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Mellieha is a hilltop town in the north of Malta, right above the island’s biggest sandy beach. To me, it’s the summer place: lots of hotels, lots of beaches, and wide sea views from almost every street.
Written by Laura Jasenaite, Malta travel expert with 15+ years living on the islands.
Mellieha is a town where nature’s beauty shines. Think lovely beaches, rolling hills, and views that take your breath away. If you’re searching for the true essence of Malta, with fewer tourist crowds, you’re in the right place.
I have lived in Malta since 2011, and my love of hiking and nature has led me to explore every corner of this island. I understand travellers’ pain points. You want more than crowded sites; you seek authentic experiences. That’s where I come in.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick answer: The best things to do in Mellieha are swimming at Għadira Bay (Mellieha Bay), walking the Paradise Bay and Selmun trails, water sports on the beach, a boat trip to Comino, Popeye Village, and sunset at the Red Tower. Mellieha is quiet at night: eat in the old square, or join the barbecues on the beach.
Mellieħa is one of the stops in my 7-Day Itinerary
I’ve mapped out exactly when to visit Mellieħa alongside the rest of Malta – with clear routes, best visit times, location links, restaurant tips, and zero stress.
Get the guideQuick Facts About Mellieha
- Located in Northern Malta.
- Approximately 24 kilometres or 40-minute drive from Malta’s airport.
- About 25 kilometres from Valletta, about 45 minutes by car.
- Home to around 14,000 people (2024 estimate), it offers a small-town vibe.
- Renowned for its lovely beaches, including Għadira Bay.
- There are historical sites like the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter and the Red Tower.
- Known for its scenic landscapes and nature attractions.
Brief History of Mellieha
The area’s significance dates back to prehistoric times, shown by ancient cave dwellings. Romans and Byzantines inhabited the caves.
Around 60 AD, St. Paul was travelling to Rome and his ship crashed in a storm near Mellieha, Malta. This event is important because it brought Christianity to Malta.
Under the Knights of St. John, Mellieha saw fortifications like Saint Agatha’s Tower (the Red Tower).
During World War II, Mellieha gained strategic importance. Its location made it a key site for defence and observation.
Later Mellieha evolved from a small village to a popular tourist destination.
What is Mellieha Famous For?
What awaits you in Mellieha? Hidden gems, picturesque hiking trails, nature spots where locals unwind and gorgeous beaches. So, let’s dive in.
The town of Mellieha is on a hill, so every street and corner offers beautiful views of the sea and sky.
Though Mellieha’s town centre might be small, don’t let that fool you. The area stretches far and wide, offering more than you might expect. Mellieha is both a town and a region, and the beaches below it count as part of Mellieha. Here, you will find a blend of local charm and pretty landscapes.
Mellieha is famous for its beaches, the finest in Malta. Here are a few worth checking – Għajn Tuffieħa, Għadira, Golden Bay, Paradise Bay, and Imġiebaħ Beach. They’re great for sunbathing, swimming, or daydreaming in the sun. (Links to my guide for each beach are in the Beach Time section below.)
This town is a popular tourist spot. Yet, it is quieter than other tourist towns such as Bugibba, Sliema, or St Julian’s. You can wander through town or lounge on the beach without feeling crowded.
Accommodation in Mellieha caters for all. Whether you fancy a luxurious resort or a cosy holiday apartment, you’ll find it here.
For adventure lovers, Mellieha is your playground. The sea here is ideal for water sports. Try kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving or windsurfing if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve spent countless hours on the water here, and it’s a new adventure each time.
What is there to see in Mellieha town centre?
Mellieha town centre is small and sits on top of the hill. The heart of it is the old square. It’s very old and nice, with a café and lots of restaurants around it. You can spend an afternoon there, have dinner there, or head down to the beach.
One thing to know: the town is up on the hill and the beach is at the bottom. Walking between them is steep and hard work, so most people take the bus or drive.
Is Mellieha the Right Choice for Your Malta Holiday?
A gem for beach lovers: this northern town is close to some of Malta’s best beaches. Imagine your holiday a few steps away from beautiful beaches and clear waters.
A range of accommodation options: Choose a luxurious resort or a cosy holiday apartment. Each option offers a different taste of Mellieha’s life, always comfortable and welcoming.
Nature and water sports: Mellieha’s natural beauty is lovely. It offers a variety of coastal walks with green landscapes. It’s also a haven for water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Mellieha is a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities.
A wide range of dining options: There is everything from Maltese and Italian to Asian cuisine.
A gateway to Comino and Gozo: Comino and Gozo are close by boat. I often go to Comino’s Blue Lagoon or visit Gozo’s villages. It feels like different holidays in one trip.
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I want it!Considerations Before Choosing Mellieha
But Mellieha might not suit everyone.
No nightlife scene: Its quiet evenings won’t match your pace if you are looking for nightlife. The town winds down early, offering peaceful nights rather than party scenes.
Steep hills: The town is on a high hill and the beach is at the bottom. If walking uphill is hard for you, stay near the beach or plan on the bus or a car.
Traffic and travel time: Mellieha’s northern location means traffic, especially during peak seasons. Getting in and out of Mellieha can be time-consuming, especially on weekends.
Public transport challenges: For those relying on public transport, Mellieha might feel remote. Getting to Valletta or other key locations takes about an hour. I’ve experienced delays and long travel times. If you’re staying in this town but plan to tour Malta, consider renting a car.
Comparing Mellieha with Other Towns in Malta
Are you trying to decide if Mellieha is the right choice for your holidays? Here’s a comparison with other towns.
If you’re in for a beach holiday, this town has the best beaches with Għadira, Golden Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa. It’s great for families, water sports, and nature walks. Yet, Mellieha is more isolated, so a car is necessary for sightseeing. Traffic can be challenging at times.
Marsaskala, a quiet village, is ideal for families. It has playgrounds and small beaches. Also, it’s far from central areas, but traffic is better there than in Mellieha.
Sliema is a busy town. It’s a hub for shopping and dining. It is also known for its rocky beaches and international vibe.
Naxxar presents traditional Malta, peaceful and centrally located but without beach access.
Bugibba draws tourists with its beaches and nightlife. The beaches aren’t as nice, and it gets crowded.
St. Julian’s is lively, especially at night, with many 5-star hotels. It’s a top spot for nightlife but it can be busy and noisy.
Rabat, close to Mdina, is a historical town. You can stay at authentic boutique hotels or even historic palazzos.
Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lively and historic. It features many restaurants and luxury boutique hotels.
Check out my guide to Malta’s best towns to stay in.
Not sure how Mellieha fits into your week?
My 7-day itinerary tells you which day to spend in the north, which beach to pick, and where to eat, so you don’t lose half a day in traffic.
See what’s insideHow to Get to and Around Mellieha
From the Airport: Mellieha is easy to reach. By taxi or rental car, it takes about 40 minutes. By bus, it takes more than an hour.
The journey is a mini-tour of the island, with scenic views of the countryside, villages, and coastline. I remember my first drive. It was beautiful.
Getting around by public transport: Buses frequently run to Valletta, Sliema, and other towns from Mellieha. Routes 41 and 42 go from Valletta to Mellieha and on to Ċirkewwa, and take about an hour (Malta Public Transport, checked October 2026). To reach some places, you might need to change buses in Bugibba or Valletta. I always check Google Maps for bus times before going.
On weekends traffic in the north slows down. Plan for extra travel time.
Renting a car: For more freedom, renting a car is the way to go. I recommend renting one from the airport. With a car, you can explore Malta’s attractions and hidden gems at your leisure.
Taking a cab: For those who don’t want to drive, taxis are an excellent option. They’re pricier than buses but quicker and more convenient. I often compare prices between services like Bolt, Uber, or eCabs, a local firm, as they can vary.
Ferries to Gozo and Comino: It’s the gateway to Comino and Gozo. For Comino, you can catch a ferry from Marfa or Ċirkewwa, both accessible by bus (about €15 return). Most boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon leave from Bugibba and St Paul’s Bay. For Gozo, board a ferry in Ċirkewwa, and it will take about 25 minutes to get there (Gozo Channel timetable).
Things to Do in Mellieha
There are a lot of things to do in Mellieha, from beach fun to adventure.
Beach Time
Mellieha offers some of the finest beaches in Malta. Places like Għajn Tuffieħa, Għadira, Golden Bay, Paradise Bay, and Imġiebaħ Beach are amazing. Some are lively and suitable for families, while others are quiet, hidden gems.
Għadira (also called Mellieha Bay) is the biggest one. It has lots of deckchairs, kiosks and places to eat. Right now there is a big hotel construction site on the left side of the bay (October 2026).
They all offer golden sands for sunbathing and clear waters for swimming. Click the links to discover more. I’ve included guides to these beaches, complete with directions, amenities and photos.
Go Hiking
For hiking enthusiasts, Mellieha doesn’t disappoint. The Paradise Bay loop hike and the Selmun hike are among my favourites. These trails take you through some of the most scenic parts of the island.
Water Sports
Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular activities in Mellieha. You can rent them, and other water sports gear, right on the beach at Għadira. You can kayak from Għadira to Imġiebaħ Beach or Slugs Bay. Both are quiet and wild.
The journey to Imġiebaħ Bay or Slugs Bay is an adventure in itself, taking about 40-50 minutes of kayaking. Check my guides for paddle boarding and kayaking tips and rental spots. If you’d rather look under the water, see my guide to snorkelling in Malta.
Windsurfing
For a dose of adrenaline, try windsurfing at Għadira Beach. You can get lessons from Surfing Malta, located next to the Sundancer kiosk on the beach (still there in 2026).
Scuba Diving
Mellieha is also an ideal place for scuba diving. It is suitable both for beginners and advanced divers. Clear waters, rich marine life and a variety of wrecks offer an unforgettable diving experience.
Coral Lagoon
Coral Lagoon is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Hidden away, it is a natural sea pool encircled by cliffs. It connects to the sea through a tunnel.
The views are beautiful, with the sea around you and Comino Island in the distance. It’s usually not crowded. For more information, check out my guide to Coral Lagoon.
Boat Trips to Comino
Comino is a small island known for its beautiful Blue Lagoon. The lagoon’s turquoise waters are like paradise. Hop on a day trip to Comino in St. Paul’s Bay, a 15-minute drive from Mellieha. Or, for a more personal experience, hire a private boat.
Most boat trips leave from Bugibba. The most popular one is this Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon boat tour from Bugibba. It stops at the Blue Lagoon and the sea caves.
Popeye Village
Close to Għadira Beach is Popeye Village, the film set for the Popeye movie, now a fun park. It’s an exciting place for families, with its rustic wooden buildings and cartoon-like setting. The views there are so nice, you’ll take some great holiday photos. You can book a Popeye Village entry ticket online before you go.
Historical Attractions
Don’t miss the Air Raid Shelter and the Red Tower. The Red Tower is a 17th-century fortification offering incredible views. Volunteers run it, and it closes in the late afternoon, so check the opening times before you go.
Sunset at the Radar Station
For the best sunset view, visit the old radar station near the Red Tower (click here for location). The panoramic views here are unbeatable, making it an ideal spot to end your day.
Near the Red Tower, there’s a spot where you can see both sides of the island. Walk on towards the radar station, and you can see Comino and Gozo too. For more spots like this, see my best places to see sunsets in Malta.
Majjistral Nature Park
Majjistral Park is Malta’s first natural national park. It is a beautiful and serene place perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. This park is known for its coastal views, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural beauty. It’s home to various habitats, making it a significant ecological area.
What is there to do in Mellieha at night?
Mellieha is quiet at night. There are no clubs, and evenings are about food and the sea. Have dinner in the old square, or a drink with a view at Seaview Cafe (more on both below).
In summer, people bring barbecues to the beach in the evening. It’s quite an experience, having a barbecue under the stars.
Your week in Malta, already planned
Beaches in the north, Valletta, Gozo and Comino in one stress-free route, with timings, transport and the places I actually eat.
Get the guideAccommodation in Mellieha
Mellieha offers many places to stay for all budgets. The best hotels have luxury, and comfort, and are near the beach. For a more homey feel and to cook your own meals, try self-catering apartments. They’re good for longer stays and groups.
There are lots of hotels: 4-star and 3-star hotels, and resort hotels with pools and entertainment. The big resorts are down by the sea, and the hotels up in the town have the views. Compare hotels in Mellieha on Booking.com.
Tried & Tested Places for Food and Drinks
You can find a variety of restaurants in Mellieha both in the town centre and near Għadira Beach. Here are some I tried and enjoyed:
Amami Restaurant: This place is a gem for Asian cuisine lovers, especially Japanese flavours. I had their sushi and noodles, and they were both exceptional. The restaurant also offers nice views of Mellieha’s Għadira Bay.
Seaview Cafe: Located on a hill, Seaview Cafe is a casual spot known for its wide views. The view is the best in Mellieha. It’s a great place to go for drinks.
Munchies: Situated right on the beach, Munchies is perfect for seafood lovers. I tried their seafood pasta and fresh fish, and both dishes were fresh and tasty. It’s an excellent place for lunch during a day on the beach.
Mellieha: Frequently Asked Questions
Mellieha is a great place to stay in Malta. It has quiet beaches, interesting history, and tasty food. You can relax by the sea and enjoy meals with beautiful views. It’s also near Comino and Gozo, making it good for visiting different islands.
Make Mellieha part of a stress-free week
My 7-day Malta itinerary puts the north, Gozo, Comino and Valletta into one easy route, with timings, transport and local tips.
Get the guideDeciding between the north and the rest of the island? My Malta trip-planning guide covers where to stay and how many days you need.
