Ładowanie…
Ładowanie…
Malta's largest sandy beach, the quirky Popeye Village film set and peaceful Anchor Bay — the top family destination on the island.
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 (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 (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 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.
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.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price/person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arches Restaurant | Maltese, Mediterranean | €20–35 | Best in town, bay views, book ahead |
| Giuseppi's Bar & Bistro | Malta fusion | €15–28 | Local cheeses, Maltese wine, terrace |
| Mellieħa Bay Hotel restaurant | International | €18–30 | Beach views |
Highlights from Robert Maklowicz's travels
Maklowicz discovers Valletta's history
“Malta to miejsce, gdzie historia napisana jest w kamieniu.”
Inside St John's Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio
“Caravaggio uciekał przed wyrokiem śmierci, a na Malcie stworzył dzieło, które przetrwało wieki.”
Maklowicz enters Mdina — The Silent City
“Mdina to miasto, które odmawia bycia głośnym — i właśnie dlatego mówi tak wiele.”
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Every article is built from real tourist discussions and enriched with tips from Monika and the community.