Travel to The centre of Malta

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The centre of Malta, Malta

If there is a site that symbolises the centre of the island, it is without a doubt Mdina. On top of its hill, the 'City of Silence' (vehicles are prohibited) dominates the surrounding countryside. It is here where the Maltese capital was before the arrival of the Knights of Saint John. As in its glorious past, it still has very beautiful buildings that protect the small narrow streets from heat.

However, Mdina is not the only region's only interest. Rabat, its neighbour, Mosta, Attard and Santa Venera are villages that are also worth a look; the beautiful sites will make a change from the seaside resorts.

To discover Mdina, it is possible to rent a horse-drawn carriage at the entrance to the city. While visiting Mdina, also go to Rabat, its immediate neighbour. Do not miss visiting the catacombs where early Christians on the island honoured their dead by underground Agapes. Then proceed to Attard to relax in the beautiful botanical gardens adjacent to the San Anton Palace, the official residence of the President of the Maltese Republic (closed to the public).

The central position in the island.
The architectural richness of Mdina.
The atmosphere (quieter than elsewhere)

cons

The landscapes lack charm.
The endless arrival of coaches filled with tourists.
The heat in summer.

Visit The centre of Malta

To see

Mdina is a peaceful city, enigmatic, full of history, and not too overrun by tourists. Take a seat at the café at the top of the ramparts. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, up to the sea's horizon. Also see the subterranean Hal Saflieni, the most spectacular prehistoric site on the island. Know that you need permission, which needs to be asked for before your departure for Malta on the website.

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To do

Go on an excursion to the Blue Cave with boats leave from the village of Wied Iz-Zurrieq, in the south of the island. Plan to take the excursion in the morning because this is when the sun's rays enter the cave and give a beautiful, azure colour to the water. Know that if it is windy, the boats do not leave for safety reasons. Also visit the Roman villa of Rabat (just close to Mdina) for its beautiful mosaics.

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To think about

As for the traffic, it is slow everywhere. Avoid renting a car. Instead, take the local bus (very cheap) or a taxi (for semi-rural areas poorly served by public transport). Also, know that the rainiest month is February. There should be good weather (with exceptions) for the rest of the year.

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To avoid

Staying in Mdina longer than a weekend. The city falls asleep as soon as night falls. You must go to Rabat to find a little animation (cafes and restaurants), though Rabat does not even begin to compete with St. Julians. If you do not take well to high temperatures, avoid Mdina in July-August as there is no breeze and the sun is omnipresent, causing the temperatures to climb quickly in the streets.

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To try

Try the gourmet meals at a Michelin star table such as at the Mondion, the restaurant of the Xara Palace hotel in Mdina. It is not necessary to stay in the hotel you want to eat in, but it is better to book in advance. The confit of duck in risotto with salsify, pork tenderloin with honey, tournedos Rossini with braised endive or fish du jour prepared as you like it are amongst some of the delicious meals on offer.

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To bring back

Maltese wine (red or white). There are three main wineries that produce wines that are very light to drink; the grape is of Italian origin. As for crafts, there is handmade lace (which adorns handkerchiefs, doilies or blouses), decorative objects made of glass and works of art. Ask for more information in the hotels where exhibition sales are offered very often.

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InterContinental MALTA

Score 9/10

susan humphries 11/01/2012 : "We had a two bedroom self catering apartment within the hotel. It was extremely comfortable with everything you would need for self catering"

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St Julian s Bay Hotel

Score 5/10

Luciano Meradinho 20/04/2011 : "Very nice, comfortable and nicely located"

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