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In this post:

Morning Bliss in Xemxija

Mdina Guide: Walking the Silent City

Rabat: A Quick Stroll

Ghadira Bay: Sandy Beach Fun

Mellieha: Sunset & Landmarks

Family Tips for Day 2

Morning Bliss on the Terrace

On the second day of our Maltese adventure, I started my morning ritual on the terrace of our apartment with a hot latte in hand. Few things can rival the serenity of moments like these: bright, cloudless skies, the sparkling sea, and little boats gently swaying as sunlight dances on the water. It’s in these quiet moments that I feel truly grateful. A morning like this is the perfect way to set the tone for the day.

A Relaxing Morning by the Beach

Once the rest of the family was up, we enjoyed a quick breakfast and decided to head down to our nearby beach before the midday heat kicked in. This little beach is a true gem: quiet, safe, and ideal for a 3-year-old. Our daughter, Liny, splashed happily in the shallow water and collected small pebbles while we soaked in the tranquility. As the sun grew stronger, we returned to our apartment for a light lunch on the terrace.

Heading to Mdina – The “Silent City”

After lunch, we hopped into our rental car to explore Mdina, Malta’s former capital.

Tip: We had pre-booked our vehicle through Qeeq.com, which made the process seamless, but if you’re still looking for a car, Booking.com’s rental platform and Economy Bookings also offer excellent deals for exploring the island.

Often called the “Silent City,” Mdina is one of those must-see places that guidebooks rave about, and now we understand why. This medieval city, with its towering walls and impressive gates, captivated us from the start.

The drive took about 40 minutes. Although the distance wasn’t far, traffic slowed us down. Luckily, Liny napped during the drive, arriving refreshed and ready for adventure.

We parked in a free lot near the city gate, which conveniently has a playground nearby—a big hit with Liny! Despite the midday sun, we let her play briefly before stepping into the enchanting world of Mdina.

Historic Walks and Stunning Sights

Mdina’s main gate is a breathtaking sight. Crossing through the lion-guarded entrance felt like stepping back in time. The ancient walls, cobblestone streets, and colorful doors created a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.

The town is pedestrian-only, with occasional horse-drawn carriages adding to its medieval charm. We opted to explore on foot, as Mdina can be leisurely covered in 1-1.5 hours. The rhythmic clip-clop of horses’ hooves made the experience even more immersive.

Just to the right of the gate is the Natural History Museum, once the palace of Grand Master Manoel Vilhena. While we admired it from the outside, families with children may find it worth a visit—especially the courtyard’s medieval toy soldier displays.

Wandering the narrow streets, we arrived at St. Paul’s Square, home to the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral. This baroque masterpiece, with its grand Corinthian columns and towering spires, is a must-see and an excellent landmark to guide your stroll. Mdina is full of history, and if you want to dive deeper into its secrets, you can find great guided walking tours on GetYourGuide.

Panoramic Views and Refreshments

At Bastion Square, we discovered one of the most stunning viewpoints on the island. From the city walls, you can see all the way to Valletta and the iconic Mosta Dome. It’s truly spectacular.

The Bastion Square fountain, a recognizable spot for Game of Thrones fans, is a fascinating site, having featured in several pivotal scenes. Nearby, the famous Blue Door framed by purple flowers is one of Malta’s most photographed spots. Don’t miss snapping a picture here—it’s a memory worth keeping.

For refreshments, the Fontanella Tea Garden on the city walls is perfect. We paused here to enjoy the panoramic views with a cooling drink in hand.

Exploring Mdina and Rabat

If you have more time, let your feet guide you through Mdina’s labyrinth of charming streets. You’ll find delightful details at every turn: ornate doorknockers, intricate wooden windows, and colorful doors that seem to tell their own stories.

Mdina is a treasure trove for history lovers and families alike. Its unique atmosphere, incredible landmarks, and child-friendly environment make it unforgettable. If you’re visiting Malta, set aside at least half a day for this enchanting city.

After Mdina, we took a short stroll through nearby Rabat, a less touristy but equally charming town. Together, Mdina and Rabat make for a perfect day trip to Malta’s interior, offering a slower, more relaxed pace.

Beach Time and Dinner in Mellieha

By late afternoon, we were ready for some downtime. On the way back to our apartment, we stopped at Ghadira Bay, one of Malta’s largest sandy beaches. With its soft sand and shallow waters stretching 40-50 meters from the shore, it’s a fantastic spot for young children. Mellieha is a brilliant place to stay with kids, so if you’re planning a family trip, check out the best family-friendly hotels near Ghadira Bay on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Our daughter loved playing on the beach while we basked in the gentle warmth of the late afternoon sun.

Liny loved playing on the beach while we basked in the gentle warmth of the late afternoon sun. Older kids will enjoy the inflatable water park here, though Liny was still too small. The beach is well-equipped with bins, restrooms, showers, and plenty of snack bars and restaurants. There’s also ample parking nearby, making it a hassle-free stop.

After about an hour of relaxing, we headed to dinner at László’s Kitchen, a local Hungarian restaurant. With convenient parking, friendly service, and delicious food, it was a delightful dining experience that we highly recommend.

Sunset at Mellieha Parish Church

To end the day, we drove to Mellieha Parish Church, perched on a hill overlooking Ghadira Bay and the Mediterranean. This iconic church, with its grand presence, is a symbol of Mellieha and a must-see.

While Liny enjoyed the playground near the church, we soaked in the breathtaking sunset views. Don’t miss the nearby staircase mural, painted to resemble a traditional Maltese luzzu boat, creating a stunning optical illusion.

Mellieha’s unique charm left a lasting impression on us. Tired but content, we returned to our apartment, eagerly anticipating the next day’s adventures.

Helpful Tips:

• Mdina: The playground and pedestrian-only streets are ideal for kids. Horse-drawn carriage rides can be a fun experience, though the city is easily walkable even with little ones. The free parking near the main gate is convenient, especially if you’re traveling with a stroller.
• Mellieha Parish Church: The playground is perfect for kids while adults take in the views.
• Beaches: If visiting during the midday heat, bring an umbrella and sunscreen to keep everyone safe under the sun.

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