Dingli Cliffs

Malta is a lovely country that is full of beautiful landscapes and amazing places to visit. Dingli Cliffs is a must-see attraction for all those who would love to experience stunning panoramic coastal views.

Dingli is part of the highest land mass in Malta and is just over 200 metres above sea level. The Dingli Cliffs stretch for a few kilometres along Malta’s western coast. Some cliff edges are sharp with a flat cliff face and an occasional cavern. Other cliffs descend in a sloping terrain to the water. This particular part of the cliffs exhibits all the geological layers of Malta’s sedimentary rock, sloping one on top of the other. In spite of the harsh terrain on narrow contours, agriculture has taken place here for several centuries and only interrupted when farmers feared being attacked by pirates.

Some caves on the edges and on the cliff face were used as hideaways in such instances. The farmers used to climb or descend into the caves by means of ladders, pull them in during the night and camouflage the entrance with rubble walls or tree branches. Some caves which were more easily accessible were permanently inhabited and later  used as shelters for herds.

Walks along the cliffs are ideal at any time of year and at any time of day. There is, however, something truly magical and unique to be experienced by those who head there during sunset. Since Dingli Cliffs is located on the western side of Malta, the spectacle of sunset against the blue sea is something too unique and marvellous to describe.

Depending on the weather, visitors can experience a calm blue sea, fierce waves beating against the rough cliffs or even sometimes a blanket of fog beneath the cliffs!

The view from this area includes the islet of Filfla – a small uninhabited island and  nature reserve, which is home to several faunal and floral endemic species.

While visiting Dingli Cliffs visitors may walk till the St. Mary Magdalene Chapel, also located right on the edge of the cliffs. This is the chapel which marks the highest point of the islands. The church has been recently restored and a number of cart ruts may be seen close to it.