The Xara Palace isn’t just situated inside Mdina; it is an inseparable part of this stunning historical site. Set in a 17th-century palazzo within the old city’s fortifications, this small, family-owned hotel offers something Malta’s larger resorts cannot: the chance to make its former capital home for a few days.
The location is unparalleled: the hotel opens onto Misraħ il-Kunsill, one of Mdina’s old squares, with Vilhena Palace opposite and a tangle of narrow streets leading off in every direction. Within minutes of checking in, you can be outside again, walking past churches, old houses and enclosed courtyards, with no real sense of where the hotel ends and the city begins.
That is the great advantage of staying here. Mdina is one of Malta’s most visited places, but most people experience it in a few hours during the day. The Xara Palace gives you the freedom to come and go as you please, rather than treating the city as a quick excursion. With this much history, Mdina more than deserves the extra time spent here.
This beautiful fortified city has been lived in for thousands of years, and its Roman, medieval and Baroque past is still visible in its streets and buildings today. The hotel occupies a refurbished 17th-century palazzo where much of the original architecture remains, giving guests a rare glimpse into Mdina’s past without sacrificing modern comfort.
The Zammit Tabona family bought the palace in April 1996 and spent three years restoring it before opening The Xara Palace in June 1999. The business has since passed to the second generation, Nicola and Justin, who now run The Xara Collection. Nearly three decades on, it still feels more like a family property than a large hotel operation, helped by the fact that there are only 17 rooms and suites.
Inside, the building holds onto its historic character, with old stone, arches, and period details tracing back to bygone years. Antique furniture, original artwork, carved pieces, and vintage rugs sit alongside gleaming marble bathrooms and contemporary touches. Accommodations vary in size and layout, with the palace’s quirks left largely intact and, in some of the most interesting rooms, turned into part of the design. Duplex rooms use the height of the piano nobile, dividing sleeping and living areas across two levels, while other suites sit within the bastion walls and look out over the island. Several panoramic suites come with terraces and outdoor Jacuzzis, while the Presidential Suite takes a more classical approach, with period furniture and a balcony facing Vilhena Palace.
It is worth paying attention to the room categories, because the experience can vary quite a bit depending on what you book. In some rooms, the appeal is the well-preserved architecture and the sense of being tucked into the old city; in others, it is the view. From Mdina’s high position, the countryside falls away beyond the walls in a patchwork of fields, villages and pale stone, with the coast visible in the distance.
For guests wanting more space, the luxury two-bedroom Palazzino Belvedere, adorned with traditional Maltese tiles and old stone, features a kitchen, living and dining spaces, an internal courtyard, terraces, and balconies. Meanwhile, The Xara Lodge, a multipurpose event space set a short drive away, is ideal for anyone looking to host a special celebration.
From itinerary planning to private yacht charters, sunset beach picnics, spa days, and access to places that aren’t always easy to visit independently, the hotel’s team will happily help arrange anything guests may need. Whether exploring Mdina or venturing outside its walls to see Rabat, Valletta, and the coast, all of which are within easy reach, no request is too big or too small for The Xara Palace’s concierge.
No matter where you go, though, you’ll quickly discover that food is a big part of Maltese life, and The Xara Palace taps into this heritage with its own flair. The signature Michelin-starred restaurant, de Mondion, is perched on the property’s top floor, with sweeping views across the island and surrounding coastline. The Xara Collection’s wider restaurant portfolio also includes Trattoria AD 1530, Medina, OKA’s at The Villa, and Michelin-starred Rosami at The Villa, offering guests a wide selection of cuisines and dining atmospheres to choose from.
De Mondion is the place for a refined evening or special occasion, while Trattoria AD 1530 sits on the square outside and takes a more laid-back approach with pizza, pasta, grills and salads, alongside Maltese ingredients and dishes. Through Xara Gardens, the group also grows part of the fruit and vegetables used in its kitchens, with chefs and farmers working together on what to plant according to the season. This keeps the menus rooted in the local landscape while ensuring only the freshest, highest-quality produce ends up on the plate.
This is part of what makes The Xara Palace so special: it’s not any one room, restaurant or view, but the way everything is tied back to Mdina. The hotel gives guests the freedom to experience the city at their leisure, while still offering the comfort, privacy and service expected of a luxury stay.
To find out more about The Xara Palace and book, contact the hotel using the below details:
The Xara Palace
Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina
MDN 1050, Malta
Web: xarapalace.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 21 450560
Email: info@xaracollection.com
Instagram: @thexarapalace
Facebook: @TheXaraPalace