Dingli Cliffs to Għar Lapsi: Coastal Adventure in Malta
Thinking about visiting Dingli Cliffs or Għar Lapsi on Malta’s coast?
There’s something magical about a place where land drops off into the nothingness. That’s what it feels like standing at Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest point. And just a few kilometers away, the coast softens into the rocky, crystalline waters of Għar Lapsi, a natural swimming hole tucked away from the crowds.
On one of our favorite days in Malta, we paired these two spots together after a peaceful morning stroll through Mdina, the island’s old walled city. At lunchtime, we were walking along the cliffs, and by late afternoon, we were relaxing in Għar Lapsi’s calm waters with open views of the Mediterranean.
It was a perfect land-meets-sea adventure: minimal planning, natural beauty, and just the right amount of movement.
If you’re looking to combine active exploration with dramatic sea views and a refreshing swim, away from the top tourist spots, a trip to Dingli Cliffs and Għar Lapsi makes for an unforgettable half-day adventure.
When to Visit
Dingli Cliffs are a stunning year-round destination, but the best time for hiking and walking is between October and April, when temperatures are milder and the landscape is greener after the rainy season.
In summer months, the cliffs can be intensely hot and fully exposed to the sun – if visiting then, aim for early morning before the heat of the day sets in, and pack plenty of water and sun protection.
In contrast, Għar Lapsi is best enjoyed from late spring through early autumn, especially between May and October, when the water is warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
That said, Malta’s weather can be sunny even in the shoulder seasons, so an adventurous dip is sometimes possible earlier or later in the year. Just keep in mind that sea conditions vary – calmer days are best for a relaxing swim.
Getting to Dingli Cliffs & Għar Lapsi
Getting to Dingli Cliffs
If you’re driving from Valletta, Sliema, or in the vicinity of either, the drive to Dingli Cliffs will take you about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
We drove to Dingli Cliffs from Rabat after a morning exploring Mdina and Rabat, and the drive was only 10 minutes. As with most locations in Malta, you’re never truly too far from anything!
When we arrived at Dingli Cliffs, we parked right next to the St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in the roadside parking lot in front of the church.
🚌 Public transport option: You can reach Dingli Cliffs by bus with a transfer in Rabat. It’s doable, but takes longer than traveling by car – about an hour.
Getting to Għar Lapsi
From Dingli Cliffs, it’s about a 15 minute drive down to Għar Lapsi. We parked at the Lapsi parking lot, a free lot just a short walk from the water.
If you’re arriving to Għar Lapsi from places like Valetta or Sliema, it’ll be about a 30 minute drive.
🚌 Public transport option: It’s technically possible to get to Għar Lapsi by bus, but getting there from Dingli by bus can be tricky. If you’re combining both stops in one day without a car, your best bet might be to take a taxi from Dingli to Għar Lapsi, then catch a bus back to your starting point at the end of the adventure.
What to Wear
Since this is a land-and-sea adventure, you’ll want an outfit that’s ready for some light hiking as well as swimming. Start with comfortable, breathable clothing for walking in the sun.
The trail near Dingli Cliffs is exposed and rocky in spots, so sun protection and sturdy footwear are key.
Wear sneakers or secure sandals with grip – the terrain isn’t technical, but it’s uneven in places. A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are musts, especially in Malta’s warmer months when the sun can be intense.
If you plan to swim at Għar Lapsi (highly recommended!), either wear your swimsuit under your clothes, or pack it in a day bag. A lightweight cover-up or quick-dry shirt is helpful if you want to pop into a café or are heading elsewhere after your swim.
We wore casual clothes and sturdy sneakers at Dingli Cliffs. Later, once we parked in the Lapsi parking lot, we quickly changed into our swimsuits and were off to enjoy the water.
What to Pack
This adventure doesn’t require heavy packing, but a few well-chosen items will make it more comfortable and fun.
- Water and snacks: There are a few restaurants at Għar Lapsi, but it’s smart to bring water and a light snack, especially if you’re walking or staying out for a few hours.
- Sun protection: No shade = full sun exposure. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat – and reapply sunscreen before swimming!
- Swim gear: Bring your swimsuit, towel (quick-dry preferred), and snorkel if you enjoy exploring underwater. Water shoes are a great idea if you plan to swim – Għar Lapsi’s entry points are rocky and can be slippery.
- Dry bag: Especially handy for keeping your phone, towel, and extra clothes dry while you’re near the water. Then, once you finish swimming, put your wet swimsuit in the bag to keep it separate from your dry items.
Oh, and don’t forget your smartphone (or camera) – the views here are too stunning not to capture!
Dingli Cliffs & Għar Lapsi: Our Experience
Dingli Cliffs: Malta’s High Point
We arrived at Dingli Cliffs after spending the morning in Mdina. Parking was easy, with roadside spaces available right in front of the St. Mary Magdalene Chapel.
We wandered around the tiny whitewashed chapel, amazed by its small stature set against the vast Mediterranean backdrop. Built in 1646, it’s a simple but striking landmark perched at the edge of Malta’s highest point.
From there, we followed the path a bit, taking in the views and our surroundings. You can wander for as little or as long as you like.
If you’d like to do a bit of hiking, you can follow the trails for this loop coastal hike. In total, the hike is just under 6 miles, but you can just walk as far as you’d like, then turn around and head back.
That’s the nice thing about Dingli Cliffs – the vibe here is calm and unhurried. There’s no entrance fee, no major signage – just nature, raw and uninterrupted. Although there are some uneven and rocky spots, the terrain is generally walkable, making it perfect for a soft adventure that delivers big views without the strain.
Dingli Cliffs (specifically Ta’ Dmejrek) are the highest point in Malta. That said, don’t arrive expecting alpine peaks or dizzying drop-offs – we’re talking 253 meters about sea level!
What you’ll find instead is a long stretch of coast where fields end abruptly, and limestone cliffs tumble steeply into the sea below.
On a clear day, the tiny island of Filfla is visible on the horizon, adding a punctuation mark to the view.
🌅 Thinking of visiting later in the day? Dingli Cliffs is a stunning place to catch sunset in Malta. Pack a picnic and soak up the views!
From the Cliffs to the Coast: Dingli to Għar Lapsi
We wandered around Dingli Cliffs for about a half hour before making our way back to the car. From there, we drove south to Għar Lapsi.
The 15-minute drive was brief but beautiful – the road took us away from the coastline (and cliffs), into rolling farmland. Stone walls and prickly pears are plentiful here.
If you have time, a short detour to Buskett Woods – a rare woodland area of the island – is worth it for a shady picnic stop under the trees.
You’ll also pass around the edge of Siġġiewi, a quiet village with a central square perfect for grabbing a coffee or cold drink before heading to Għar Lapsi.
In our case, we had enough snacks and drinks on hand, so we kept traveling to Għar Lapsi – we couldn’t wait to get in the water!
Għar Lapsi: A Natural Pool on the Mediterranean
We arrived to Għar Lapsi and found parking in the nearby free public lot.
A quick car-side change into our swimsuits, and we were headed down to the coast – just a few minutes walk from the parking lot.
We visited on a beautiful October afternoon, and were joined by locals and other tourists enjoying the refreshing waters of Għar Lapsi.
Għar Lapsi was the very first place we swam in Malta. Honestly, it set the bar high. The second we stepped onto the rocky ledge and looked out over the turquoise pool tucked into the cliffs, we knew this was going to be a special swimming experience.
The setting feels like a secret Mediterranean hideaway.
Nestled in a rocky cove on the southwestern coast, Għar Lapsi offers a natural swimming pool that’s protected from the open sea, but still feels wild and connected to it.
What makes Għar Lapsi even more enjoyable is how accessible it is. There’s a ramp with a railing and a ladder leading right into the water, so you don’t have to scramble over rocks to get in.
Just a heads up: the seaweed near the entry points can be a little slick, so step with care. Water shoes here would be very helpful.
Once you’re in, the water is incredibly clear and calm – perfect for swimming laps, floating, or snorkeling along the rocky edges. If you’re into diving, this spot is also popular for that. We stuck to floating and snorkeling on this visit.
When you’re done swimming, there are plenty of places to sprawl out in the sun. Some sunbathers lay out on the wide flat rocks near the water, while others snag a shady spot tucked under the overhanging cliff. We found a perch with a bit of both – sun for drying off, shade for lingering.
Għar Lapsi is the perfect spot to end a day of sightseeing or hiking. There are multiple restaurants nearby, so you could easily grab a late lunch before you swim, or stick around for a seaside dinner. If you linger long enough, you can watch the sunset.
The Perfect Hike & Swim Combo
There’s a kind of rhythm to combining Dingli Cliffs and Għar Lapsi in one day. Start high with sweeping views, walk off the morning’s pastizzi from Mdina, and finish low – at sea level – cooled off and floating in a natural pool.
It’s an easy-going itinerary that still gives you that sense of accomplishment and connection to place. It’s exactly the type of soft adventure we love.
What we love about this day trip pairing is its flexibility. You can keep it short and simple, or you can stretch it into a full active day with a multi-mile hike, detours through villages, and even adding nearby sites like the Blue Grotto (sea caverns) or Hagar Qim (megalithic temple), if you’re up for it.
Wrapping Up: Dingli Cliffs & Għar Lapsi
Our visit to Dingli Cliffs and Għar Lapsi was one of our favorite day trips for soft adventure in Malta. Whether you’re craving wide-open views or a refreshing swim in clear Mediterranean waters, pairing Dingli Cliffs and Għar Lapsi offers a perfect mix of movement and serenity.
It’s an easy half-day escape that showcases two very different faces of Malta’s coastline: one dramatic and soaring, the other calm and tucked away.
With minimal planning, you can enjoy a walk along Malta’s highest point and cool off in a natural seaside pool just minutes apart. If you’re seeking a soft adventure that’s scenic, accessible, and a little off the tourist trail, this duo definitely deserves a spot on your Malta itinerary.
Interested in more cliffside walks in Malta? Head to Gozo and check out Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs – even less visited than Dingli Cliffs, but equally stunning views.