Mellieha Bay (Ghadira)

Mellieha Bay, known locally as Ghadira (Għadira), is the long sandy beach at the head of the bay below the town of Mellieha, in the north of Malta. The water shelves very gently and stays shallow a long way out, which is why it is the beach many Maltese families choose for small children. VisitMalta lists Ghadira Bay among the islands' Blue Flag beaches.

In summer the sand is fully organised: sunbeds and umbrellas, watersports operators, beach bars and kiosks run along its length, and it gets busy on weekends and in August. The main road runs right behind the beach, with bus stops and roadside parking. Across that road is the Ghadira Nature Reserve, a protected wetland run by BirdLife Malta and a good contrast to the beach. Conditions vary with wind and swell, so check the beach safety flags before entering the water.

Planning your visit

• Shallow, gently shelving water suits families with young children.
• Sunbeds, umbrellas, watersports and kiosks in season.
• Bus route 101 stops at Ghadira; routes to Cirkewwa pass along the bay.
• Arrive early on summer weekends for parking and space.
• Seasonal lifeguard coverage is listed by Malta Red Cross. As of November 2026, the season is closed; check local signs before swimming.

From Mellieha Bay it is a short hop to Popeye Village in Anchor Bay and up the Marfa ridge to the Red Tower. For quieter sand, try Armier Bay or Paradise Bay further north, or walk down to Imgiebah Bay below Selmun. Ferries to Gozo leave from nearby Cirkewwa (see the Gozo ferry guide).