Mellieħa: Where to Stay and What to Do and See | MaltaUncovered.com (2024)

Mellieħa is one of the northernmost villages of the main island of Maltaand overlooks Malta’s largest sandy beach calledMellieħa Bay. It’s a great destination for a summer holiday.

The town is located in a more rural and quiet part of Malta and is a popular summer resort for locals, as well as tourists looking to enjoy a holiday in the sun.

Trying to decide whether to stay in Mellieħa or are you preparing for your trip to this destination? On this page, I’ll introduce you to the town and tell you more about the best things to do, places to stay and where to eat!

This hilltop town has a lovely character and offers picturesque scenes that give you a glimpse of village life in Malta. You can also find whatever you need for a comfortable holiday here: good hotels, a good choice of restaurants, supermarkets, a few (smaller) shops, and a community of locals, expats, and fellow tourists enjoying their time away.

Mellieħa is surrounded by fertile valleys providing beautiful panoramas and village scenes not seen frequently in the Maltese islands. In the area around the town, you can find various bays and beaches, and for that reason, it’s the best place to stay if beaches are a priority on your holiday.

Mellieħa is also just a 5- to 10-minute drive away from Ċirkewwa (the northernmost point of the main island Malta), where you can easily hop on the ferries to GozoandComino.

Why stay inMellieħa (and why not)?

Stay in Mellieħa if:

• You’d like to get a bit of a feel for what village life in Malta is like
• You want a base to explore Malta from that isn’t busy but offers good accommodation options
• You’re eager to head toGozoandComino,but you also want to do sightseeing in Malta.
• You want a lazy holiday with plenty of sun and sea. (You can find some of the best beaches in Maltain this area)

Don’t stay inMellieħa if:

• You’re expecting a buzzing nightlife – there isn’t much around
• You don’t like steep uphill walks (or you’re not as fit/mobile). The village sits on top of a hill, so expect to climb steps and walk uphill.
• You absolutely don’t want to hire a car. You CAN get by withpublic transport, but being a little remote, you’re definitely better offrenting a car in Mellieħa. Plus, it’s pretty quiet around the area, so driving isn’t as tricky as in the busier parts of Malta. Always talk to your hotel/accommodation contact in advance to enquire about parking spaces, however.

Things to do in Mellieħa

Head to one of the many beaches

Mellieħa is known for its natural surroundings and particularly its (mostly) sandy beaches. Apart from the largest sandy beach that Malta offers, Mellieħa Bay, you can also easily get to Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa (my personal favourite beach). Also nearby, to the North of Mellieħa Bay, you can find Armier Bay, Little Armier Bay and White Tower Bay. More info further down in this article: Beaches around Mellieħa.

Take a day trip to Gozo or Comino

One of the benefits of staying in Mellieħa is also that you’re close to Malta’s beautiful (and quieter) sister islands of Gozo and Comino (the smallest and barely inhabited of the three Maltese islands).

There are a number of options you can choose from to spend a day at either (or both) of these islands.

Option 1: Exploring Gozo

Take a 15-minute bus/car ride to Ċirkewwa and hop onto the Gozo ferry for a 20-minute ride. If you’re renting a car, you can take your car onto the ferry as well. Their rates for a return ticket are €4.65 for adults, €1.15 for children and €15.70 for car and driver. You pay for your tickets on your return from Gozo.

Once you land in Gozo, these are a few recommended options for exploring the island:

1. Take a DIY tour with your rental car. For some inspiration, have a look at this article: Things to do in Gozo: 25+ Ideas for your Itinerary. Technically, you could do a DIY tour by public transport bus as well, but the service isn’t very efficient so you’d waste a lot of time just getting to places.
2. Use the hop-on-hop-off bus for a guided tour with stops at the most popular sightseeing locations with iSeeMalta’s Gozo Pass. The bus stops right outside the Gozo ferry passenger terminal.
3. Just up the road from the Gozo ferry terminal, you can find the best tour operator on the island, Yippee, where you can opt for a few types of tours: 1) A guided full-day tour on a Tuk-tuk (private tour also possible), or 2) A self-driven/guided Quad Bike tour (also full-day). (TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5)

Option 2: Visiting Comino (or a combo of both islands)

Comino is practically uninhabited but is a popular destination for day visitors. The vast majority go there to swim and admire the Blue Lagoon during the summer months, while others opt to hike outside the hottest months of the year.

There are a few recommended options when it comes to Comino:

1. Use one of the smaller Comino ferry operators at Ċirkewwa and Marfa (both North of Mellieħa) for a quick, fairly cheap ferry ride. You can wander around the island or find a spot at the Blue Lagoon. Do be aware that between June and September, this is a real tourist hotspot (especially from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and space on the shore is very limited.
2. Combine a half-day visit to Gozo with a late afternoon stop and swim at the Blue Lagoon. Not everyone needs a full day out at the Blue Lagoon, and combining a visit there with a trip to Gozo can be a great solution. In summer, these are the best options I can recommend: Blue Lagoon + Sunset Tour of Gozo by Quad Bike or by Tuk Tuk. (TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5)
3. If the Gozo/Blue Lagoon combo appeals to you, you can also get an organised boat tour with Sea Adventure Malta. (TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5)You’ll need to include a transfer to Buġibba, from where they depart, but the big benefit is that you can stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon.

Join the Mellieħa Feast

If you happen to be in Malta around the 8th of September, then you might want to visit the Mellieħavillage feast. This religious celebration is dedicated to Our Lady of Victories and fills Mellieħa full of life during the feast. With lighting and decorations in the streets, musical concerts, fireworks, folk singing, food stands and art exhibitions, as well as religious processions, there’s plenty to take in.

Hotels in Mellieħa

Mellieħa is a very popular tourist destination and a great alternative to the busy, loud and fast life of St. Julian’s, Sliema or Buġibba/Qawra/St. Paul’s Bay. There are several options when planning your stay in Mellieħa, be it a hotel, holiday complex, or self-catering apartment.

You can find a full list of my recommended hotels here:The Best Mellieħa Hotels based on personal recommendations

Here’s a quick overview:

• Lure Hotel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Mellieħa, offering a high standard of accommodation in the area. This exclusive family-run designer hotel is situated at the village’s quaint main square and offers comfort and relaxation in an exclusive setting.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands– Located in the wider Mellieħa area, this is afive-star hotel well known for its unique location overlooking Golden Bay. It offers a number of excellent restaurants with great food services. Facilities include a private beach.
• Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa – A 4-star hotel in the centre of Mellieħa, just a few minutes walk from the beach and close to a lot of restaurants on the same street. Facilities include three pools, a gym and a spa.
• – offers 4-star accommodation with plenty of bars and restaurants within the hotel. It is very popular with families with children, being so close to the beach right across the road and promising a great time for young ones with games rooms and bowling lanes.
• Mellieha Holiday Centre – A resort boasting extensive grounds, a large swimming pool, several restaurants, a tennis court, a children’s playground, a mini-golf course as well as a well-stocked supermarket. Accommodation in spacious, well-equipped self-catering bungalows with a private courtyard.
• Ramla Bay Resort– Located in a beautiful bay overlooking Comino and Gozo and offering 280 spacious en-suite rooms, each with a balcony and unobstructed views of the sea or countryside. Featuring various restaurants and snack bars, SPA and 2 pools.
• Pergola Club Hotel & Spa – Popular 4-star hotel with pools, SPA, nice rooms and a number of good bars and restaurants.

Prefer a self-catering apartment?

Have a look at two of Tony’s apartments in Mellieħa and rent directly from the owner. He’s one of the few holiday let owners in the area I recommend:

• Mellieħa Valley apartment
  
• Mellieħa Bay apartment

No availability at Tony’s? There’s plenty of choice on Airbnb in the area!

Recommended tours

Restaurants in Mellieħa

When it comes to having lunch or dining, there are a handful of restaurants in Mellieħa located either in the village uphills or at Għadira Bay.

Best restaurants in Mellieħa

Here are my favourite restaurants that I recommend you to try in Mellieħa:

• Munchies Mellieħa Bay – Located on the edge of the beach at Għadira Bay, this restaurant serves Italian specialities and bistro-style dishes in a nice atmosphere.
• San Remo Beach Club – Another restaurant overlooking Għadira Bay, San Remo serves good food.
• One80 Kitchen & Lounge – Further up the hill towards the village, this restaurant is renowned for serving high-quality cuisine, whether in the modern dining room or on the terrace offering panoramic views.
• Mitħna – This former mill (hence the name) converted into a restaurant has welcomed a number of celebrities visiting Malta.
• Rebekah’s Restaurant This fine restaurant (Michelin recommended) serves Mediterranean specialities with a French touch.
• Commando Restaurant – This is a classy restaurant serving gourmet dishes, ideal if you wish to treat yourself (the prices match the quality though).

How do I get to the restaurants from my hotel in Mellieħa?

Some restaurants are in the heart of town, while others are found at Mellieħa Bay. If you are staying in the centre of Mellieħa, you will find some restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation.

If you wish to try a restaurant located at Mellieħa Bay, you’ll need to either:

• Walk around 30 minutes (one way) and climb up a steep road to come back to your hotel, or:
• Take a bus: routes linking the centre to Għadira Bay are 41, 42, 49, 221, 222, 250 and X1. (If you’re planning to dine later, until after 9 p.m., routes 41 and 42 keep running until around 11 p.m.), or:
• Get a taxi (white taxis or Uber, eCabs…), or:
• Drive there yourself with a rental car.

Mellieħa nightlife

Although Malta’s nightlife hub is located in St. Julian’s, there are some nice bars to enjoy a drink in the evening or at night in Mellieħa.

You can opt for a bar in the centre, perfect to get the authentic Maltese atmosphere.

Located in front of the Parish Church, Square Gastro Bar serves nice co*cktails and a good selection of food. If you are into sports, I recommend Billy’s Sports Bar & Kitchen, where you will find pool tables, darts and even live music some evenings. Likewise, Keys Pub Gastrobar is another sports bar featuring pool tables, sports on TV and a game area. For a karaoke night, try the Reflections Sports Pub & Grill.

If you want to have a drink by the sea at Mellieħa Bay, I recommend you try out Munchies Mellieħa Bay and Blu Beach Club.

How to get to Mellieħa

The main bus routes

• From Valletta bus routes 41, 42, 44 and 250 take you directly to Mellieħa.
• If you’re in the Sliema area, bus numbers 222 and 225 can take you directly up to Mellieħa.
• From Birkirkara, take buses 41, 42, 44 or 49.
• Bus numbers 221, 223 and 225 will take you from Buġibba to Mellieħa in under an hour. If you’re staying in St. Paul’s Bay, take buses 41, 42 or 222.
• And if you need to go up to Ċirkewwa to catch the Gozo ferry, you need to hop on bus number 41 or 42.
• Route X1 takes you straight from the airport to the centre ofMellieħa and terminates atĊirkewwa (Gozo ferry) as well.

Airport transfers

Although Malta’s pretty small, it can take a fair bit of time to travel from the airport, so an airport transfer might be a more comfortable option than taking the bus. The cost for a private taxi transfer is around €35, while a shuttle bus fare is around €16 for 2 adults (both one-way fees). (Taxis take up to 4 passengers, and that’ll work out at close to the cost of a shuttle bus.)

Get more detailed info here: How to get from Malta Airport to Mellieħa.

Other forms of transport to Mellieħa

If you would like to hire a car, grab a taxi or take a look at what other transport options are available in Malta, I recommend having a look at another one of my articles: Public transport, taxis and other ways of getting around in Malta and Gozo.

Places of interest in Mellieħa

Parish Church of Mellieħa

The Mellieħa parish church is a 19th-century baroque-style building built in traditional Maltese stone. It is dedicated to the birth of The Nativity Of Our Lady with a feast celebrated annually on the 8th of September. The church boasts five bells that were brought over from Milan. The major attraction within this church is the five paintings by the famous Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa

Once a small Augustinian monastery, the sanctuary dates back to the 16th century. The crypt within, originally one of the many natural caves found in this area, was excavated by Mario de Vasi, a Sicilian wine merchant who contributed to the erection of the statue of Our Lady of the Grotto.

According to local legend, the cave was visited by St Luke and St Paul when they were shipwrecked on the island – two splendid marble sculptures of the two apostles are among the many items within the sanctuary.

Other religious items include letters from devoted visitors asking for a miracle, icons, frescoes, oil paintings dating as far back as the 17th century, as well as a small museum dedicated to Pope John Paul II, who visited this sanctuary in 1990. An impressive collection of votive prayers line the walls. The sanctuary opens every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sundays, a mass in English is held at 10 a.m.

The Red Tower

St. Agatha’s Tower, or as it’s most commonly known, the Red Tower stands guard over Mellieħa Bay. Like all otherwatchtowers along the coastline, it was built as a signalling post for communication, in this case with towers in Gozo.

It was capable of housing 30 soldiers. From the top of St Agatha’s Tower, the view is absolutely stunning. You can see right up to Gozo on one side and down past Mosta on the other. For a small entrance fee, visitors can climb to the top of the tower and also visit a small section with the history of the tower and the restoration process. The Red Tower is opened by Din l-Art Helwa volunteers as follows:

• Winter Opening Hours – 16th September – 14th June: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Summer Opening Hours – 15th June – 15th September: Mornings 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Afternoons 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The White Tower

Built in 1658,the White Tower(Maltese:Torri l-Abjad) is a small watchtower overlooking Armier Bay. It is one of 13 watchtowers, built under the rule of Grand Master Martin de Redin to defend the Maltese coast. In 2009, it was passed on to the local council as part of the area’s cultural heritage.

Għajn Tuffieħa Tower

The tower that guardsGħajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Bay)andIl-Mixquqa(Golden Bay) was built in 1637. It’s very similar to Lippija Tower, its close counterpart overlookingĠnejna Bay. TheGħajn Tuffieħa Tower is longish in shape and the ground floor room is larger than the second floor one. It was armed with a ½-pounder cannon and manned by four men, a captain and three men, who were paid by the University of Mdina.

Għadira Nature Reserve

TheGħadira Nature Reserve, with its rare habitat, is one of the few places in Malta where you can go bird watching. Located inland from Mellieħa Bay, it has been in operation since 1978. Various species of migrating birds visit the wetland and the salt marsh each year and nature lovers can observe them from two hides opposite each other. The reserve is open between September and May on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free but donations help the volunteers maintain this unusual attraction in Malta.

Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park

The recently openedIl-Majjistral Nature and History Park offer miles of coastal walks across rocky paths with superb views of the cliffs and the sea. The wild habitat in the park offers a look at the typical arid Maltese countryside, with its variety of wild plants and fauna, like the common lizards and the not-so-common local snakes. They generally scuttle off in hiding when they hear you coming. Parking is available at several points, such as at Golden Bay. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Mellieħa Air Raid Shelter

The Mellieħa air raid shelter is the largest of 46 shelters dug in Mellieħa during World War Two, reaching a length of over 500 metres. It was recently opened to the public by the Maria Bambina Choral and Orchestral Society of Mellieħa. The shelter includes waxwork characters in various rooms, showing how the Maltese took shelter during the bombing. The admission price is €2.40. You are left to your own devices to explore the tunnels in your own time.

Popeye Village

Popeye Villageis an entertainment park based on the real film set used in Paramount Pictures 1980’s Popeye movie starring Robin Williams is a great place for families with children. It offers great views of the bay and the on-site restaurant is quite popular. Within the set itself, one can enjoy various reenactments by actors. Visitors can also use the beach facilities to swim in Anchor Bay or just lie down by the beach. Entrance is at a fee, but the package includes a number of offerings, such as boat trips, entrance to the cinema on location, a drink and use of facilities.

Tunnara Museum

A little interesting fishing museum with various exhibits and history. Originally a fort, the place was later used in the Second World War as a defensive position. It has since been restored and converted into a museum by a number of local volunteers to explain the complex job of tuna fishing by Mellieħa fishermen.

Beaches near Mellieħa

One of the major benefits of holidaying in Mellieħa is that you’ll be close to some of the most gorgeous beaches of Malta within an area of a few square kilometres. If you choose to stay in this village, beaches likeGolden BayandGħajn Tuffieħaare within easy reach by bus as well.

Mellieħa Bay

The most popular isMellieħa Bay (or Għadira), also Malta’s largest sandy beach. Its crystal clear waters are very shallow which makes it ideal for families with little children. Public toilets and several snack bars can be found on the beach and for a couple of Euros, you can rent an umbrella and sunbeds for the day.

Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay is a small sandy beach surrounded by high cliffs and a view of Gozo in the distance. It lies over the hill beyond Mellieħa Bay, on the road towards the Gozo ferry which departs at Ċirkewwa. It is easier to reach if you’re renting a car. Public toilets, as well as a large snack bar, are available on location.

Armierand Little Armier

These are two popular beaches among locals especially and tend to be a little less busy, even at the height of summer. Armier and Little Armier (both at Armier Bay) are located on the north side of Malta’s figurative tail fin. The minute you get up on the hill past Mellieħa Bay, take a turn to your right onto a long road and take a turn to your left when you see the sign pointing towards Armier Bay, or keep going a little further for the turn to Little Armier. Both spots offer beautiful sandy beaches, with clean sands and waters and a large snack bar at the edge of both beaches for refreshments. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds at both too.

Please note: Buses don’t stop at the bay, and a walk in the summer heat will be too much to bear for both, so this is really only an option if you rent a car (or get a lift).

White Tower Bay

Further down the road from Armier and Little Armier, there’s another small sandy beach called White Tower Bay. Mostly frequented by locals (and temporary summer residents who park a caravan or own a so-called boathouse there), it’s another more secluded option. You will find a restaurant at the end of the beach.

Slugs Bay

Slugs Bay is a small secluded beach off the beaten track. It lies on the same ridge as Armier Bay, but on the opposite side. The name of the bay comes from the sea slugs found there. It is accessible from a winding path that takes you down through the cliff boulders to the bay. The clarity of the sea at this bay and the abundance of marine life make it very popular with divers.

Imġiebaħ Bay

Another secluded beach with clear waters is Imġiebaħ Bay, accessible from a narrow road opposite the Selmun Palace. It is not a popular beach and there are no facilities on-site, however, it is very peaceful and excellent for swimming and snorkelling.

Anchor Bay Dive Site

On the opposite side of Popeye’s Village, one can find an excellent dive site, very popular amongst the local aficionados. Divers have a chance to see interesting caves and rock formations in the area and a wide variety of marine life such as octopus, groupers, parrotfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, cuckoo wrasse and many other species. It’s also a great location for snorkelling.

History of Mellieħa

Mellieħa’s history goes back quite a while. Evidence of Neolithic activity has surfaced many times in the area. Several megalithic remains, rock-cut tombs, pottery fragments and primitive tools were all found around the Mellieħa hill.

There are also many naturally formed caves around the base of the village which according to experts have been inhabited by troglodytes since 213 B.C. These caves seem to have been used not only as dwellings but also as a place for burial.

Like many other remote parts of the island, Mellieħa was abandoned during the late 15th century due to fear of corsair attacks. Mellieħa was repopulatedin the 17th century when the Knights of Malta built several fortifications to protect the area. Its inhabitants settled in the area mainly for agriculture, taking benefit of the fertile valleys around Mellieħa as well as “tunny net” fishing.

In 1844, Mellieħa was established again as a parish and developed into a more modern town. Most of the buildings and streets in the centre of current-day Mellieħa date from that period.