St Agatha’s Tower
A 17th-century Red Tower offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into Malta's rich defensive history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
St Agatha’s Tower
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century Red Tower offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into Malta's rich defensive history.
"This historic place is well worth the visit, offering stunning 360-degree landscapes and fascinating history."
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk from Mellieha Bay is uphill. Good footwear makes exploring the tower and surrounding paths easier. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
If visiting in summer, go early or late to avoid the intense sun during the walk. Bring water!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Top of the tower
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Mellieha Bay, Comino, and Gozo. A photographer's dream!
Historic Fortification
Inside the tower
Explore this well-restored 17th-century watchtower, a key defense point for centuries.
Chapel Within
Inside the tower
Discover the small chapel, adding a unique spiritual dimension to the historic site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Getting to the Red Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk from Mellieha Bay is uphill. Good footwear makes exploring the tower and surrounding paths easier. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
If visiting in summer, go early or late to avoid the intense sun during the walk. Bring water!
🚗 Convenient Transport
Ubers are affordable and drop you closer than the bus stops. Parking is also available nearby.
💰 Affordable Entry
Adult entry is only €2.50, offering great value for the history and views. :euro:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk from Mellieha Bay is uphill. Good footwear makes exploring the tower and surrounding paths easier. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
If visiting in summer, go early or late to avoid the intense sun during the walk. Bring water!
🚗 Convenient Transport
Ubers are affordable and drop you closer than the bus stops. Parking is also available nearby.
💰 Affordable Entry
Adult entry is only €2.50, offering great value for the history and views. :euro:
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Knowledgeable volunteers share fascinating history. They make the visit truly special.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Agatha's Tower for its well-restored condition, stunning panoramic views of the Maltese coastline and nearby islands, and the valuable historical information provided by knowledgeable volunteers. The affordable entry fee and convenient access, despite a short uphill walk, make it a highly recommended attraction for history buffs and sightseers alike.
"Massive thanks for having us over this place with a great information from the person the gentleman working there.
With a great influence he has.Thank you so much for his time and his kindness
The place is well needed to visit. For more details and information visit I totally recommend to visit this historic place."
Waleed Bin Mohammed
"This castle is on the top of the hill in front of the coast and you cam see a 360 landscape.
Some of the principals busses stop very close to the castle, but you have to walk 15 minutes more.
In summertime, take care, cause it's a long walking under the sun... 🥵"
Michela Ronci
"Small but well restored with stunning views. You can walk up from Mellieha Bay about 2.3km uphill or get an Uber, they are not expensive. The story of the fort is told inside. Toilets in the fort. Parking close by."
Douglas LEE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) in Mellieha by bus, with several stops nearby. However, expect a 15-minute uphill walk from the closest stops. For more direct access, consider taking an Uber or driving, as parking is available close to the tower.
Yes, there is parking available close to St. Agatha's Tower, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can walk up from Mellieha Bay, which is about a 2.3km uphill journey. It's a scenic walk but can be challenging in the summer heat.
Several bus routes stop near the Red Tower, including those from the Seabank hotel area. Check local bus schedules for the most current routes and times.
The walk from Mellieha Bay is uphill and can be strenuous, especially during hot weather. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for adults is a very reasonable €2.50, offering excellent value for the historical experience and stunning views.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or with your accommodation for the most up-to-date information.
Advance booking is typically not required for St. Agatha's Tower. Tickets can usually be purchased upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely published, but the standard adult price is very affordable.
Yes, there are toilets available within the fort itself, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The top of the tower offers incredible 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for capturing the coastline, Gozo, and Comino. The tower itself also makes for a striking subject against the blue sky.
From the Red Tower, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mellieha Bay, the islands of Comino and Gozo, and the surrounding coastline. +2
Late afternoon visits are ideal for softer light and potentially stunning sunset views over the Mediterranean.
Drone regulations can be strict in Malta. It's advisable to check current aviation rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting conditions for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
St. Agatha's Tower, also known as the Red Tower, was built between 1647 and 1649 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar. 
It was constructed as a bastioned watchtower to protect the coast from invasions and served as a crucial signal station for transmitting messages to Valletta.
Yes, the tower played a vital role during both World Wars, serving as a strategic defense point.
The tower was built by the Knights of St. John (also known as the Knights of Malta) under Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar.
It is commonly known as the Red Tower due to the distinctive reddish hue of its stone construction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger day trip to Mellieħa, combining the tower visit with time at the nearby beach. The affordable entry fee makes it a budget-friendly option for family outings. The knowledgeable volunteers on-site can also make history come alive for kids with engaging stories.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding natural beauty of Mellieħa or a relaxing day at the nearby beach for a full day of affordable exploration. The rich history and stunning scenery provide a memorable experience that rivals more expensive attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The real magic, however, lies in the panoramic vistas from its summit. Capture sweeping shots of Mellieħa Bay, the crystal-clear waters surrounding Comino, and the rugged coastline of Gozo. +3Aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – to take advantage of the soft, warm light that enhances the colors and textures of the landscape. The contrast between the historic architecture and the natural beauty provides endless photographic opportunities. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas and a telephoto lens for details on the distant islands.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Strategic Importance of St. Agatha's Tower
+3The tower's design is notable for being different from other Lascaris towers, bearing more resemblance to the earlier Wignacourt towers. It was equipped with cannons and a garrison of around 30 men, ready to defend the island. Beyond its role in the Knights' era, the Red Tower also served a significant purpose during both World War I and World War II, continuing its legacy as a strategic military outpost.
+1Today, the tower stands as a well-preserved historical monument. Visitors can explore its interior, learn about its past through informative displays, and appreciate the engineering prowess of its builders. The presence of a small chapel within its walls adds another layer to its historical and cultural significance.
Experiencing the Views and Surroundings
Looking out towards the sea, the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean stretch towards the horizon, with the islands of Comino and Gozo clearly visible. +2 These expansive views make it an ideal location for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Visitors can reach the tower by driving and utilizing the nearby parking, or by taking a bus and enjoying a scenic, albeit uphill, 15-minute walk. Some visitors have enjoyed walking the 'yellow walkers path' back from the tower, further immersing themselves in the Maltese countryside.
Social
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