the city walls, you can take in most of Malta Island. Visitors can also enjoy an authentic dining experience within the ancient buildings and soak in the unique historical atmosphere.

Mdina · 2.9 km from Had-Dingli

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2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Popeye Village

7.1

4.4/5

27 reviews

Popeye Village was originally the shooting scene of Popeye's music movie in 1980. It was not dismantled after the filming was completed. With the popularity of Popeye, the original scene became a tourist hotspot in Malta. This colorful town is hidden in a bay with a mountain back, and the cabins of various colors instantly make people feel like they have crossed into a comic situation.

Mellieha · 11.6 km from Had-Dingli

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Anchor Bay

6.9

Anchor Bay is a small bay formed by a cliff, known for its clear water, unique coastal landforms, and brightly painted wooden buildings. Limestone cliffs rise and fall on both sides of the bay, and the shore is mainly rock and pebbles. The azure water contrasts with the surrounding natural environment, creating a tranquil and charming seaside view. The bay became widely known as the filming location for the movie "Popeye". In 1979, the film crew built a wooden village called Sweethaven in the bay, which was later preserved and developed into a distinctive tourist spot. The colorful houses, arranged along the bay, have become a recognizable view. Visitors can enjoy the sea from the shore, take photos, or try swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Underwater, the bay features reefs, caves, and abundant marine life, attracting many diving enthusiasts to explore. Whether admiring the coastal scenery or experiencing the unique atmosphere of a movie filming location, Anchor Bay offers a distinctive visiting experience.

Mellieha · 11.6 km from Had-Dingli

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Malta

Blue Grotto

6

4.4/5

15 reviews

Blue Grottois located on the southern coast of Malta and is a series of sea caves formed by years of seawater erosion, as well as one of the representatives of Malta's "Three Blues" views. The cave system consists of several chambers, and the entrance to the main cave is a natural arch tens of m high. Its name in Maltese literally translates to "under the arch." The water inside the cave is exceptionally clear. When sunlight shines into the entrance, the water surface takes on a transparent, almost sky-blue hue, while algae and marine life in the water reflect orange, purple, and green spots onto the cave walls, with light and shadow changing constantly depending on the angle of illumination.

Qrendi · 7.9 km from Had-Dingli

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Malta

Old Mint Street

6.2

4.8/5

23 reviews

Old Mint Streetis a narrow, steep street in the old town of Valletta, the capital of Malta, stretching from the city gate down the slope toward the sea. The "Mint" in the street name is a literal translation of the English word "mint," which actually refers not to the herb, but to the minting workshop established on this street during the time of the Knights Hospitaller. In Maltese, it is still called "Mint Street" today. The street is lined with old houses built of honey-colored limestone, with colorful enclosed wooden balconies cantilevered from the walls. The red, green, and blue paint against the warm yellow walls creates one of the most recognizable streetscapes in Valletta.

Valletta · 12 km from Had-Dingli

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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Malta

St. John's Co-Cathedral

5.8

4.4/5

20 reviews

St. John's Cathedral in Valletta is one of the more famous cathedrals in the world. It was built by the Knights of Malta from 1573 to 1578. It is the place where leaders and knights hold major religious ceremonies and sacrifices. The church is in early Baroque architectural style, partly imitating Gothic. Although the exterior is pure white and plain, the interior ornate decoration is breathtaking. The entire dome of the church is a large fresco, painted by the Italian painter Madia Brady, showing the life story of St. John, and the carved stone walls can make people understand the history of the Knights. This church is also known as one of the more beautiful churches in Europe. The interior of the cathedral is further divided into eight chapels, dedicated to the patron saints of the eight parts of the Knights. There is also a Cathedral Museum (CathedralMuseum), one of the more famous works of art is Caravaggio's "Saint John beheaded".

Valletta · 12.1 km from Had-Dingli

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Comino

6.6

5.0/5

1 reviews

Comino is a tiny island nestled between Malta Island and Gozo, its name derived from the cumin that once flourished here. The entire island is designated as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Its landscape is defined by limestone coasts, low-lying shrubs, and sea caves nestled within cliffs. During the Middle Ages, these caves served as hideouts and bases for pirates, adding a touch of legend to the island. The Blue Lagoon, located between the island and the islet of Cominotto, is a well-known view here: the land on both sides encloses a sheltered, shallow bay where the white sandy bottom makes the seawater appear almost transparent, displaying a bright cyan-blue color. The bay is rich in marine life, making it perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. The well-preserved St. Mary's Tower on the island was built in 1618 under the direction of the Order of Malta. It features a square tower body with corner turrets and walls several meters thick. It was originally used to watch for pirate activity and even served as the Château d'If where the protagonist was imprisoned in the film "The Count of Monte Cristo"; the St. Mary's Chapel from the same period and the 18th-century St. Mary's Battery are also historical landmarks worth visiting while hiking around the island. Films such as "Troy" have also been filmed on the island.

Ghajnsielem · 17 km from Had-Dingli

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No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Malta

Blue Lagoon

6.7

4.8/5

84 reviews

Blue Lagoonis located in the strait between Comino and Cominotto. It is a protected shallow bay with a white sandy bottom and crystal-clear water, where the water color transitions from deep blue in the distance to a bright blue-green near the shore. The water here is shallow with high visibility, and the shadows of boats anchored in the bay are clearly visible on the seabed, making the boats look like they are floating on glass.Blue Lagoon's main activities revolve around the water. Visitors can swim and snorkel in the shallow areas, where the high underwater visibility allows for observing small fish and coral. It is one of the most photogenic natural attractions in Malta.

Ghajnsielem · 17.7 km from Had-Dingli

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No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Malta

Upper Barrakka

5.4

4.8/5

36 reviews

Upper Barrakkais located on the ramparts of Valletta overlooking the Grand Harbour, built on the top tier of the St. Peter and St. Paul Bastion. The garden's seaside colonnade was built in 1661, commissioned by the Italian knights of the Order of St. John; originally covered, it was later converted into the open-air style seen today. Walk along the row of arches to the viewing platform, where you can take in the blue waters of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities on the opposite shore; the port shipyards and the old and new streets in the lower parts of Valletta are also clearly visible. Several statues and monuments are scattered between the columns, including a replica of "Street Urchins" by Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino, which is worth a closer look. It is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

Valletta · 12 km from Had-Dingli

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No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Malta

Grand Master's Palace

5.2

4.8/5

28 reviews

Grand Master's Palaceis located in the heart of the old town of Valletta, the capital of Malta, occupying an entire city block, with its main facade facing St. George's Square. The palace was built starting in the 1570s for the Grand Master of the Order of St. John and was designed by Girolamo Cassar, the architect behind many of Valletta's landmarks. Subsequent Grand Masters continuously expanded and decorated it, allowing the building to evolve from a structured Mannerist facade into an ornate Baroque interior. Today, it serves as the seat of the local government, and as a historical and cultural attraction, it not only showcases Malta's rich historical heritage but also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the glorious past of the Order.

Valletta · 12.3 km from Had-Dingli

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Experiences you can't miss in Had-Dingli

Featured Culture & history in Had-Dingli

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Mdina: Vintage Bus Tour with Palazzo Falson Entry & Snack

Duration: 4.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromHK$436.82

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Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

4.5/5

· 1.1k reviews

Duration: 8 hrs

Free cancellation

90.2% of travelers recommend

FromHK$602.81

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Half Day Shared Tour in Malta

4.8/5

· 28 reviews

Duration: 4 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

FromHK$585.05

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Malta: 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour - Mdina & Blue Grotto inc. food

4.6/5

· 32 reviews

Duration: 5 hrs

Free cancellation

32 consecutive positive reviews

FromHK$436.82

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Private Tour - A Monumental Maltese Experience

5.0/5

· 247 reviews

Duration: 6–8 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

100 consecutive positive reviews

FromHK$2,669.74

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From Malta: Gozo Day Trip with Ferry and Train Ride

Duration: 5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromHK$679.49

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Malta: Three Cities Tour with Wine Tasting & Snacks

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromHK$446.53

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Malta: Mosta, Ta'Qali & Mdina Half-Day Tour

Duration: 6 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromHK$339.75

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Featured Day tours in Had-Dingli

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Malta Segway: Dingli Funtastic Tour

5.0/5

· 67 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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67 consecutive positive reviews

FromHK$601.35

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Full Day Private Tour around the Island in Malta

5.0/5

· 20 reviews

Duration: 8 hrs

Free cancellation

FromHK$4,182.63

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From Sliema: Sunday Hike – Explore Malta's Nature

4.5/5

· 11 reviews

Duration: 5 hrs

Free cancellation

FromHK$174.73

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Malta: Mdina, Dingli Cliffs and San Anton Botanical Gardens

4.5/5

· 383 reviews

Duration: 4 hrs

Free cancellation

FromHK$314.51

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Half Day Private Tour around the Island in Malta

4.9/5

· 126 reviews

Duration: 4 hrs

Free cancellation

96.8% of travelers recommend

FromHK$2,402.81

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Featured Food & drink in Had-Dingli

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Birkirkara: The Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight

4.8/5

· 73 reviews

Duration: 1 hr

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

95.9% of travelers recommend

FromHK$131.05

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Valletta: Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour

4.7/5

· 185 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

Free cancellation

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93% of travelers recommend

FromHK$436.82

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Gozo: Family Winery Estate Tour with Wine Tasting

4.9/5

· 14 reviews

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Free cancellation

FromHK$524.18

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Malta: The Brewery Experience & Beer Tasting with Transfers

4.7/5

· 3 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

Free cancellation

FromHK$288.30

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Malta: Limoncello Making Demonstration & Tasting Experience

5.0/5

· 3 reviews

Duration: 1 hr

Free cancellation

FromHK$305.77

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Malta: Olive Oil and Olive Tasting Session

5.0/5

· 1 review

Free cancellation

FromHK$218.41

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Had-Dingli

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Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves

4.7/5

· 177 reviews

Duration: 5.5–7.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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43 consecutive positive reviews

FromHK$305.77

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Gozo: 1 Hour Kayak plus +Cave Tour + Drop off Blue Lagoon

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromHK$305.77

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Gozo Island and Comino Blue Lagoon cruise 1-day tour

Duration: 7.5 hrs

English

FromHK$696.54

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Malta Gozo Island jeep and cruise 1-day tour

Duration: 30 mins

English

FromHK$1,236.56

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Gozo Highlights Tour in a comfortable Private Vehicle

Duration: 7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromHK$1,779.83

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Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo

4.8/5

· 46 reviews

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

93.5% of travelers recommend

FromHK$6,262.77

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Had-Dingli Today's weatherPartly cloudy 14-22℃

Had-Dingli weather for the next 2 days11/9: 17-21℃, 11/10: 17-23℃

Free things to do in Had-Dingli

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What travellers say about Had-Dingli

danijelapjJuly 16, 2025

5.0

"The Silent City", definitely worth a visit

Mdina Old City Fortress

YoYo_0T9A3B0LSeptember 1, 2026

5.0

Popeye Village, located near Meliha, is a set left over from the movie's filming. Colorful wooden houses are crammed together along the fjord, their windows painted with cartoon characters. Actors dressed as Popeye and Olive Oyl perform regular fight scenes and spinach-eating antics; the performances are rather exaggerated and suitable for children. You can take a small boat ride around the fjord; the water is so clear you can see the rocks at the bottom. A small shop sells souvenirs and canned spinach with Popeye designs on the packaging. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, but the place isn't very big; you can see everything in about two hours.

Popeye Village

Predrag Patrick S.January 1, 2023

5.0

one of the gems of Malta, must seen. You will need to get a boat ride that brings you so close and even inside the caves. Highly recommended 👌

Blue Grotto

徐徐霞客RrAugust 22, 2022

5.0

Malta's Jopohe Street is located in the old town. It is the most intuitive place to feel the living conditions of the local people. Although it is very shabby, it is very nostalgic, just like going back to the streets of my hometown when I was a child.

Old Mint Street

MatthewwwJanuary 18, 2023

5.0

Valletta is the capital of Malta. There are many shops for shopping, as well as a variety of souvenir shops, including selling local salt, snacks, spices and soaps.

St. John's Co-Cathedral

M41***26January 15, 2026

5.0

Comino Island is the smallest of Malta's three inhabited islands, with only a handful of permanent residents. Boats run between Comino Island and the main island of Malta. There are a few food stalls near the boat dock. There are no hotels on the island, and boat services only run until the afternoon. Plan your time well in advance, or you might miss it. The climate is mild, and even in winter it's suitable for hiking. In December, if you go, you can swim in the sea even when it's calm. You can swim near the boat drop-off and pick-up points.

Comino

shermaineeeAugust 23, 2024

5.0

Spent an unforgettable day at the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island! The water is crystal clear and stunningly blue—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with rugged cliffs surrounding the lagoon. It's a bit crowded, but the beauty of the place makes it worth it. Relaxing on the rocks and soaking in the sun was pure bliss. Definitely one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever visited!

Blue Lagoon

张知珩June 1, 2020

4.0

A must-see attraction in Valletta, but it is not very interesting. It is a must-see attraction. There are many people but the flow is fast. The fort is a must-take background wall. The sky and water of Malta are the most beautiful scenery on the Mediterranean coast. It is a place that cannot be missed in life.

Upper Barrakka

二十画生JQKMarch 16, 2022

5.0

Grand Palace, also known as the Grand Palace, is the royal palace of Thailand (Siam). royal palace. Close to the Chao Phraya River, it is a large-scale ancient building in the center of Bangkok. There are 28 buildings in total, with a total area of 218,400 square meters. The Grand Palace was built in In 1782, after successive renovations and expansions by successive kings, the current building was finally built. The grand palace complex is still magnificent today. The Grand Palace is modeled after the old palace in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. One of many royal palaces, , is the most perfectly preserved, largest and most well-preserved royal palace in history. A royal palace with ethnic characteristics. Bangkok Dynasty from Rama I to Rama VIII Living in the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace brings together Thai architecture, paintings, and sculptures and the essence of decorative art. Its style has distinctive characteristics of Siamese architectural art. It is deeply appreciated by tourists from all over the world and is known as the "Thailand Art Encyclopedia"

Grand Master's Palace

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Trip Moments in Had-Dingli

🌅 Dingli Cliffs, Malta: Sunset at the Island’s Highest Point 🌊

“Dingli Cliffs are the best place on Malta to watch the sun go down.”

@RakimMayers · dinglicliffs · 9 days ago

Private yacht, sail into the bluest waters of the Mediterranean

“Tucked away in the heart of the Mediterranean is a tiny island nation—so small you might spend a while searching for it on a map, yet it has been a well-kept secret among Europeans for years.”

@HHtravel · 6 days ago

Spooky Season in Malta: Halloween Travel Vibes 🎃🌊

“Ready for a Halloween getaway that’s all treats and no tricks?”

@Lazee · halloweentravel · 7 days ago

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Had-Dingli?

Don't miss these attractions in Had-Dingli: Mdina Old City Fortress, Popeye Village, and Anchor Bay. If you like Culture & history, try Mdina: Vintage Bus Tour with Palazzo Falson Entry & Snack. If you enjoy Day tours, try Malta Segway: Dingli Funtastic Tour.

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Had-Dingli?

You can give Birkirkara: The Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight and Valletta: Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Had-Dingli?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Malta Segway: Dingli Funtastic Tour, Full Day Private Tour around the Island in Malta, and From Sliema: Sunday Hike – Explore Malta's Nature. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Had-Dingli?

As of November 9, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Had-Dingli is around HKD 174.73 – HKD 4,182.63. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

Things to do in Had-Dingli

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Had-Dingli

Mdina Old City Fortress

Popeye Village

Anchor Bay

Blue Grotto

Old Mint Street

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Comino

Blue Lagoon

Upper Barrakka

Grand Master's Palace

Experiences you can't miss in Had-Dingli

Featured Culture & history in Had-Dingli

Featured Day tours in Had-Dingli

Featured Food & drink in Had-Dingli

Featured Outdoor & sports in Had-Dingli

Free things to do in Had-Dingli

Blue Grotto

Old Mint Street

Upper Barrakka

Dingli Cliffs

Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum

What travellers say about Had-Dingli

Mdina Old City Fortress

Popeye Village

Blue Grotto

Old Mint Street

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Comino

Blue Lagoon

Upper Barrakka

Grand Master's Palace

Trip Moments in Had-Dingli

🌅 Dingli Cliffs, Malta: Sunset at the Island’s Highest Point 🌊

Private yacht, sail into the bluest waters of the Mediterranean

Spooky Season in Malta: Halloween Travel Vibes 🎃🌊

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Had-Dingli?

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Had-Dingli?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Had-Dingli?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Had-Dingli?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?