45 pts4 min read🚶 on foot🟡 medium
Mellieha is a town in northern Malta with the island's largest sandy beach. The Church of Our Lady on the hill (one of Malta's oldest) and a WWII air-raid shelter tunnelled under the town.
Beach capital
Mellieha lies on Malta's northern tip, on hills above Mellieha Bay, the island's longest sandy beach (about 800 metres). Shallow water and a gentle slope make it a favourite for families with children. The area also offers Ghadira Nature Reserve for migrating bird watching.
Malta's oldest Marian church
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha on the hill above town is one of Malta's oldest centres of Marian worship. Tradition says the fresco of the Madonna on the cave-chapel wall was painted by St. Luke himself during his stay on Malta with the apostle Paul in 60 AD. While the dating is impossible to verify, the chapel is undoubtedly very old.
A shelter under the town
Beneath Mellieha's streets runs a system of World War II air-raid shelter tunnels, carved from rock by civilians during the bombing. The tunnels, about 500 metres long, could hold up to 1,000 people. Restored and open to tourists, they offer insight into life for Maltese civilians under the bombs.
Practical tip: Mellieha Bay is Malta's best beach for families with children (shallow, sandy, sunbeds). Shelter open daily (EUR 2). Popeye Village is 10 minutes by car. Bus 41 from Valletta (about 50 minutes).
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Tip
The area around the Mellieha Bay hotel was the setting for key scenes. Easier to spot from the film than on location!
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Mellieha Bay
Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) is Malta's longest sandy beach (800m). Shallow water, gentle entry, ideal for families with children. Sunbeds, bars, lifeguards in season. Bus 41/42 from Valletta.
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