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Mellieha Bay

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City
—°9
Mellieha Bay (Malta)
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Practical info — Mellieha Bay

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Arrive early in the morning during peak summer to secure a good spot on Malta's largest sandy beach.
  • The water remains shallow for quite a distance, making it incredibly safe and relaxing for young children.
  • Parking along the main road fills up very quickly; consider using the frequent public bus services instead.
  • Rent water sports equipment, like kayaks and paddleboards, directly from the specialized kiosks on the beach.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fenkata (Rabbit Stew)

Try this traditional Maltese dish at one of the family-run restaurants located up the hill in Mellieħa village.

🍽
Pastizzi

Grab these savory, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas from a local pastizzeria for a cheap beach snack.

🍽
Fresh Seafood

Look for the catch of the day at seaside restaurants, particularly in autumn when the local Lampuki (dolphin fish) is in season.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Beach Gear

Purchase sunscreens, hats, and inflatables conveniently from the small kiosks lining the beach promenade.

🛍
Mellieħa Village Shops

Head up to the center of Mellieħa village to stock up on picnic supplies from local supermarkets and bakeries.

🧘
Għadira Nature Reserve

A peaceful wetland habitat situated just across the road from the beach, serving as a haven for migratory birds (check opening days).

🧘
St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower)

Drive or hike up the Marfa Ridge for a quieter spot offering spectacular panoramic views stretching across the entire bay.

Mellieħa Bay, also known as Għadira, is the largest sandy beach in the Maltese Islands, stretching over 800 meters. The crystal-clear water remains shallow for quite a distance, making it a top choice for families with young children. Positioned at the base of the hill where the village of Mellieħa sits, the bay has remarkable views of the red-hued Red Tower and the majestic parish church. Right behind the beach lies the Għadira Nature Reserve, a vital wetland for migratory birds. During summer, the bay becomes a hub for activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and parasailing. It is very accessible via public transport from major hubs like Valletta. Dining options are plentiful, ranging from casual beachside kiosks to high-quality Mediterranean restaurants in the nearby village.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

Geography

Population
11,389
Coordinates
35.97556, 14.36556

Facts

  • Malta's largest sandy beach
  • Blue Flag certified
  • Shallow and warm waters
  • Għadira Nature Reserve nearby
  • Views of the Red Tower
  • Hub for water sports
  • Excellent bus connections
  • Top family destination

Explore nearby

Notable places around

L-Aħrax tal-MellieħaL-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa<1 km · NWExplore →
Ghadira Bay Boat RentalsGhadira Bay Boat Rentals2 km · SWExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa2 km · SExplore →
Simar Nature ReserveSimar Nature Reserve3 km · SEExplore →
CirkewwaCirkewwa3 km · NWExplore →
St. Paul's IslandsSt. Paul's Islands3 km · EExplore →
Qammieh PointQammieh Point3 km · WExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mellieha Bay (9)

Imgiebah Bay🌿 nature

A secluded and scenic natural beach located in the northern part of Malta, great for a quiet day out.

🕒 24/7

L-Inħawi tar-Ramla tat-Torri u l-Irdum tal-Madonna🌿 nature

A notable natural landscape in the Mellieha Bay area, offering beautiful coastal views and local flora.

Ir-Ramla tat-Torri🌿 nature

A beautiful natural site near Mellieha Bay, good for exploring the rugged coastal environment of Malta.

Our Lady of the Grotto

A unique local attraction in the Mellieha area, offering a quiet and contemplative spot for visitors.

Dragonara Cava

An interesting attraction near Mellieha Bay, providing a glimpse into the unique local environment.

Painting on the stairs

A characterful local attraction in the Mellieha area, adding a touch of artistic flair to the surroundings.

It-Torri l-Abjad🗼 tower

A historic watchtower located in the limits of Mellieħa, Malta, offering insight into coastal defense.

Il-Palazz ta' Selmun🗼 tower

A notable historic villa located in Mellieħa, Malta, showcasing impressive architecture and local history.

Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Mellieħa⛪ religious

A significant church building in Mellieħa, Malta, serving as an important religious and cultural site.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Mellieħa Bay the largest beach in Malta?
Yes, also known as Għadira Bay, it is the longest and most popular sandy beach on the island.
Is the water deep?
No, the water is very shallow for a long distance, making it convenient for children and non-swimmers.
Is there parking available nearby?
Parking is available along the main road and in side streets, but it gets extremely crowded on weekends.
Are sunbeds and umbrellas available?
Yes, there are many operators renting out umbrellas and sunbeds throughout the entire beach area.
Are there any cafes?
Yes, there are many beach lidos and kiosks offering snacks, cold drinks, and full meals.
Mellieha Bay: where is it located?
Mellieha Bay is located in Malta.
Mellieha Bay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Imgiebah Bay, L-Inħawi tar-Ramla tat-Torri u l-Irdum tal-Madonna, Ir-Ramla tat-Torri.
Mellieha Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Mellieha Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Mellieħa Bay, also known as Għadira, is the largest sandy beach in the Maltese Islands, stretching over 800 meters.
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Nearby cities

Mellieħa — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Mellieħa
Mellieħa is a large northern village, renowned for Malta's largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay).
Popeye Village — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Popeye Village
The original 1980 film set of the musical 'Popeye', located in Anchor Bay.
Cirkewwa — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Cirkewwa
The main ferry terminal in northern Malta for Gozo and Comino, also serving as a world-class diving destination.
Paradise Bay — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Paradise Bay
A secluded and picturesque cove in northern Malta, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning views across to Gozo and Comino.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
A pristine sandy beach reached via a long flight of stairs, known for its rugged and natural beauty.
Comino — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Comino
Malta's smallest inhabited island, a car-free paradise for swimmers, divers, and nature enthusiasts.
Qawra — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Qawra
Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.
Gnejna Bay — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Gnejna Bay
A quieter, more local bay with a sandy beach, flat rocks, and charming traditional boathouses.
Għargħur — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Għargħur
Għargħur is one of Malta's smallest and oldest villages, situated on a hilltop with views of the coast.
Qala — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Qala
Qala is the easternmost village in Gozo, known for its pristine coastline, stunning views of Comino and Malta, and Ħondoq ir-Rummien bay.
Swieqi — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Swieqi
Swieqi is a relatively new town and a quiet residential area, located close to the busy hubs of St.
Balzan — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Balzan
Balzan is a charming and picturesque village, one of the 'Three Villages', known for its quiet alleys and elegant townhouses.

History & landmarks

Mġarr ix-Xini — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Mġarr ix-Xini
A narrow, secluded bay and valley.
Mtarfa Clock Tower — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Mtarfa Clock Tower
A prominent clock tower from the British colonial era.
San Blas Bay — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
San Blas Bay
A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.

Nature

Qammieh Point — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Victoria Lines Fault — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
Bahrija Plateau — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Bahrija Plateau
A rural plateau with beautiful views and walking trails.
Il-Qlajja Hill — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Il-Qlajja Hill
A prominent hilltop near Mdina.
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo) — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)
A steep-sided valley leading to a secluded bay, used as a filming location for the movie 'By the Sea'.

More places

L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa
A woodland area that provides a habitat for various species and is popular with campers.
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals
Various watercraft are available for rent at the popular Mellieha beach.
Simar Nature Reserve — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Simar Nature Reserve
Another important wetland area near Xemxija, providing a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
St. Paul&#39;s Islands — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
St. Paul's Islands
Two small islands that are a haven for wildlife, including the endemic Maltese wall lizard.
Wignacourt Tower — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Wignacourt Tower
Malta's oldest surviving coastal watchtower.
Wardija Highland — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Wardija Highland
An elevated plateau in the north of Malta.
Ix-Xagħra ta&#39; l-Iskorba Plateau — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau
A gentle rise near Żebbiegħ.
Cominotto Island — Mellieha Bay (Malta)
Cominotto Island
A small uninhabited island opposite the Blue Lagoon.