Often overlooked by tourists flocking to Malta’s southern resorts, the charming seaside town of Mellieha lies tucked away in the northern reaches of the Maltese archipelago. But be sure not to overlook this town like so many others do, as there are plenty of interesting things to do in Mellieha.
With its hilltop medieval village, sweeping sandy beaches, azure waters, and expansive countryside vistas, Mellieha offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Maltese life beyond the crowds.
Despite its tranquil ambiance, Mellieha provides easy access to Malta’s top attractions. Therefore, it serves as the perfect base to enjoy laidback village charm while taking day trips to hotspots like Valletta, Mdina, and the Blue Lagoon. Whether you seek adventure, culture, nature, or relaxation, Mellieha caters to it all.
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Things to do in Mellieha, Malta
1. Explore Mellieha Village
Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, the picturesque village of Mellieha gives you a glimpse into traditional Maltese life. The charming narrow streets are dotted with pastel-colored houses, small shops, and cozy restaurants. Some of the highlights include:
Parish Church of Our Lady of Victories
This Baroque-style church dominates the village with its imposing façade and large dome. The original church dates back to the 15th century, with the current structure completed in the late 1700s.
Don’t miss the winding staircase up to the roof, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views over the town and coastline.
Main Market Square
The center of life in the village, the main square is always buzzing with people and activity. Grab a table at one of the restaurants surrounding the square and do some prime people watching over a glass of local wine. Don’t miss the WWII memorial fountain.
2. Try the Local Cuisine
Mellieha is a great place to sample fresh Mediterranean cuisine using local Maltese ingredients. For the freshest seafood in town, eat by the water at one of the restaurants along Marfa Road.
Some foods to try in Mellieha:
Pastizzi: Flaky pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. A popular Maltese street food.
Hobz biz-zejt: Round sesame bread baked with olive oil, tomatoes, and anchovies.
Bragioli: Thin beef olives stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
Fenek moqli: Fried rabbit is a Maltese specialty best served in a thick garlic sauce.
Seafood like lampuki, bream, and swordfish.
Be sure to pair your meal with local wines. Hereby, the wine of Gozo is a real treat, as many Gozitan wines are not available outside of the country.
Looking for foodie hotspots in Malta? Then eat at these restaurants in Sliema as well as these St. Julian’s restaurants.
3. Visit Popeye Village
One of the best things to do in Mellieha is to visit a rather unique attraction known as Popeye Village. It is a former movie that was built for the 1980 musical film Popeye starring Robin Williams and that was turned theme park. Wander through the colorful wooden houses of the village, which were specially constructed for filming. Kids will love the rides and water sports.
You can also take a boat tour around Anchor Bay to see where the movie’s iconic rowboat scenes were filmed with the iconic natural arch in the backdrop. Fans of the classic film will get a kick out of this quirky park.
With its hilltop setting above the bay, Popeye Village also offers great views over Mellieha. While here, try some spinach-flavored ice cream in memory of Popeye! For more information on opening times and admission, check out this guide about Popeye Village and Anchor Bay.
4. Visit the Red Tower
This 16th-century watchtower is also known as St. Agatha’s Tower and was the largest bastioned tower on the island that was built by the Knights of St. John. Unlike other towers, it continued to have a military function. During WWII, it served as a communication post.
After an extensive renovation, the Mellieha Tower is now open to the public. Displays recreate the wartime era and offer insight into Malta’s strategic role.
In addition to that, the tower also provides sweeping views over Mellieha Bay and the Gozo Channel.
5. Spend the Day at Mellieha Bay
Also known as Ghadira Bay (‘Small Lake’), Mellieha Bay is one of thirteen beaches close to the town. It is a long beach inside a bay which usually protects it from waves. Given that the water inside the bay is very shallow, it is a perfect beach for families, but also those that want to relax on a float.
There are plenty of parking spots within a few meters of the beach, so you do not have to worry about carrying your things if you bring everything you need for a beach picnic.
Special Events in Mellieha
If you plan your trip to Mellieha during the right time of the year, you get to see the town in a festive light and can see artful Maltese fireworks displays. Be sure not to plan any of the other things to do in Mellieha during these events, as they are well worth a visit and should not be missed.
6. Mellieha Village Festa
Every year from August 30 to September 8, Mellieha celebrates its village feast which is also known as ‘Il-Vitorja’. During the first days of this festa, there are daily band marches through the streets and a variety of activities take place at the Mellieha Parish Square.
As always in Malta, the real highlight of the festa is the fireworks. From September 5 to 7, you can see the famous Maltese ground fireworks. And as the festa ends, there is also a major fireworks show of Maltese proportions, so be prepared to be amazed.
7. International Fireworks Festival
If you want to see an epic fireworks display while in Mellieha, you also have the chance to see one in April during the Malta International Fireworks Festival. Said festival is a multi-day competition, and one of the shows takes place in Mellieha.
The fireworks displays during the festival are truly astonishing, so be sure to include watching them in your schedule if you are there at the right time. You can look up the dates of the next fireworks festival here (once the program has been released).
Great Things to do near Mellieha
Once you have seen everything that Mellieha has to offer, you set out to explore the many fantastic things to do near Mellieha. While nothing is too far away for a day trip in Malta, these locations are only a short car or boat ride away.
8. Relax at Golden Bay
Just around the coast from Mellieha lies Malta’s largest sandy beach, Golden Bay. The expansive golden sands and crystal clear waters make it popular for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the rocky coves and grottos along the shoreline. Parasailing can also be arranged from the beach. Golden Bay offers all the amenities of a resort beach while retaining its natural beauty.
Several snack bars and cafes line the beach, so you do not have to bring any food. Hereby, you should eat at the restaurant of the Radisson Golden Bay if you want to eat a rather unique pizza made with Gozitan ingredients.
Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds. The sunsets over Golden Bay are stunning, so be prepared to stay until the sun has set.
Feeling up for a little walk? Then walk along the cliffs to the neighboring Riviera Beach and the Qarraba Bay viewpoint.
8. Spend a Day at the Blue Lagoon
No trip to Mellieha is complete without a visit to the stunning Blue Lagoon on the nearby Comino Island. Located between Malta and Gozo, Comino is famous for its crystal clear, turquoise waters that give the Blue Lagoon its name.
Numerous boat tours depart from Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal near Mellieha for day trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The boat ride takes only about 15 minutes, and it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot on the public sunbathing platforms.
So make a day of it and spend it reveling in the stunning scenery before returning to Mellieha in the evening, relaxed and rejuvenated. Visiting the dazzling Blue Lagoon is a must-do while based in Mellieha. For the perfect day trip, be sure to read up on this Blue Lagoon guide.
The secluded coves around the lagoon are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the calm, pristine waters.
Additionally, you can also walk around the island to visit St. Maria Tower or catch a boat ride to St. Maria caves. While they are a fantastic dive site in Comino, parts are also accessible by boat.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the rocks, or rent a beach chair at one of the few cafes for a scenic meal. If it interests you, you should also keep an eye out for A-listers, as the Blue Lagoon attracts celebrities.
9. Spend a Day in Mdina, the Silent City
For a change of scenery, take a day trip to Malta’s silent city of Mdina, just over an hour’s drive from Mellieha. Mdina is a magnificently preserved medieval city enclosed behind imposing walls and has become increasingly popular thanks to the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ that used the city to film part of the first season.
Highlights of Mdina include:
Walking along the pedestrianized streets and alleys to admire the Baroque palaces and architecture.
Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Carmelite Church with their opulent interiors.
Taking in the panoramic views from the city walls out over most of Malta.
Browsing the quaint handicraft shops and trying traditional food like pastizzi and rabbit stew.
Exploring the adjoining city of Rabat to see ancient catacombs.
With its palpable sense of history and peaceful atmosphere, Mdina makes for an engaging day trip from Mellieha.
10. Visit the Coral Lagoon
Located at the northern tip of the Maltese main island, visiting the Coral Lagoon is another great thing to do in Mellieha. While the name might imply otherwise, there are no corals, but a circular hole in the ground that was created when the roof of a sea cave collapsed. Now, it is connected to the ocean through an arch and if the conditions are right, you can kayak into it.
All around, it is a very scenic spot with crystal clear water, that invites you to swim in it. Please bear in mind that there is no way to get into the lagoon from above as there are no stairs. If you jump in as some Instagram photos depict, you are in for a long swim out of the cave and back to a flat area of the shore.
Therefore, I recommend renting a kayak instead if you want to swim in the waters. The nearest kayak rental place is Armier Bay. Alternatively, you can also gaze at it from above. An option that is favorable if you have no prior kayaking experience or if there are a lot of waves.
11. Scuba Dive in Cirkewwa
Malta is known as the European wreck diving capital, so it should come as no surprise that there are also wrecks close to Mellieha. And exploring them is certainly one of the best things to do in Mellieha if you are a certified scuba diver.
Located right at Cirkewwa, the P29 and Rozi wrecks are among Malta’s most popular wreck dives. Scuttled in 2007 and 1992 respectively, these wrecks have become overgrown habitats for all kinds of fish.
Given the depth of the wrecks, they are only accessible to advanced scuba divers, but thankfully, Cirkewwa also offers two dive sites that are suitable for less experienced divers.
The two dive sites, known as Cirkewwa Arch and Sugar Loaf, offer swim-throughs and small caves, so there is plenty to see even if you cannot explore the wrecks.
Where to stay in Mellieha
The best places to stay are in Mellieha village or along the Marfa coast close to the main Mellieha Beach. This gives easy access to attractions while immersing you in the local atmosphere.
Getting to Mellieha
To get to Mellieha from the airport or Valletta, you can choose between driving there in a rental car, taking the bus, or a UBER.
Hereby, the most convenient way is to rent a car right at Luqa airport as rental cars tend to be much cheaper if you pick them up right upon arrival. A one-week car rental often costs less than 100€, which makes it an ideal option if you are staying in Mellieha and do not mind driving on the left. Check the prices here.
If you opt for taking the bus, the bus ride will cost you 2€ during the day and 3€ at night. Line X1 will take you from the airport to Mellieha in an hour and depart at least once an hour from 5 AM to 22:50 PM. To get to Mellieha from Valletta by bus, you can catch a ride on lines 41, 42, 49, or 250 with all routes also taking around an hour. Check the Malta public transport website for the exact departure times of the individual lines.
In case you are traveling with a lot of luggage and do not want to drive yourself, you can also take a UBER. Outside of the rush hour, the UBER prices are more than fair and significantly lower than the taxi fare would be.
Should I rent a car in Mellieha?
Having a rental car makes exploring Malta’s attractions much easier from Mellieha. While the village is walkable, a car provides the freedom to visit top spots like Mdina, Golden Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo without having to adjust your plan to fit the bus schedule.
Mellieha Travel Tips
While it is good to know general Malta travel tips, these Mellieha-specific tips will enhance your vacation and help you make the most of your time.
- Rent a car – While the village and beach are walkable, having a car makes it easy to access the top attractions and surrounding areas of Malta when staying in Mellieha. Just know that the road leading to this part of the island is heavily frequented when locals head to Gozo for the weekend.
- Stay in the village – Choose a hotel, guesthouse, or rental apartment in Mellieha Village to immerse yourself in the local vibe.
- Stay central – Book accommodation in Mellieha Village or close to the main beach to be centrally located. Public transportation is limited.
- Pack beach gear – Don’t forget your swimsuit, coverup, hat, and sunscreen to enjoy Mellieha’s beautiful beaches and coves. Water shoes are useful for swimming as well as a stingersuit.
- Carry cash – Many smaller restaurants and shops in Mellieha don’t accept credit cards. ATMs are available in the village.
- Visit in shoulder season – For smaller crowds and lower prices in Mellieha, visit in April – June or September – October. Summer brings more tourists.
- Travel light – Mellieha’s hilly terrain and uneven cobblestone streets make wheeled luggage impractical. Pack light.
- Respect the culture – Malta is a Catholic country, so dress modestly when visiting churches. Don’t sunbathe topless.
- Book activities ahead – Reserve spots for boat trips, diving excursions, and day trips to avoid missing out.
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Mellieha FAQ
What are the top things to do in Mellieha?
Some top activities in Mellieha include exploring the medieval village, relaxing on Mellieha Beach, hiking the Marfa Peninsula trails, visiting Popeye Village movie set, and taking day trips to Mdina, Comino, and Gozo. Don’t miss sampling fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
What is Mellieha Malta known for?
Mellieha is known for its laidback seaside charm, sandy beaches, historic hilltop village, and countryside trails. It provides a more authentic local vibe compared to Malta’s big resort towns.
What is there to do in Mellieha at night?
While much quieter than resort towns, you can enjoy Mellieha’s lively village atmosphere at night with restaurants, bars, and cafes around the main church square. There are also evening boat trips and events at Popeye Village in the summer.
Roundup: Things to do in Mellieha
Mellieha encapsulates the best of what the Maltese islands have to offer – charming village life, stunning natural scenery, outdoor adventures, historic sites, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
It provides a quieter, slower-paced holiday option compared to the busy resort towns. You can immerse yourself in traditional Maltese culture while enjoying lovely beaches, hiking trails, and easy day trips around Malta.
With its laidback vibe and a plethora of activities, Mellieha is the perfect base for experiencing authentic Maltese life. If you’re seeking an idyllic Mediterranean holiday that reveals the heart of Malta, put Mellieha on your itinerary or use it as a base for your exploration of the entire country.
More about Malta
If you are planning a trip to Mellieha, you might also be interested in these Malta & Gozo travel guides:
Tal Mixta Cave
Sliema Thing to do
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