Experience the best of Mdina

Mdina stands on a plateau in the centre of Malta, enclosed by bastions, and was the island's capital until the Order of St John moved to the harbours in 1530. Cars are largely kept out, and quiet lanes of honey-coloured limestone, palaces and shuttered balconies earned it the nickname Silent City. St Paul's Cathedral, a baroque church built around 1700, stands on a small square among old palaces.

From the bastions near Bastion Square, views stretch across the island to the sea. Rabat, just outside the gate, has St Paul's Catacombs and St Paul's Grotto, linked with the apostle's shipwreck on the island, and a Roman house with mosaics. The Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on Malta, rise from the sea to the south-west, and the great domed church of Mosta is a few kilometres north-east.

Pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, rabbit stew, and Maltese bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil and tuna are everyday fare, with Kinnie, a bitter orange soft drink, to wash them down. Winters are mild and short.