The Best Hotels in Mellieha

Mellieha Hotels

Occupying a sleepy seaside parcel in northern Malta, the large village of Mellieha offers a low-key bolthole just minutes from the island’s capital. Alongside a blissful serving of sun, sea and sand, the village’s quaint streets are home to a buffet of historical sites and traditional culinary offerings. The surrounding rural-meets-coastal landscape is especially idyllic, setting the scene for wild life watching, water sports, and gentle meandering walks. Towards the end of summer the village celebrates the highly anticipated Festa of Our Lady of Victories.

Things to see

A few minutes stroll downhill from town, Mellieha Bay is one of the island’s most coveted beaches. Gilded with white gold sand and blessed with shallow turquoise waters, the family-friendly stretch lends itself to swimmers, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Just across the road, the green and lush Ghadira Nature Reserve is home to 2 significant wildlife habitats. Spanning 6 hectares, the lush wetland and soggy saltmarsh areas provide a haven for migrating birds, and those that like to watch them. Built in the late 1800’s from local stone, the Baroque-style Parish Church of Mellieha cuts a grand figure with its twin belfries and large dome. Inside, the church’s decorative altars feature paintings by renowned Maltese artists Giuseppe Calì and Lazzru Pisani. The original film set for the 1980 movie, Popeye Village offers a top family day out. As well as exploring the ramshackle town, visitors can enjoy museums, shows, and meet the characters including Olive Oyl and the butch sailor himself.

Hotels in Mellieha

The hotels in Mellieha cater to every type of stay, whether you want a luxury 5-star retreat, a budget-friendly guesthouse, or a sprawling all-inclusive resort just a stone’s throw from the beach. The larger hotels in Mellieha boast plenty of amenities, with restaurants, bar lounges, outdoor swimming pools and fitness facilities among their conveniences. Many resorts cater well to families with children too, with kids clubs in some hotels, and spa facilities for stressed parents in others. Whilst rooms are generally less frilly the less you pay, most feature internet access, satellite television and tea and coffee makers.

Where to stay

Many of the larger, amenity-laden hotels in Mellieha recline just moments from the bay, giving you glittering ocean views from your room and easy access to one of the island’s best beaches. The village itself sits perched on a hill a 20 minute walk from the beach, or a short bus ride away if you don’t fancy the uphill schlep. Typically Maltese with its laid back atmosphere, the walkable village is home to shops, al fresco cafés, restaurants and a handful of accommodation options. A short drive from the village you’ll find the medieval town of Mdina, and the temples of Mgarr.

How to get to Mellieha

Situated towards the south of the island, Malta International Airport is the primary gateway for most of the country’s visitors. It’s an especially well-connected hub, serving many major European destinations with the most services in operation during the summer holiday season. Once you’ve landed it’s a 23 kilometre drive into the heart of Mellieha, which can be done by bus, taxi, or with a private pick-up arranged through your hotel. It’s also possible to get to and from Malta from the neighbouring island of Gozo, by boat. The trip takes around 20 minutes and docks at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, just north of Mellieha.