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L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa

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Animal habitat
—°2
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)

Weather…

L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa is a prominent limestone plateau located at the northernmost tip of Malta, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ecological significance. The area features extensive garrigue vegetation and provides essential nesting grounds for vulnerable seabirds, including the Yelkouan Shearwater and Scopoli's Shearwater. Geologically, the plateau is characterized by numerous caves and sinkholes, most notably the 'Coral Lagoon', a collapsed sea cave. Historically, the site served as a strategic lookout point overlooking the Gozo Channel, evidenced by the 17th-century construction of the nearby Red Tower by the Knights of St. John. Today, L-Aħrax is a favored destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with portions of the area protected under the Natura 2000 framework. Environmental management focuses on preserving coastal habitats and safeguarding seabird colonies from light pollution and human disturbance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Best season
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa is best visited in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and local birdlife is active. In summer the woodland is shady but can be very hot; winter can be wet.
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Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon birds are most active and temperatures are more pleasant for hiking. Dusk has a good chance to see nocturnal animals. Avoid midday heat in summer.
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Etiquette
Stay on paths to protect sensitive ground vegetation. Camping is only allowed in designated areas; no fires allowed. Take all litter with you and do not feed animals.
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What to bring
Walking shoes with good grip are recommended as paths can be rocky and uneven. Binoculars are useful for observing birds in the canopy. Insect repellent is advisable in summer.
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Getting there
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa is located in northwestern Malta, near the town of Mellieħa. The area is accessible by car via local roads, with limited parking at the woodland edge. A hiking trail leads into the forest.
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What to expect
Wildlife in this woodland is often inconspicuous - take your time and watch for bird movement in the canopy. Reward comes in the peaceful nature and varied bird songs. Not every walk yields spectacular sightings.

Geography

Coordinates
35.97800, 14.36300

Facts

  • The plateau hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of shearwaters in Malta.
  • The Coral Lagoon is a natural sinkhole with a diameter of roughly 15 meters.
  • Sections of L-Aħrax were designated as Natura 2000 Special Protection Areas in 2006.
  • The adjacent Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower) was completed in 1649.
  • The terrain is primarily composed of hard Coralline Limestone.
  • L-Aħrax is a significant stopover point for migratory birds crossing the Mediterranean.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mellieha BayMellieha Bay<1 km · SEExplore →
Ghadira Bay Boat RentalsGhadira Bay Boat Rentals2 km · SWExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa2 km · SExplore →
CirkewwaCirkewwa3 km · WExplore →
Simar Nature ReserveSimar Nature Reserve3 km · SEExplore →
Qammieh PointQammieh Point3 km · WExplore →
St. Paul's IslandsSt. Paul's Islands3 km · SEExplore →
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 L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (2)

Il-Bajja tal-Armier iż-Żgħir🎡 recreation

The smaller Armier Bay, a sandy cove in the Mellieħa area.

Ir-Ramla tat-Torri🎡 recreation

Sandy beach below a historic watchtower in Mellieħa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is camping allowed in L-Aħrax?
Yes, it is one of the few official campsites in Malta but requires a permit.
What can you see on the coast of L-Aħrax?
Spectacular cliffs, hidden bays, and a large sea cave called 'Dragonara Cave'.
Are there toilets or kiosks there?
There are almost no facilities; you should bring water and provisions yourself.
How do you reach L-Aħrax?
Best by car from Mellieħa heading north until the end of the peninsula.
Which birds breed here?
The area is an important breeding ground for Scopoli's Shearwaters in the cliffs.
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa: where is it located?
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa is located in Malta.
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Il-Bajja tal-Armier iż-Żgħir, Ir-Ramla tat-Torri.
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa: why is it worth visiting?
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa is a prominent limestone plateau located at the northernmost tip of Malta, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ecological significance.
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Nature

Coral Lagoon (Malta) — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Qammieh Point — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
🗺️
Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
Golden Bay — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Blue Lagoon (Comino) — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Famous for its crystal clear, turquoise water.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Il-Qortin Ridge — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Il-Qortin Ridge
A narrow ridge located northeast of Mellieħa.
Bouncy Castles at Ghadira Bay — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Bouncy Castles at Ghadira Bay
Inflatable water parks set up in Mellieha Bay during the summer.
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Ghadira Bay Boat Rentals
Various watercraft are available for rent at the popular Mellieha beach.
Ghadira Nature Reserve — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Ghadira Nature Reserve
An important bird sanctuary and wetland, especially during bird migration seasons.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
L-Rdum tal-Madonna
A protected area known for its colony of Yelkouan shearwaters.
Marfa Ridge — L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa (Malta)
Marfa Ridge
A ridge at the north-western end of Malta, overlooking Comino and Gozo.