The Xara Palace: Discovering Malta at a slower pace from within the walls of Mdina
Photo credit: The Xara Palace
There is a quieter side to Malta that reveals itself when the usual sightseeing itinerary is left behind. At The Xara Palace, guests can experience the island from within the historic walls of Mdina, its former capital, where centuries-old architecture, winding streets and expansive countryside views create a distinctly atmospheric setting.
Housed within the medieval city, the five-star hotel has just 17 individually designed rooms and suites, giving it an intimate character that feels quite different from a conventional island resort. Antique furnishings and historic details sit alongside contemporary comforts, while the elevated position offers views extending across Malta’s rural landscape.
Mdina lends itself particularly well to unhurried exploration. Rather than moving from one landmark to the next, guests can simply step outside and wander through the narrow streets, continuing into neighbouring Rabat, where traditional bakeries, cafés and limestone buildings offer glimpses of everyday Maltese life. Beyond the towns, a network of paths leads into the countryside, with Buskett Gardens and the surrounding valleys providing an opportunity to experience a greener, more rural side of the island.
Those wanting to venture further can follow routes towards the Dingli Cliffs, where Malta’s rugged coastline meets the Mediterranean. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with open views and exposed cliffs providing a striking contrast to the enclosed streets of Mdina.
The appeal of a stay here lies in the pace. There is time to stop for a coffee, seek out a local speciality, watch village life unfold or simply take the long way back to the hotel. Evenings bring another change of scene, with dinner at de Mondion, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where seasonal Maltese cuisine is served within the palace’s historic bastion walls.
For travellers seeking a more immersive introduction to Malta, The Xara Palace offers a stay shaped as much by its surroundings as by the hotel itself — historic, intimate and deliberately unhurried.
Rooms at The Xara Palace start from €236 per night per room. For more information, please click here.
