Essential information for Mellieha Bay

When to go

Mellieha Bay lies on the northwest coast of Malta and is home to the island’s largest sandy beach. It’s very popular with tourists who descend here during the summer. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures averaging 27°C, with late August being the best time of the year to take a dip in the sea as the water reaches a wonderful 26°C.

May to September are popular with tourists as temperatures rarely drop below 23°C throughout this time. Given that the area can boast 300 days of sunshine a year however, practically every month is a good time for a package holiday to Malta. The winters are mild, with the coolest month of January still averaging a very reasonable 12°C.

Health and safety

Maltese water is perfectly safe to drink, however because it’s sourced from underground aquifers it may have a slight chlorinated taste that’s unfamiliar to us. Visitors may prefer to drink bottled water, which is cheap, and use tap water when making tea, coffee or squash instead.

No vaccinations are required for Malta. However, it is always wise to visit your GP six to eight weeks before travelling to discuss your trip and any special requirements.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip. It’s also a good idea to apply for a free European Health Insurance Card – EHIC before leaving the UK as this entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment.

If you’re visiting Mellieha Bay specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Malta but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Mellieha Bay is approximately an hour away from Malta International Airport, where visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi to their hotel. There is also a speedy shuttle transfer and minibus service. However, most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort is easy.

Once there you’ll probably discover that most of your activities are centred around the gorgeous bay and Mellieha Village, which is just up on a nearby hill surrounded by valleys. It’s just a 10-minute bus ride away and taxis are also available. There are many bus routes going to surrounding areas, to Cirkewwa to catch the Gozo ferry, and even to Malta’s capital city Valletta. You can also take a ferry straight from Mellieha to gorgeous Comino Island.

Advice for travellers with children

Mellieha Bay is only a short distance from the airport. Once there, it offers the best and largest sandy beach in the whole of Malta. This is a Blue Flag beach with clear waters that gently wash up against a sloping sandy shore, making it an ideal spot for families with children to enjoy a swim during All Inclusive holidays in Malta.

The water is also lovely and warm, reaching temperatures of 26°C in late August and staying warm until October. Considering the number of facilities on the beach, there’s very little time to get bored.

Also nearby is the wonderful Popeye Village Malta, a family-oriented theme park with fun interactive shows, great shops and a restaurant. This picturesque village near the sea was actually the real film set of Paramount Pictures’ 1980 musical comedy Popeye starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall, so it’s a lot of fun for any film buffs out there, too.

Electricity

Connector type: UK 3-pin plug the same as the UK

Voltage Info: 240V

Emergency information

If you require the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade dial: 112. This line is operated in Maltese and English.

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Ta’ Xbiex.

British High Commission Malta

Address: Whitehall Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1026, Malta Phone: +356 2323 0000

Email: malta.consulate@fco.gov.uk

Hospital

Mater Dei Hospital is the general hospital of Malta and it is also a teaching hospital, with specialist departments, an A&E, and state of the art facilities.

Mater Dei Hospital

Address: Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara, Malta MSD 2090 Phone: + 356 2545 0000

Email: mdh@gov.mt