Best of Mellieħa

Mellieħa Essentials

Mellieħa occupies a scenic ridge in northern Malta, characterized by the island's largest sandy beaches and significant historical fortifications. The area features the 17th-century Red Tower, which overlooks the Gozo Channel, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, a site of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore the 1980 film set of Popeye Village at Anchor Bay, dive to the sunken P29 patrol boat, or hike to the secluded Imgiebah Bay.

Tony Hisgett / CC BY 2.0

Popeye Village

Open-air seaside resort and theme park originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical production Popeye. It features family-friendly attractions, water activities, boat tours, and live shows.

Karelj / CC BY-SA 3.0

Mellieha Bay

Malta's longest beach. Great for children because of the terrain. An ideal place for various sports.

Frank Vincentz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Paradise Bay

One of the most famed sandy beaches in Malta. Popular with the younger crowd.

Łukasz Moczarski / CC-BY-SA

Riviera Beach

A natural sandy beach accessible via a long flight of stairs. It is flanked by clay slopes and a 17th-century watchtower, offering a more rugged environment than neighboring bays.

Puhsa_ro / CC-BY-SA

Torri ta’ Sant Agata (Torri l-Aħmar)

A 17th-century Knights of Malta watchtower painted bright red for visibility. It offers panoramic views of Gozo and Comino and houses historical exhibits on Malta's coastal defense system.

Maria Ribeiro / CC-BY-SA

Golden Beach

A wide sandy beach located on the northwest coast, known for its accessible facilities and sunset views. It is separated from Għajn Tuffieħa by a rocky headland.

Mandyy88 / CC BY-SA 4.0

It-Torri ta' Għajn Tuffieħa

One of the Lascaris towers built in 1637 to guard the entrance to Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay. It is part of a historic chain of coastal defenses.

Dusan Gajdos / CC-BY-SA

Mellieha Parish Church

A 19th-century Baroque-style church built from local limestone. It stands on a hilltop overlooking Mellieħa Bay and is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

CC BY-SA 4.0

Imgiebah Bay

Remote and secluded beach, perfect for enjoying peace and the beautiful natural surroundings. There are no facilities.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha

A historic religious site featuring a cave church with a Byzantine-style fresco of the Virgin Mary, traditionally attributed to St. Luke. It has been a pilgrimage destination since the 16th century.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Golden Bay Horse Riding

Offers guided equestrian tours through the rocky coastal paths and countryside surrounding Golden Bay and the Anchor Bay area.

Michele Di Cristo / CC-BY-SA

Wreck of P29 Patrol Boat

A 52-meter former East German minesweeper scuttled in 2007 as an artificial reef. It lies at a depth of 35 meters off Ċirkewwa, popular for wreck diving.