Plizio Visual Lab
Mellieħa
ℹ️Practical info — Mellieħa
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) gets very crowded in summer; arrive early morning to secure a good spot on the sand.
- The town is steep! Walking from the beach up to the town center takes effort; catching the bus is recommended.
- Visit the Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower) for spectacular sunset views over Gozo and Comino.
- Explore the World War II shelters under the church for a cool and fascinating escape from the summer heat.
🍽 Food
Look for fresh fish restaurants down by the bay or up in the main town center.
Traditional local dinners often hosted by traditional village restaurants.
Find a wine bar near the Parish Church to enjoy local dips, galletti, and olives.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Browse the shops along the main promenade at Mellieħa Bay.
Look for artisan shops or small independent grocers in the village center.
A vast open coastal space great for hiking and avoiding the crowds.
A serene underground shrine located right next to the main parish church.
Water temperature…
Mellieħa is a prominent town located in the northernmost part of Malta, dramatically situated on a ridge overlooking the island's largest sandy beach. The town's historical roots are deeply tied to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, which remains one of the oldest Marian shrines in the world, dating back to the medieval period. Because of its exposed coastal position, the area was heavily fortified by the Knights of Malta, most notably with the construction of St. Agatha's Tower, frequently called the Red Tower, in 1648. Below the main village lies the Għadira Nature Reserve and the sprawling bay, which is a major hub for water sports and family tourism. During World War II, the town played a crucial role, and its extensive network of hand-dug air-raid shelters provided safety for thousands of residents. Today, Mellieħa is a bustling community that balances its traditional identity with modern amenities, hosting attractions like Popeye Village in Anchor Bay, the original 1980 film set. The surrounding Selmun area gives some of the most scenic coastal walks and untouched landscapes on the mainland.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Popeye Village · Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park · Fort Mellieħa
- Nearby: Gnejna Bay (4 km)
- Population: ~11.389
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
Geography
Facts
- Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) is the largest sandy beach in the Maltese Islands.
- St. Agatha's Tower was built in 1648 and could house a garrison of 30 men.
- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1990.
- The WWII air-raid shelters in Mellieħa extend for over 500 meters underground.
- Popeye Village consists of 19 authentic wooden buildings in Anchor Bay.
- The town was awarded the European Destination of Excellence title in 2009.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mellieħa (16)
Frequently asked questions
Is Għadira Bay the largest beach?
What is Popeye Village?
What is the Red Tower?
Is there a sanctuary?
Does the ferry to Gozo leave from here?
Mellieħa: where is it located?
Mellieħa: what is there to see?
Mellieħa: when is the best time to visit?
Mellieħa: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
