Mellieha Travel Guide

Mellieha is a charming Mediterranean town sitting in northern Malta. Its selling points include wonderful beaches, historical attractions, and mellowness appealing to everyone. Mellieha’s quiet atmosphere and beautiful hillsides are a popular summer getaway for locals and visitors searching for sunshine. Through its breathtaking views out to the Mediterranean Sea, it acts like a calm retreat from the more populated terrains of Malta. Such attractions are among the most beautiful and nearest to tourist spots on the island’s Northern Coast.

It is a beautiful fusion of culture and nature, since its lovely beaches, rich history, and exquisite blend of relaxation and adventure cater to tourists from all walks of life. Of particular note is Popeye Village, originally set for shooting the 1980 film Popeye and today a wonderful attraction for families. Mellieħa, with a welcoming atmosphere, numerous outdoor activities, and a touch of exclusivity, surely tells of the splendor of Malta, making it a happy experience for all its visitors. Mellieha weather is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Mellieħa restaurants offer a delightful mix of traditional Maltese cuisine, fresh seafood, and international flavors, making it a food lover’s paradise in northern Mellieha

Places to visit in Mellieha Malta

Mellieha has many beautiful places, some of which are:

Popeye Village Malta

Popeye Village also known as Sweethaven Village is an entertainment park based on a real film set by Paramount Pictures for Popeye’s movie in the 1980’s. A family-friendly theme park now offers a mix of activities, scenic views, and entertainment in this colorful village, converting it into an attractive destination for families. In 1979, we built the film set for Popeye using over 20 brightly painted, rustic wooden buildings imported from the Netherlands and Canada.

At this site, visitors can meet and interact with actors playing the parts of Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto, as well as others. Visitors can also enjoy live shows and screenings of Popeye or make-of clips in this area. During the summer, boat rides operate along attractive routes past the village and glances of the surrounding bay. In fair weather, the region lends itself to swimming with inflatable obstacle courses in the bay. Children will find plenty to do here, such as mini-golf, play areas, and miniature golf. Popeye Village becomes a Christmassy village with holiday decorations and activities during the festive holiday season. 

Mellieha Bay Malta

Mellieha Bay is known as Ghadira Bay and is one of Malta’s biggest sandy beaches. It is located a little above the town of Mellieħa in the island’s north. Its clear waters and gentle shoreline make this beach so prized, and its welcoming resort mentality takes it to one of the favorite hangouts for locals and visitors alike. Three beaches, each stretching some 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers, are formed by rocks, and the central one hosts most watersport activities. Families with children or young swimmers recommend Malieha Bay for its golden sands and shallow, transparent water.

The beach is usually less crowded in summer, especially on weekends. But the bay is relatively big and you’ll still be able to enjoy this beautiful beach if you find a quieter spot. Mellieha Bay practically touches a main road, so car access is easy.  The long, sandy stretch of golden beach and the gentle, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly activities.

In the summer, the bay becomes vibrant with beachgoers, watersports enthusiasts, and local vendors offering refreshments and beach essentials. This long stretch of golden sand is characterized by shallow and gentle waters that greatly benefit swimming, sunbathing, and other family-friendly activities. 

Mellieha Town Center in Malta 

Mellieha Town Center, situated on a hill with a stunning view of Mellieħa Bay, is a delightful area steeped in history in Malta. It beautifully combines traditional Maltese charm with modern amenities, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors throughout the year. Notable attractions near Malieha Town Center include the Parish Church of Malieha, the Sanctuary of Lady of Malieha, and various restaurants, cafes, and shops. The main street has quaint shops and boutiques that offer local crafts, souvenirs, and everyday essentials. You can also find handmade items like lacework and ceramics, perfect for unique gifts and mementos.

In summer, Mellieha is full of events and festivals, the most popular are “Mellieha Nights” streets full of music, dancing, and food stalls. Town fiesta takes place for the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in September, complete with street parades, fireworks, and old-fashioned traditional festivities. Mellieha Town Center is a famous attraction for tourists of Mellieha. Mellieħa Town Center maintains a balance of tranquility and vibrancy, with its historic sites, local culture, and laid-back ambiance, making it a memorable stop for anyone exploring Malta.

Golden Sands Beach

Golden Sands Beach, also referred to as Golden Bay, is one of the most attractive and popular beaches in Malta. The villagers know Manikata, located on the northwest coast, for its soft golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning cliffs that offer a picturesque natural setting. True to its name, the beach boasts stunning golden sands, a rarity in Malta, where rocky shores are more prevalent. The water is crystal clear, making it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and a variety of beach activities.

It’s beautiful, what’s available here is sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and restrooms. Snacks, drinks, or light meals can be had from kiosks and nearby cafes. And if you haven’t brought your surfing gear and so on, you can rent it on the premises. You will find a pretty good selection of jet skis, paddleboards, windsurfing gear, and so on, and kayaks.

The panorama that one experiences at Golden Sands Beach is beyond words. Set amid steep mountains and green trails, it forms an excellent ambiance for tourists. There are also many hiking trails around the bay that offer great views of the Mediterranean Sea, especially during sunsets, as they provide access to several outlooks that are quite breathtaking. 

A big luxury hotel is located right on the bay which gives one more than just a beach with food and services. You will also find some nearby restaurants and cafes offering appetizing Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine perfect for a scenic view meal. Golden Sands Beach is sunset famous in the West of the beach with wide and clear views. Visitors should catch the sunset at the beach or the cliffs nearby as the sight of the sky and sea and the sandy beaches gives a great beautiful color.

Accessibility

The nearest place to Golden Sands Beach is Għajn Tuffieħa, located just south of Golden Bay. Moreover, This beach is accessible via a short walk from Golden Sands and offers a more secluded, quieter atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

The good thing is that Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is less crowded than Golden Sands Beach. It’s a perfect spot for those who are looking for tranquility and a more laid-back vibe. Several hiking trails around Ghajn Tuffieha connect to Golden Bay. The trails around Ghajn Tuffieha offer various lookout points and cliffside paths which are ideal for photography and sunset views.

Ghajn Tuffieha is the nearest place to Golden Sands Beach. It is located south of Golden Bat. You can get to Golden Sands Beach by a short walk. It offers a quieter atmosphere, more secluded and it is ideal for those who are looking to escape the crowds. 

Mellieha Parish Church

The most prominent landmark in Mellieha, Malta is the Church of Our Lady of Victory. The church is popularly known as Mellieha Parish Church. They built it between 1883 and 1898. This church is an excellent example of traditional Maltese architecture and boasts ornate facades, twin bell towers, and exquisitely detailed interiors that ought to win hearts.

Perched atop a hill, the Church of Mellieha gives vivid views of Mellieha Bay, true for a photographer’s delight. The terrace is best for the view of Mellieha, its quaint rooftops, and winding streets in the original Maltese design. Locals and visitors consider the sanctuary a significant pilgrimage site, believing in the miraculous powers of the icon venerated there. Mellieħa celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Victory in early September each year. There are lively processions, fireworks, and many cultural events for visitors to Malta.

Bays in Mellieha

There are five famous bays in Malta, which are Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Slugs Bay, Armier Bay, White Tower Bay, and Anchor Bay Malta. Each bay in Mellieha has its charm and beauty. 

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Ghajn Tuffieha is one the Malta’s most beautiful beaches. It is also known as Riviera Bay. The term Ghajn Tuffieha means “Apple’s Eye”. It is surrounded by cliffs and hills, and it offers a peaceful and beautiful environment.  The bay’s defining feature is its crescent-shaped golden sand beach, which slopes gently into the turquoise Mediterranean waters.

The view from the bay is beautiful, especially at sunset the sky and water become golden, which looks very pleasant. The Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is also a famous place for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The good thing is that Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is less crowded and peaceful than its neighbor Golden Bay. 

Mellieha has one of the most beautiful Bays in Malta, one of them is Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. It is one of Malta’s most stunning beaches. The meaning of Ghajn Tuffieha is “Apple’s Eye”. The Bay is famous for its beauty, dramatic cliffs, and golden sands.

Anchor Bay

A small inlet hidden between two cliffs is where you’ll find Anchor Bay, a picturesque location in Malta renowned for its natural beauty and popularity among tourists. It is located northwest of Malta near the village of Mellieha. Popeye Village, a film set built for the musical “Popeye” starring Robin Williams, is best known for being its home. You can go hiking on the cliffs and see breathtaking views of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea.  

Slugs Bay

Slugs Bay is located in the north of Malta, near Mellieha in the Ghardia Nature Reserve Area. It is surrounded by cliffs, and natural vegetation, and is less crowded. It is a great spot to relax in a peaceful environment. Its natural beauty is perfect for capturing pictures. 

White Tower Bay

White Tower Bay is located on the beautiful Island of Mellieha, Malta. Those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate connection with Nature note this peaceful and picturesque bay with its placid water and striking white-sand beaches for its remoteness, making it an ideal retreat. This bay in Mellieha offers clear blue waters, which are very good for swimming and snorkeling.

History:

During the reign of Grand Master Martin de Redin of the Order of St. John in 1658, the White Tower was built and named after it, also known as Torri l-Abjad in Maltese. It was one of several towers built as part of a defense system designed to enable rapid communication along the coastline. The purpose of building the tower is to signal the other towers or fortresses about approaching enemy ships using fire or smoke signals.

Coral Lagoon Malta

The Coral Lagoon in Malta is a hidden natural gem located near Armier Bay in the Mellieħa area. This spectacular sea cave, with its open-roof structure, is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can get to Coral Lagoon by Kayak or by boat. You’ll find kayak rentals at Armier Bay Beach, which is a great location since it’s very close to the cave. The water inside the grotto is very deep which makes this a great swimming location for confident swimmers. If you’re approaching from the land like we did, you’ll have some difficulty getting into the water, as there is no direct access. You can swim, cliff jump, and can do scuba diving there. 

How do you get to Mellieha, Malta?

Driving in Mellieha is quite simple. There are several ways to reach Mellieha, indeed.

By Bus:

Take a bus to Mellieha, on routes 41 and 42, which go straight to the town. The journey takes about one hour and is hands down the most economical means. Buses from Sliema and St. Julian’s such as; 222 and 225, also go to Mellieħa with their travel time usually similar based on traffic.

By Car:

Reaching Mellieha by car is the most convenient way. It gives you time freedom and you can reach any place quickly and easily. Well, it’s about 30-40 minutes drive from Valletta, depending on the traffic. If you’re coming to Mellieha from St Paul’s Bay the drive is around 15 minutes. Take Route 1 (Triq il-Marfa) heading north, following signs for Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa.

By Ferry:

If you are coming from Gozo, take the Gozo Channel ferry from Mgarr Harbor to Cirkewwa in Malta. The ferry is frequent and takes about twenty-five minutes to reach Cirkewwa. There’s no need for reservations since ferries operate frequently. Once you’ve arrived at Cirkewwa terminal in Malta, Mellieħa is just a 5–10-minute bus or taxi ride away.

What’s the best time to visit Mellieha?

June to September are the best months to visit Mellieha or beaches and do some water activities. Warm, sunny days and high sea temperatures (25–27°C / 77–81°F) make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

For sightseeing and exploring March to May are the best months to visit. October to early November are the best months to visit Mellieħa’s historical sites, nature trails, and rural areas. In these months the crowds are less and the weather is comfortable for hiking and cultural tours.

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