Mdina Malta
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Local LuxeOutside the door
The house
Xara CollectionBastion palazzo hideaway
Tucked inside Mdina's fortified bastions, the noble palazzo centers on a glass-roofed courtyard dressed in climbing vines and Maltese art.
“A converted 17th-century palazzo, The Xara Palace is the only hotel within the walls of the Silent City of Mdina.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Restored seventeenth-century noble palazzo built directly into the fortified stone bastions of medieval Mdina.
Remarkable
Peaceful access to the car-free Silent City after hours, surrounded by honey-hued limestone alleyways and Maltese artwork.
Notable
Champagne check-ins, long-serving staff sharing citadel lore, and fine French linens across seventeen antique-filled suites.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Europe
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
the Xara Palace is the rare exception, a stunning 17th-century palazzo in the mostly medieval city of Mdina...its atmosphere remains period-correct.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set within the car-free citadel of Mdina, quiet stone alleys and baroque facades empty out once daytime visitors depart.
The rooms
Individually decorated suites feature antique furnishings and marble baths, while select bastion terraces offer private outdoor hot tubs over open countryside.
The spa & gym
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Michelin-starred de Mondion serves dinner atop the bastion ramparts, and Trattoria AD 1530 fills the ivy-clad front piazza.
You can enjoy lunch with a side of beautiful views at Fontanella or at the Relais & Châteaux Xara Palace's Trattoria.
How it began
Built in the seventeenth century for the noble Moscati Parisio family, the palazzo was restored and opened by the Zammit Tabona family.
“Perched on centuries-old bastions and surrounded by stunning baroque architecture, this Relais & Châteaux property provides a fairytale setting for a stay in Malta.”
Good to know
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The Xara Palace
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Malta
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.