Mellieha
Mellieha looks down on the long sandy beach of Mellieha Bay, with Popeye Village, the Red Tower, Ghadira Nature Reserve and the Gozo ferry all close by.
Mellieha
Mellieha looks down on the long sandy beach of Mellieha Bay, with Popeye Village, the Red Tower, Ghadira Nature Reserve and the Gozo ferry all close by.
Mellieha (Il-Mellieha) sits on a ridge in the far north of Malta, overlooking Ghadira Bay. Visit Malta describes it as an isolated 15th-century hamlet that grew into a village, and it still has a village centre around its parish church, now ringed by hotels and holiday apartments. It is the main base for the north, the beaches of the Marfa peninsula and the crossing to Gozo and Comino.
The big draw is Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) below the village, a long sandy beach with shallow water that suits families. Behind it lies the Ghadira Nature Reserve, a wetland declared a bird sanctuary in 1978 and, as of November 2026, open to visitors between September and May. Beneath the parish church, the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin is a national shrine and a place of pilgrimage. Up on the Marfa ridge, the Red Tower (St Agatha's Tower) watches over both channels.
What to do
- Spend a beach day at Mellieha Bay, or try quieter Paradise Bay, Armier Bay and Imgiebah Bay.
- Visit Popeye Village, the film set on Anchor Bay, with children.
- Walk the cliffs of the Majjistral Nature and History Park on the coastal paths.
- Go birdwatching at Ghadira during the spring or autumn migration.
The ferry terminal at Cirkewwa, for Gozo and the boats to Comino, is a short drive north. Village feasts, including the celebrations around the Nativity of Our Lady in September, fill the square with bands and fireworks. St Paul's Bay is the next town south.
Mellieha is reached by road from the airport; allow extra time in traffic. Buses run from Valletta and the airport, but a hire car makes it much easier to reach the smaller bays. It suits families and travellers who want sand and countryside over city life.
Practical information
Top attractions
Beaches here
Golden Bay
A wide sandy bay on Malta's west coast, below the Majjistral park cliffs. Easy road access, a direct bus from Valletta and sunsets over open sea.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
A sandy west-coast bay reached by a long flight of steps, framed by clay slopes and a watchtower. Quieter than Golden Bay next door, with fine sunsets.
Gnejna Bay
A sandy bay below Mgarr with flat rock shelves for sunbathing and boathouses by the shore. Quieter than Golden Bay, with a summer bus.
Mellieha Bay (Ghadira)
A long sandy beach with shallow, gently shelving water below Mellieha, opposite the Ghadira Nature Reserve. Malta's go-to family beach in summer.
Paradise Bay
A small sandy cove below the cliffs near the Cirkewwa ferry terminal, reached by steps. A compact beach with a lido beside the sand.
Armier Bay
A sandy bay on the Marfa peninsula with shallow water, beach kiosks and views to Comino. Pairs with Little Armier next door for a relaxed north-coast day.
Imgiebah Bay (Selmun)
A secluded sandy bay below the Selmun ridge, reached on foot down a rough track. Bring water, shade and good shoes; check access locally.
Activities & experiences
Parks & nature
Mellieha questions
Is Mellieha Bay good for families?
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Yes. Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) is a long sandy beach with shallow water that slopes gently, which suits young children. Seasonal beach activities and weekend crowds vary; check conditions before visiting.
What is Popeye Village?
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Popeye Village is the film set built for the 1980 musical film Popeye, on the cliffs of Anchor Bay near Mellieha. It is now a family attraction with the wooden village and shows; water activities are seasonal.
When can you visit the Ghadira Nature Reserve?
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As of November 2026, BirdLife Malta says the reserve is open between September and May. Winter opening days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, except the listed public-holiday closures. The wetland behind Mellieha Bay was declared a bird sanctuary in 1978. Check BirdLife Malta's site for current opening days.
How far is Mellieha from the Gozo ferry?
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The ferry terminal at Cirkewwa is a short drive north of Mellieha, at the tip of Malta. That makes Mellieha one of the most convenient bases for day trips to Gozo and for boats to Comino.
Do you need a car in Mellieha?
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It helps. Buses connect Mellieha with Valletta, the airport and the ferry, but the smaller beaches such as Armier, Imgiebah and Paradise Bay are easier to reach by car. Remember that Malta drives on the left and many rural roads are narrow.
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