Għadira Bay / Mellieħa Beach, Malta

Mellieħa Bay, known in Maltese as Għadira Bay, is the largest and one of the most popular sandy beaches in Malta, sweeping around a wide bay on the north coast of the island below the hilltop town of Mellieħa. Stretching for the best part of a kilometre, its broad band of golden sand and gently shelving, crystal-clear water make it especially good for families — you can wade a long way out before the sea reaches waist height — and it flies a Blue Flag for its water quality and facilities. Backed by a coastal road and, just behind, a protected wetland nature reserve, it is a firm favourite for a classic Mediterranean beach day.

What to See

The beach itself is the draw: a long, sheltered arc of sand with warm, shallow, turquoise water that is calm and safe for swimming and paddling. It is well equipped, with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, cafés, bars and restaurants along the front, public facilities, and a wide range of water sports — from windsurfing and kayaking to waterskiing and banana-boat rides. Directly across the road lies the Għadira Nature Reserve, a saltwater wetland run by BirdLife Malta that is an important stop for migrating birds, with gentle trails and birdwatching hides. From the beach there are views across to the little St Paul’s Islands and, in the other direction, up to the fortified old town of Mellieħa on its ridge, with its historic church and sanctuary.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Mellieħa Bay lies in the north of Malta, about 3 kilometres downhill from the centre of Mellieħa and roughly a 40-minute drive or bus ride from the capital, Valletta; it is also close to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal for the island of Gozo. The beach is well served by public buses, which stop right by the sand, and there is parking along the bay, though it fills up quickly on summer weekends. The beach is free to use, with charges only for sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports; the main season runs from late spring to early autumn, when it can get very busy, so arriving early helps. Bring sun protection and water, and consider combining a swim with a visit to the nature reserve opposite or the sights of Mellieħa town above.