Mellieha Bay is nestled into the beautiful northern coastline of Malta, and it’s a two-part resort with one big feature that not many Maltese destinations can boast – a long, sandy beach. Then the other side is up in the hillsides, where you’ll find Mellieha’s little village equipped with quaint, winding streets and old churches.

You’ll find plenty of quirky highlights in Mellieha Bay, from a World War II air raid shelter to the set of the live action Popeye film, as well as churches tucked amid cave networks, tropical birds at Ghadira Nature Reserve, and plenty of market-day haggling. Despite so much to see and do, cheap Mellieha Bay holidays are easily achievable and offer some of the finest ways to spend your time abroad without overspending. Plus, of course, the climate is a great positive, with soaring temperatures in the summer months perfect for beach days, and cooler temperatures in the winter months ideal for exploring – choosing those slightly cooler months can also save you some money.

Malta’s beach headquarters

Mellieha Bay lays claim to an exclusive amenity in Malta – the island’s longest beach – making Mellieha bay holidays are popular pick for Malta. It’s one of Malta’s few sandy shores, stretching out for 800 metres! The clear blue water stays shallow for a fair way out and is kept sheltered by the half-moon shaped land. This also provides top conditions for an array of watersports, including snorkelling, paddle-boarding, kayaking and canoeing.

Because the waterfront is this area’s central attraction, the coast is lined with bars and restaurants, alongside plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. 10 minutes from the beach is Golden Bay, a Blue Flag-certified shore with hotels lurking just along the coast. Beach days offer the de facto way to enjoy days with minimal spending, just claim your spot on the sand and let the relaxation commence.

Historic scenery

When you aren’t enjoying some R&R along the coast, you can wander through Mellieha’s array of historic buildings. here you’ll find the caves and tunnels of the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter leftover from World War II, plus sizeable churches whose yellow-orange facades stand out along this waterfront skyline.

A short bus ride from Mellieha Bay you’ll find Popeye Village, the set for the live action Popeye film. The ramshackle waterfront huts and cartoonish boats are almost otherworldly. Visits here are optimal for stress-free family outings, with boat rides, shows and activities.

Similarly, about a 20-minute walk from the coast, or a 10 minute bus ride, is Mellieha’s old town centre, located up within the hillside. Mellieha’s old town is rife with centuries-old churches like the Sanctuary of Our Lady and the Parish Church of Mellieha, as well as cafes and shops connected through narrow lanes. Scaling the hill will also afford gorgeous views out to sea.

Rustic dining

Staying in Mellieha Bay, you’ll be tempted with a vast array of traditional Maltese cuisine, plus other Mediterranean bites. Traditional Maltese food generally displays Italian, English and Mediterranean roots, with an emphasis on rustic dining and seasonal offerings. You’ll also find a wide selection of seafood, though the national dish that you’ll find on Malta holidays is typically considered to be rabbit stew.

You can expect limitless variations of seafood and pasta served in casually elegant surroundings, with views that range from hillside to waterfront. There are also fast food options and pizzerias, plus an assortment of Italian-inspired menus. For a relatively small resort, there are nearly a hundred dining options to choose from in Mellieha Bay – and they don’t have to break the bank

Quiet Mediterranean nights

Keeping in line with its Mediterranean influences, Mellieha Bay offers largely laid-back evenings. You’ll find chilled out bars and restaurants along the waterfront and up in the village, where you can kick back with a glass of authentic Italian wine. The resort’s hotels are also known for the libation offerings, shortening your night-time commute to just an elevator ride. What’s more, the divine hotels make cheap Mellieha Bay holidays very doable with a variety of board options on offer, so you can stick to your holiday budget your way.

Bugibba and Qwara offer a much more lively feel and vibrant nightlife opportunities, so if that’s what you’re looking for, or fancy trying for a night, it would just be a short taxi ride away.

Shopping in Mellieha bay