Mellieħa

Best of Mellieħa

Mellieħa features a diverse range of historical and maritime sites. Explore hand-dug WWII air raid shelters, among the largest underground networks in Malta, or visit the 17th-century cave shrine of Our Lady of the Grotto. Divers can explore the upright MV Rozi tugboat and the Scotscraig wreck, which served as a prop for the 1980 Popeye film. The town also preserves 18th-century aqueduct remains and vibrant contemporary street art on its public staircases.

Our Lady of the Grotto

A natural cave shrine and pilgrimage site dating back to the 17th century, featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary and walls adorned with votive offerings.

Air Raid Shelters

One of Malta’s largest WWII underground complexes, hand-dug into the rock. It includes corridors, living quarters, and a small clinic used by residents during aerial bombardments.

MV Rozi

A 40-meter tugboat scuttled in 1992 off Cirkewwa. The wreck sits upright on the sandy seabed at a depth of 35 meters and remains a popular site for experienced divers.

Aqueduct

Stone remains of an 18th-century water transport system built to supply the local area, illustrating historical Maltese engineering and water management.

Wreck of Scotscraig

A former ferry scuttled in Anchor Bay to create an artificial reef. The vessel was notably used during the filming of the 1980 movie Popeye.

Painting on the stairs

A local urban art installation featuring colorful murals painted onto public steps, depicting traditional Maltese patterns and village scenes.