Mellieha vacation packages

How to reach Mellieħa

• Flight details: Flights to Malta International Airport are direct and efficient, offering easy access to your destination.

• Transfer time: The journey from Malta International Airport to Mellieħa by taxi takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Opting for a bus can double the travel time.

• Transportation cost: A prepaid taxi from the airport is priced at around $35 before administrative fees (payable at taxi stands upon arrival, with the ticket to be handed to the driver). Bus tickets for the X1 service range from approximately $2.75 to $3.25.

Weather and best time to visit Mellieħa

Planning your Mellieħa vacation depends on seasonal preferences and activities.

• March to May: Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 63 to 75°F, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities as the landscape flourishes post-winter rains.

• June to August: Expect heat, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s to low 90s. The sea is warm, averaging 79–82°F, perfect for enjoying water activities at Mellieħa Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach.

• September to November: Temps cool down, ranging from 82 to 70°F. Rain increases but tends to be brief. Beaches are less crowded, and the sea remains warm enough for a delightful swim.

• December to February: Temperatures stay mild at 61°F, with a chance of rain. Though swimming might not be favored, it's an excellent season for sightseeing, hiking, and experiencing the quieter side of island life.

Practical information

• Languages spoken: Both English and Maltese serve as official languages.

• Currency: Malta uses the Euro.

• Transportation: Mellieħa is well-connected by bus to other Maltese regions. Day service tickets cost roughly $2.75, night services about $3.25, valid for 2 hours from initial use. A 7-Day Explore card ($27) may be a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers, offering unlimited transport for a week.

• Time zone: Malta operates on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, with a 2-hour advancement during Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Mellieħa

Are you a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a beach lover? Mellieħa vacations offer something for every type of traveler.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• The Red Tower (St Agatha's Tower): Built by the Knights of St John to monitor enemy fleets approaching Mellieħa Bay, the views here are as stunning as you'd expect.

• Mellieħa Parish Church: This Baroque church, visible from nearly every point in town, is a true gem. The view of the bay from its grounds is equally impressive.

Best districts

• Mellieħa: Situated on a hilltop, the main town boasts breathtaking views, a magnificent Baroque church, and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Manikata: On Mellieħa’s outskirts, this rural village is known for its unique girna-inspired church, lush farmland, nearby beaches, and historical sites.

Parks and gardens

• Għadira Nature Reserve: This small wetland reserve overlooks Għadira Bay and is one of Malta’s few areas of permanent inland water, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.

• Foresta 2000 Nature Reserve: Larger than the Għadira site, this restored woodland supports a rich variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Museums

• Mellieħa World War II Shelters: These 0.3-mile-long air-raid tunnels offer a sobering experience, complete with displays of gas masks, digging tools, and restored wartime rooms.

• Tunnara Museum (Westreme Battery): Originating from the Knights Hospitaller era, this blockhouse-turned-tuna-storehouse offers an interesting tuna fishing museum.

Historical monuments

• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa: Located next to the parish church in a grotto, this small chapel dates back to the time of St Paul and features a revered Madonna fresco believed to have healing powers.

• Fort Campbell (Il-Fortizza ta' Selmun): Built in the late 1930s to protect Mellieħa and St Paul’s bays, this fort retains many of its original features despite its worn state.

Day trips in the area

• Gozo: Just a 25-minute ferry ride from Ċirkewwa Harbor, Malta’s smaller and quieter sister island offers megalithic temples at Ġgantija, a fascinating citadel in Victoria, and an imposing domed church in Xewkija.

• Comino and the Blue Lagoon: A quick ferry ride takes you to Comino, celebrated for its stunning Blue Lagoon, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in caves and reefs.

Activities for families in Mellieħa

More relaxed than other parts of the island and home to some top beaches, Mellieħa is a perfect family destination.

• Family-friendly beaches: A short downhill stroll from town, the sheltered Mellieħa Bay has soft sand, clear shallow waters, and numerous amenities, including an inflatable waterpark. From June to September, lifeguards watch the beach.

• Playgrounds: The nautical-themed Ġnien il-Qigħan playground is great for little ones, while Selmun Family Park offers a playground, skatepark, gym, and sports track for mixed-age children.

• Aquariums and zoos: The Malta National Aquarium in nearby St Paul's Bay features a 40-foot underwater tunnel, presentations, feedings, and an excellent adjacent playground.

• Theme parks: Originally a film set for the 1980 movie Popeye starring Robin Williams, Popeye Village guarantees whimsy on Mellieħa’s west coast with shows, splash pools, and boat rides.

• Waterparks: Just a 20-minute drive from Mellieħa, Splash and Fun Water Park has thrilling slides, a lazy river, and splash zones perfect for a cool-down on a hot day.

Free things to do in Mellieħa

With plenty of historical sites, free cultural events, and sandy shores, you can still have a full itinerary on a budget-friendly vacation.

• Annual festivals and free events: Concerts, dance shows, art exhibits, processions, and fireworks – enjoy like a local at the outdoor Mellieħa Nights in July and the Mellieħa Village Festa in September.

• Free heritage sites: Mellieħa features open-access heritage sites, including troglodyte caves and abandoned WWII-era fortifications.

• Free guided tours in Mellieħa: BirdLife Malta occasionally offers nature tours. Check their events calendar for upcoming walks.

• Beaches: Whether it's Mellieħa and Imgiebah bays to the east or Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Gnejna to the west, picking your next sandy spot will be your only dilemma.

Wellness in Mellieħa

• Spas and thermal baths: Mellieħa hosts several upscale hotels with luxury spa facilities, like the Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa Malta, offering saunas, hydro massages, and steam baths.

• Yoga and meditation centers: If you’re seeking mindfulness, Malta Yoga offers outdoor Vinyasa and Pilates classes at the Tunnara Museum.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking in national parks: On Mellieħa’s west coast, Majjistral Nature and History Park, Malta’s first national park, features miles of trails with cart ruts, stone huts, and Classical-era tombs.

• Snorkeling and scuba diving: Imgiebah Bay and Slugs Bay are excellent for snorkeling. Ċirkewwa Reef, with remnants of a collapsed cavern, is a top diving site.

• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): The shallow Mellieħa Bay is perfect for beginners. Once you've mastered it, paddle to Slugs or Imgiebah bays along the coast.

• Surfing: Known for its reliable wind, Għajn Tuffieħa stands out as Malta’s best surf spot. Neighboring Golden Bay is also noteworthy, though mainly during winter.

Beaches to enjoy on Mellieha vacations

Mellieha vacations are a dream for beach lovers, offering access to some of Malta’s most stunning stretches of coastline. Whether you're looking for family-friendly sands or tranquil coves, the beaches in and around Mellieha cater to every kind of traveler.

• Mellieha Bay (Ghadira Bay): The largest sandy beach in Malta, Mellieha Bay is perfect for families with its shallow waters and wide stretch of golden sand. It's ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.

• Paradise Bay: Just a short drive from Mellieha, this small yet picturesque beach is surrounded by cliffs and boasts clear turquoise waters. Its serene atmosphere makes it perfect for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

• Golden Bay: One of Malta’s most famous beaches, Golden Bay is a must-visit for its soft sands and crystal-clear waters. It's great for sunbathing, enjoying water sports, or watching the sunset from the beachside cafes.

• Armier Bay: Located on the northern tip of Malta, Armier Bay offers a more secluded beach experience. With two smaller bays, Armier and Little Armier, it’s a great spot for snorkeling and enjoying a quieter day by the sea.

• Imgiebah Bay (Selmun Bay): A hidden gem near Mellieha, this remote beach is perfect for adventurers looking to escape the crowds. Its unspoiled beauty and calm waters create a tranquil setting for relaxation.

Mellieha’s beaches are among the best in Malta, combining natural beauty with a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're lounging on the sands of Mellieha Bay or exploring the hidden coves nearby, your vacation promises unforgettable moments by the sea.

Local dishes in Mellieħa

One of the great delights of vacations in Mellieħa is savoring the region's Arab- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Some typical dishes

• Stuffat tal-qarnit: Tenderized octopus stewed with garlic, onions, red wine, olives, capers, and tomatoes.

• Brunġiel mimli: Eggplant shells stuffed with minced pork or beef (sometimes both), cheese, and eggplant pulp, then baked until soft and golden.

Meat dishes

• Bragioli: This is the go-to dish for meat lovers. Thin slices of beef stuffed with minced meat, breadcrumbs, and herbs simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce.

• Stuffat tal-fenek: A classic dish, rabbit marinated in wine, slow-cooked with vegetables, and seasoned with aromatic herbs.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Torta tal-lampuki: Named for its star ingredient, this fish pie combines lampuki (in season from August to December) with olives, spinach, and Maltese staples like onions, tomatoes, and capers.

• Pixxispad mixwi: This dish consists of marinated and grilled swordfish fillets garnished with sage and sweet green peppers.

Street food

• Pastizz: Stuffed with ricotta or peas and typically shaped into a diamond, these flaky pastries are a Maltese food icon.

• Qassatat: These shortcrust pastry baskets come with various fillings, but the most popular are ricotta and fava beans.

Sweets and desserts

• Imqaret: Filled with dates, citrus, and spices, deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar, these traditional pastries pair great with a scoop of ice cream.

• Kannoli: The Sicilian connection – sweetened ricotta in a deep-fried bow-shaped shell, sometimes laced with chocolate, nuts, or candied peel.

Local drinks

• Cisk Lager: Crisp with a light maltiness and a rich hop aroma, Malta’s favorite beer is perfect for summer drinking.

• Kinnie: Brewed from bitter oranges and wormwood extracts, this carbonated soft drink has a unique love-it-or-hate-it flavor.