Mellieħa

Town ·🇲🇹 Malta

Population 14,288

Area 23 km²

Time zone Europe/Rome

Official website melliehalc.gov.mt

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Explore 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.

12 places

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.

6 places

Hidden Gems of Mellieħa

Mellieħa's rugged coastline is dotted with remnants of Malta’s military history, from the 17th-century watchtowers of the Order of St. John to British-era fortifications like Fort Campbell. This selection features the ruins of Torri t' Għajn Ħadid and Tal-Bir Redoubt, alongside secluded viewpoints at Ras il-Qammieh and the Immaculate Conception Chapel. These sites offer a glimpse into the defensive architecture and quiet landscapes of the Marfa Peninsula and Selmun headland.

8 places

Historic Sites & Ruins

Mellieħa’s northern landscape contains a dense concentration of historical layers, ranging from prehistoric cart ruts to 17th-century coastal defenses. This collection features the iconic Red Tower, a primary bastion of the Knights of Saint John, alongside rare Roman apiaries carved into limestone for honey production. The area preserves significant Punic-era burial sites, ancient thermal bath remains, and the ruins of watchtowers like Għajn Ħadid, providing a detailed look into Malta’s strategic military history and ancient agricultural practices.

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Best Beaches & Swimming

Mellieħa's coastline features a diverse range of swimming spots, from the extensive sandy stretch of Mellieħa Bay, Malta's longest beach, to the secluded, facility-free shores of Imgiebah Bay. The area includes the 1980 film set of Popeye Village, which offers seaside attractions and boat tours. This selection also covers the natural landscapes of Riviera Beach, the accessible sands of Golden Bay, and the clear waters of Paradise Bay and Little Armier Beach.

7 places

Parks and Viewpoints

This selection highlights the natural landscapes and managed green spaces of northern Malta. It features coastal vantage points like Ras il-Qammieh, the island's westernmost tip, and the overlook at Anchor Bay facing the 1980 Popeye film set. Managed sites include the Gaia Foundation's reforestation center and the Pilgrims' Garden near the historic Sanctuary. Family-oriented spaces like the Selmun Family Park provide recreational facilities, while the Peace Grove offers a quiet area near the 17th-century St. Agatha’s Tower.

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Religious Sites

Mellieħa’s religious landscape features a diverse collection of spiritual sites, from the ancient Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, a national shrine housing a 13th-century fresco, to the modernist Manikata Church designed by Richard England. The hilltop Parish Church, built from local limestone, dominates the skyline, while smaller structures like the 17th-century Immaculate Conception Chapel at L-Aħrax and the contemporary St. Joseph Church in Xemxija offer insight into the region's architectural evolution.

6 places