Mellieħa Guide: Malta's Best Family Base — Big Beach, Popeye Village & Anchor Bay

Mellieħa (pronounced Meleha) is a town in northern Malta, perched across hills with views over the bay. It is home to Mellieħa Bay — Malta's largest sandy beach, the quirky Popeye Village at Anchor Bay, and the ferry terminal at Cirkewwa for Gozo. For families with children: the best base on the island. For those seeking peace away from Sliema and Paceville: an excellent alternative.

Getting there: Bus 221 or 222 from Valletta (around 45–55 min, €2). By car: 30 minutes from Valletta, easy parking at the beach. Cirkewwa (ferry to Gozo) is 10 minutes away.

Mellieħa Bay — Malta's Largest Beach

Mellieħa Bay (Ghadira Bay) is the only truly large sandy beach on Malta — around 1 km long, shallow water, sandy bottom, perfect for children. Busy in summer, but large enough to always find a spot.

Facilities: Sun loungers and parasols for hire (around €15/pair per day). Bars and snack bars along the beach. Free showers. Paid parking nearby or free parking 800m away. Toilets on the promenade.

Safety: Shallow water for 20–30m from shore — ideal for young children. Lifeguards in season (June–September). Green flag = safe, yellow = caution, red = no swimming.

Popeye Village — Film Set at Anchor Bay

Popeye Village (officially Sweethaven Village) is the original wooden film set built for the 1980 musical "Popeye" starring Robin Williams. After filming wrapped, it was converted into a theme park — now one of Malta's most popular family attractions.

What's there: Film production museum, arts workshops, mini cinema, swimming in Anchor Bay, souvenir shop, bar and restaurant with bay views.

Hours and prices: Typically 10am–5pm (season) or 10am–3pm (off-season). Adult: around €15, child (4–11): around €12, under-4s free. Check current prices on the Popeye Village website.

Who it's for: Mainly families with children aged 4–12. Adults without children — 30 minutes for a look around and photos is enough.

Anchor Bay and the Red Tower

Anchor Bay is a small cove right beside Popeye Village — rocky shore, very clear water, peaceful. Great for snorkelling and swimming away from Mellieħa Bay crowds. No facilities — just water and rock.

Red Tower (Torre Hamrija) — a 17th-century red watchtower on the hillside, with views across northern Malta and Gozo. Entry around €1. About 2 km from the town centre on foot or by bike.

Mellieħa Town

The town itself is charming — steep lanes, white houses with coloured shutters. The Church of the Assumption dominates the hillside. The underground Madonna Sanctuary (grotto) beside the church is free to enter — a genuinely moving, intimate experience with almost no tourists.

Best Restaurants in Mellieħa

Mellieħa with Children — Malta's Best Family Base

• Shallow, safe beach — perfect for young children
• Popeye Village — hours of entertainment
• 10 minutes from Cirkewwa and the Gozo ferry
• Far less noise at night than Sliema and Paceville
• Cheaper hotels than the centre
• More family-friendly hotels with pools

One Day in Mellieħa

• 9am — Town centre, church, Madonna Sanctuary
• 10:30am — Popeye Village at Anchor Bay (2–3 hours with children)
• 1pm — Lunch in Mellieħa town centre
• 2:30pm — Mellieħa Bay — beach, swimming, sun loungers
• 5pm — Red Tower (optional)
• 6:30pm — Dinner at Arches or return to base