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In the North of Malta, away from the hustle and bustle in the centre of the island, lies the calm and picturesque hilltop town of Mellieħa.
From hotels and things to do to personal tips and the best restaurants, in this guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Mellieħa Malta.
As an expat living in Malta, I know Mellieħa inside out and will do my best to help you have a great time there!
Mellieħa is a picturesque rural village, located in the North of the island. Located at the top of a group of hills, the authentic Maltese town is surrounded by valleys and offers beautiful sights over Malta’s natural areas.
The best part about the area is that it is filled with bays and beaches. The town overlooks Malta’s largest sandy beach Għadira Bay (pronounced ‘a-deera’), and there are plenty of other gorgeous bays where you can go for a dip.
Sharing influences of both sides, Mellieħa is a traditional and authentic Maltese village. With a population of over 10,000 people, there are all the amenities you’ll need on your holidays, but it’s not as lively and crowded as the more popular parts of Malta.
The main street is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, so you can find anything you need in the town centre. But what really makes Mellieħa attractive is the stunning architecture surrounding the Parish and the upper (older) part of town, reminiscing Malta’s long and intriguing history.
Surrounding the village is a stunning area of untouched nature, so if you love hiking and exploring, this is the place to be.
And if that isn’t enough to convince you, you might be interested in other attractions in the Mellieħa area, including coastal towers, museums, and the famous Popeye Village theme park.
Think beach days, excursions, water sports, nature walks and lots more! If you’re thinking of heading to Mellieħa, rest assured there are several activities to keep you busy.
Given Mellieħa’s prime seaside location, you can easily visit Comino and Gozo when booking an organised tour. Further to this, some providers offer fun excursions around the main island. Check out my top 3 recommendations here:
Consider taking a fun day trip to Gozo with this all-inclusive, highly recommended Tuk-Tuk tour.
Discover the most beautiful parts of Malta’s sister island at a leisurely pace, driven around by a local driver who will guide you on your day out.
Organised transport will pick you up in the morning and drop you off at the end of the day. You’ll also enjoy a boat ride past Comino and its Blue Lagoon on a boat used exclusively for this tour.
Fancy a later start to the day? Check out this Sunset Combo Tuk-Tuk Tour to Gozo and Comino.
Take a quad bike tour to explore Gozo’s sights and hidden gems on off-the-beaten-track paths. This fantastic self-drive adventure guarantees a jam-packed day filled with thrills and memories to last you a lifetime. Throughout the day, a knowledgeable driver will share unique facts and local knowledge about all the places listed on the itinerary. Some of these include the Wied il-Mielaħ Window, Dwejra Bay, the Inland Sea and the Fungus Rock, the ancient Xwejni Salt Pans, Tal-Mixta Cave and many others.
You can also visit the two islands, Comino and Gozo in one day if you book the sunset combo quad tour.
Do you want to explore Malta at your own pace, but want to avoid long waiting times? With the iSeeMalta hop-on hop-off bus tour you’ll get to see all the best attractions in Malta, and you can hop off wherever you like. If you fancy it, you can even include a harbour cruise with your trip—definitely worth it!
If there is a place ideal for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling in Malta, it has to be Mellieħa. With several popular beaches that are great for snorkelling and several intriguing dive sites, this is the place to be.
Have you always wanted to parasail behind a boat or explore the sea on a jet ski? Mellieħa Bay is the perfect place to start, with several providers offering different things for hire for a fun day out in the sun! Daredevils and adventurers, this one’s for you!
L-Aħrax is perfect for camping, set in woodland on the edge of a cliff. With gorgeous views of the Mediterranean, a clear starry night sky and amazing sunrises, this official camping zone is perfect for a night or two. And even for a hike or a picnic, L-Aħrax offers a great natural getaway.
The Marfa Ridge Country Walk is a beautiful hike that takes you through different kinds of habitats, from farmland and wooded areas to beautiful bays and cliffs. The Marfa Ridge country walk is 11 kilometres long and will take around 4.5 hours in total.
Mellieħa is brimming with natural wonders, historic landmarks, churches, and beautiful nature parks. Keen to learn more? Here are the top places to visit:
St. Agatha’s Tower, better known as the Red Tower thanks to its bright red colour, was built in 1649. Situated on the crest of Marfa Ridge, it provides amazing views of Gozo, Comino and the Għadira Nature Reserve. The tower was manned throughout both World Wars and was one of the main defensive positions during the time of the Knights of St. John.
Visit the film set for Robin Williams’ iconic movie Popeye (1980), specifically built in Anchor Bay for this film. Three kilometres from the centre of Mellieħa, it is an easy hike to get here, and it’s worth checking out the area around the theme park too! The theme park is fun for children and a great throwback to those young at heart!
With its arch dating back to the 16th century and built in the late 19th century, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa is popular for both pilgrimages and the magnificent views it offers over the village of Mellieħa and its surrounding waters. Located in the heart of Mellieħa, this is something you cannot miss.
The impressive Parish Church of Mellieħa is dedicated to the Birth of Our Lady and was built between 1881 and 1898. Drop by for daily mass (in Maltese) or simply a good look at the stunning church. Made entirely out of stone from the nearby quarry L-Aħrax, local peasants built the church of their dreams with their own hands.
This natural cave forms part of the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mellieħa. It features a chapel carved out of limestone rock and the famous statue of Our Lady holding Baby Jesus in her left arm.
The story behind it is quite fascinating. Mario de Vasi, a Sicilian wine merchant visited Malta regularly due to the nature of his work. He was also a dedicated devotee of the Sanctuary who had a lifelong wish to create a shrine in Her honour. Eventually, this dream came true, thanks to his generous donations.
Over the years, the grotto continued to attract other devotees who started placing votive offerings on its walls. At some point, it was also enlarged to accommodate even more devotees visiting the cave
Nowadays, visitors can access the natural cave through a gate and a flight of steps opposite the Sanctuary.
Mellieħa is well-known for its caves, many of which used to be inhabited since Neolithic times. Some of the most popular ones include the following: L-Għar u Casa, Il-Qofra and the Dragonara Cave.
Malta’s first natural park, Majjistral Nature and History Park was named after the Maltese word Northwest region or wind, Majjistral. Reaching from Golden Bay to Il-Prajjet and ix-Xagħra l-Ħamra, the area is great for bird watching, and with the trails on their website, this is a gorgeous area to explore.
The walk to Castillo de Selmun, also known as Selmun Palace, is a lovely one, and you’ll be rewarded as you arrive at the palace. The beautiful building is set in peaceful surroundings, and the views from up there are amazing. Do note that the palace isn’t open for viewing.
Relatively unknown and extremely underrated is the il-Mizieb woodland in Mellieħa. This tranquil valley is perfect for hiking and picnics, as there are walking paths and stunning views on the way.
If you are visiting Malta between September and May, visit the Għadira Natural Reserve for birdwatching. Outside those months, the reserve provides a gorgeous natural environment to explore.
Here are my top recommendations for accommodation in Mellieħa Malta:
With six international restaurants and three bars, you won’t be short of delicious food and unlimited drinks. There’s a modern spa with numerous facilities, including a jacuzzi, a Turkish steam bath and a sauna. Included with each room is a reserved private parking space.
The Ramla Bay Resort is situated on the northernmost shore of Malta, promising spectacular views. With three outdoor pools, two indoor pools and a private beach, you can always take a dip to cool down. The resort also includes a water sports centre.
The luxurious Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is set on the rocky coast of Malta’s Golden Bay. Featuring a large swimming pool, a lagoon pool and a children’s pool, this is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back holiday. It also offers a private beach and a stunning spa.
The Luna Holiday Complex is one of the best three-star hotels in Malta. Apartments are equipped with a kitchenette and a living area. The complex has two fantastic outdoor pools, one of which is on the rooftop featuring stunning views of the Mellieħa coastline, the Red Tower and Mellieħa Church.
This option is ideal if you’re travelling with kids or love your own space within a limestone bungalow. Features include a comfortable lounge area, two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Other amenities include a large swimming pool, restaurants, bars, a small supermarket, a tennis court, a wellness centre and more.
Mellieħa is 25 kilometres away from Malta International Airport, which will take around 40 to 60 minutes by taxi or rental car, depending on traffic.
If you want to travel by public transport, take bus X1 to ÄŠirkewwa. The trip is around an hour’s drive.
The tickets can be bought directly on the bus. Each ticket costs just €2.50 (day-time) or €3 (night-time fare). You can also get a Tallinja Card or other ticket packages if you’re planning a longer stay on the island.
Just be aware that buses are not always on time and the travel time is longer due to the bus stopping in other locations along the way.
If comfort and convenience are what you’re after, opt for a taxi. From the airport, the journey lasts around 40 minutes or so depending on the traffic. Meanwhile, the journey time from the touristy places mentioned above is shorter.
As far as prices go, taxis vary between €12 to €33 depending on your location, vehicle of choice and time of day. The following apps by the respective providers can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
You can also opt to rent a car during your stay on the island.
Since Mellieħa isn’t as busy as other towns like Sliema and St Julian’s, traffic might be less hectic (unless it’s a public holiday). However, finding a parking space may prove to be a headache, especially if you’re based in the village or trying to find a spot near Għadira Bay. With this in mind, it’s best to choose a hotel that has a car park included.
If you decide to go ahead with a car rental, you can get one as you land directly from the airport. The car rental agency desks are on Level 1 of the nearby Park East car park. You can follow signs leading you there from the Arrivals Hall.
Feeling peckish? Not to worry! Here are some highly recommended restaurants offering tasty food, great service and an all-around fantastic dining experience!
This Michelin restaurant exceeds all expectations. Warm, honest and intimate, Commando has been family-owned ever since the 1930s. Back then, the current chef’s grandfather catered for the Royal Marines, hence the name Commando. You’ll get to taste the very best here!
For Japanese seafood, Amami is the best of the best. The food here is mouth-watering, and the terrace has an amazing sea view to enjoy while you have a drink or a bite. The professional staff will make sure your experience will be one to remember!
Located between the sea and the village, One80 Kitchen & Lounge is surrounded by some of Mellieħa’s most untouched nature. Great service and food go hand in hand here. All their ingredients are locally sourced, making the food absolutely divine.
Munchies is a well-known spot among locals and visitors, and with good reason! A wonderful atmosphere, good food and friendly staff make this a great place to sit back and enjoy Mellieħa’s beautiful surroundings with a cold drink in your hand.
Offering French-Mediterranean cuisine with only the finest ingredients and local produce, Rebekah’s Restaurant serves genuine food cooked to perfection. Within this cosy ambience, you’re guaranteed nothing short of a great time!
Mellieħa is the perfect place to enjoy endless beach days. You can catch some rays on a deckchair, swim in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, and even enjoy a dose of water sports if you’re up for it!
Mellieħa Bay or L-Għadira in Maltese, is Malta’s longest and largest sandy beach. It is located on the outskirts of Mellieħa and stretches 800 metres along the coastline. It was awarded a Blue Flag status for its quality and safety. It is family-friendly, and there are plenty of water sports options.
Armier Bay sits on the most northern tip of Malta and consists of three gorgeous little bays: Armier Bay Beach, Little Armier and White Tower Bay. If you are up for a short hike and adventure, don’t miss out on Coral Lagoon; a ten-minute walk will take you to this impressive cave.
You can jump in the freshwater, but only if there are no strong waves and you are a strong swimmer. Even if you don’t jump, the Coral Lagoon (Dragonara Cave) is worth seeing!
Close to Armier Bay, you can find Slugs Bay, a small and secluded bay. You will love this little bay if you want to steer clear of the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim. Don’t expect a real beach; there is little to no sand to relax on, and the coast here is rocky. But it’s worth a visit!
Perhaps Malta’s most popular beach is Golden Bay (ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa). As the name suggests, the sand is golden or red-coloured, and it is a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset. With good facilities and several restaurants, this beach caters for many visitors.
Għajn Tuffieħa beach is a favourite among Maltese and visitors. Smaller than its popular neighbour Golden Bay and just a ten-minute walk away, this beach is more secluded. There is one restaurant, Singita, where you can enjoy tasty meals with stunning views. Għajn Tuffieħa is also a great area to hike and watch the sunset.
Anchor Bay is home to Popeye Village and was the movie set for the film Popeye (1980). Nowadays the village is a visitors’ attraction, but the bay is worth a visit too. With coloured huts against the cliffs, the views from up here are amazing. Head down to cool down in the beautiful blue water after a visit to Popeye Village or dive into one of the several caves in this bay.
Close to Mellieħa Bay lies the smaller Paradise Bay. Overlooking Gozo and Comino Island, this beach is unique as it sits at the bottom of high cliffs. If you are into hiking, I suggest a hike through the area. Pass the Red Tower, enjoy the untouched nature and end your hike at Paradise Bay for a well-deserved rest.
This unspoiled beach is challenging to get to, as it requires quite a hike to arrive at the beach. Since access is limited, it makes it all the more special and secluded. I recommend trekking down the cliff to be rewarded with scenic views. People love walking their dogs here, while others go camping, have barbecues and plan the occasional party.
As the 8th of September approaches, the locals await the highly anticipated feast of The Nativity of Our Lady. In Maltese, this feast is called Il-Festa ta’ Marija Bambina or Il-Bambina. Alongside Mellieħa, other places on the island celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady. This includes Senglea, Naxxar and Xagħra, Gozo.
Since this is one of the most popular village feasts on the Maltese Islands, many celebrations are carried out from the last Sunday of August until 8th September.
The Mellieħa Parish Square comes to life with live music and entertainment as well as kiosks selling all sorts of fast food as well as must-try local delicacies including the famous qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), imqaret (pastries filled with dates and a citrus paste) and qubbajt (traditional Maltese Nougat).
Another highlight is the march that passes through several streets in Mellieħa Malta. And of course, no festa is complete without fireworks. You can enjoy the traditional air fireworks from various spots in the town as well as the rotating wooden structures producing the ground fireworks (known as ġiġġifogu locally).
Historical Fact: The 8th of September is also known as Victory Day since it commemorates three of Malta’s greatest victories: the Great Siege of Malta in 1565; the Siege of Valletta in 1800 and, the Siege of Malta during the Second World War 1943.
Mellieħa was first inhabited in the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. Megalithic remains like tools and pottery fragments were found in caves and tombs around Mellieħa Hill.
Legend has it that, St. Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD, bringing Christianity to the islands. Local tradition says that St. Luke, who accompanied St. Paul, came to one of Mellieħa’s caves where he painted the figure of Our Lady on the rock wall. In 409 AD, this cave became a church, and today it is still known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa.
By the end of the 15th century, northern Malta was raided by Muslims. The Mellieħa area remained abandoned during the first years that the Order of St. John ruled Malta, but that changed in the late 17th century when the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa was rebuilt.
Throughout the 17th century, the northern coast of Malta started being fortified. Mellieħa’s first fortification was the Red Tower which still stands today. It was completed in 1649 and was built on Marfa Ridge, with views overlooking Mellieħa Bay, Comino and Gozo.
Throughout the 18th century, more coastal batteries and entrenchments were built in Mellieħa. Some of these still stand, like Mistra Battery, Westreme Battery and Wied Musa Battery.
From 1800 onward, when the islands were under British rule, the village saw people settling there again. The British gave leases to the population, giving an incentive for others to move to Mellieħa.
The parish church was constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is believed that locals helped build it.
Just before World War II, Fort Campbell was built in Selmun and Mellieħa Fort was built on top of the hill as a lookout post.
Since the end of the war, Mellieħa has seen a lot of development, and it turned into the popular tourist destination it is today. The Mellieħa Local Council was established in 1993.
Nightlife is a big word to describe Mellieħa’s night scene, but there are a few bars where you can expect a warm welcome and a cold beer.
Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you out!
Brown, K.A. (2019) The Siege of Malta, 1565, American International Journal of Social Science.
Pace, A. (2014) St. Paul in Malta and the Shaping of a Nation’s Identity.
