Mellieħa Bay Għadira
Malta's largest sandy beach, Għadira Bay in Mellieħa, offers calm, shallow waters perfect for families and a relaxing seaside escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Mellieħa Bay Għadira
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Malta's largest sandy beach, Għadira Bay in Mellieħa, offers calm, shallow waters perfect for families and a relaxing seaside escape.
"Beautiful sandy beach, lots of beach bars and affordable sunbeds. Water is shallow for about 30m in, so great for little kids."
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Għadira Bay is ideal for families with calm, shallow waters. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
🚌 Public Transport Savvy
Utilize Malta's bus system; the Tallinja app helps with routes and schedules.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Għadira Bay
Mellieħa
Malta's largest sandy beach, perfect for families with calm, shallow waters and amenities.

Red Tower (Saint Agatha's Tower)
Mellieħa
Historic watchtower offering panoramic views over Għadira Bay and nearby islands.

Popeye Village
Mellieħa
A charming, colorful film set turned tourist attraction, offering a whimsical seaside experience.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting Around Malta
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Għadira Bay is ideal for families with calm, shallow waters. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
🚌 Public Transport Savvy
Utilize Malta's bus system; the Tallinja app helps with routes and schedules.
💰 Affordable Sunbeds
Expect to pay around €15-€20 for two sunbeds and an umbrella at Għadira Bay.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Malta gets very hot in summer. Visit popular spots early or late to avoid the worst heat and crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Għadira Bay is ideal for families with calm, shallow waters. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
🚌 Public Transport Savvy
Utilize Malta's bus system; the Tallinja app helps with routes and schedules.
💰 Affordable Sunbeds
Expect to pay around €15-€20 for two sunbeds and an umbrella at Għadira Bay.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Malta gets very hot in summer. Visit popular spots early or late to avoid the worst heat and crowds.
🏰 Book Ahead for Attractions
For popular sites like Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, book tickets well in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mellieħa Bay is widely praised as a beautiful, family-friendly sandy beach with clear, calm waters ideal for children. Visitors appreciate the convenience of amenities like cafes and affordable sunbed rentals, as well as easy access from the main road and bus stops. While generally not overcrowded, some find the shallow end can be a bit murky.
"Great beach, clear water and not too windy.
20€ for 2 sun beds and 1 umbrella. Not busy.
Easy to access from the street (stairs) and you don’t have to walk for the bus stop."
Miriam Terilli
"Nice clear water and sandy beach, not very deep at the start so ideal for small children. You can purchase two sunbeds with umbrella for around 15€."
Lara Mia Holéczyová
"A really nice place to enjoy a day at the beach. There's everything one would need, cafes, restaurants, sunbeds and umbrellas. Everything is also quite fairly priced and affordable. There's also a water park there, which you need to buy tickets for. The water is also good and there's basically no waves."
Paul Rimann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mellieħa Bay is easily accessible by public bus, with several bus stops along the main road. Bus number 222 from Sliema can take you to Mellieħa Bay, and then you can transfer to bus 101 for Popeye Village.
Yes, Malta has a decent public transport system with many bus routes covering most locations. The Tallinja app is recommended for planning your journeys.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber are available, offering a more convenient option than buses, though they are more expensive.
You can take a bus to the ferry terminal in Cirkewwa and then catch the ferry to Gozo. Booking the Gozo ferry from Valletta in advance is also an option.
Mellieħa itself is a charming village, and Għadira Bay is easily accessible from the street with stairs, making it convenient to reach from bus stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can expect to pay around €15 to €20 for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella at Għadira Bay.
Għadira Bay itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Costs are associated with renting sunbeds, umbrellas, or using facilities like water parks.
While not always mandatory, booking Popeye Village tickets in advance can save you time, especially during peak season.
The Red Tower is generally accessible during daylight hours for visitors to explore the exterior and enjoy the views. Specific opening times for interior access may vary.
Information on specific family discounts for attractions like Popeye Village can vary. It's best to check their official website or inquire directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Absolutely! Għadira Bay is renowned for its calm, shallow waters, making it perfect and safe for small children to play in.
You'll find beach bars, restaurants, and facilities for renting sunbeds and umbrellas. There's also a water park available for an additional fee.
Yes, the water at Għadira Bay is clear and generally calm with very few waves, making it excellent for swimming.
Explore the charming Mellieħa Parish Church, visit the Mellieħa Air Raid Shelter, and hike to the Red Tower for historical insights and stunning views.
Mellieħa is a good base for a relaxing getaway, offering proximity to other beaches and attractions. It's well-connected by bus to explore the rest of the island.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are beach bars and restaurants along Għadira Bay offering various food and drink options, with Cisk beer priced around €3.50.
Mellieħa offers a range of dining options, from casual beachside cafes to restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Many restaurants in tourist areas like Mellieħa are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff.
Meal prices can vary, but expect to pay around €10-€20 for a main course in a mid-range restaurant. Beach bars might offer more budget-friendly snacks and light meals.
Yes, Mellieħa has several supermarkets where you can purchase groceries if you are self-catering or looking for snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots at Għadira Bay with its expansive beach, from the Red Tower for panoramic views, and the picturesque Popeye Village.
Yes, from elevated points like the Red Tower, you can get beautiful views and photos of the nearby islands of Comino and Gozo.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of Għadira Bay.
Drone regulations in Malta can be strict. Always check the latest rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of Għadira Bay and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots of Gozo and Comino.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the beach, Popeye Village offers a whimsical and entertaining experience for kids, with its unique architecture and lively atmosphere. For a dose of history that's still engaging, consider a visit to the Mellieħa Air Raid Shelter, which can spark curiosity about the past. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
💰 Budget Travelers
At Għadira Bay, while sunbeds and umbrellas have a cost (around €15-€20), the beach itself is free. Packing your own snacks and drinks from local supermarkets can also help save money. For dining, look for local bakeries or smaller cafes away from the immediate beachfront for more budget-friendly meals.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Solo travelers can easily navigate Malta using the public transport system, allowing for independent exploration of the island. Engaging with locals at cafes or on the beach can also enrich the experience. Consider joining a walking tour in nearby areas like Valletta for a social and informative way to see more of Malta.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Għadira Bay: Malta's Premier Sandy Beach
The water at Għadira Bay is typically clear and calm, with minimal waves, contributing to its reputation as a family-friendly destination. While the shallow end can sometimes appear a bit murky due to stirred sand, the deeper waters are beautiful. The beach is easily accessible from the main road, with bus stops conveniently located nearby, simplifying travel for those relying on public transport.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, Għadira Bay offers a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports or simply relax and soak in the Mediterranean sun. The surrounding area of Mellieħa also provides a charming village experience with historical sites and scenic viewpoints, complementing a beach day with cultural exploration.
Exploring Mellieħa's Historical Treasures
Another significant historical site is the Mellieħa Air Raid Shelter, which provides a poignant glimpse into Malta's wartime past. Visitors can explore the tunnels and chambers used by locals for protection during World War II. Nearby, the Mellieħa Parish Church stands as a beautiful example of religious architecture and offers a peaceful retreat with stunning vistas from its elevated position.
For a unique historical and whimsical experience, Popeye Village is a must-visit. Originally built as a film set for the 1980 movie 'Popeye,' this colorful village has been transformed into a tourist attraction with quirky buildings, live entertainment, and boat trips. It offers a fun and memorable experience, especially for families.
Navigating Malta's Public Transport
When planning your journey to Mellieħa Bay or other destinations, familiarize yourself with the main bus routes. For instance, the 222 bus route connects Sliema to Mellieħa Bay, and further transfers, like to bus 101, can take you to specific attractions such as Popeye Village. While buses are efficient, they can get crowded, especially during peak hours and seasons.
For those seeking more convenience or traveling at odd hours, ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber are available. While they offer a more direct and comfortable journey, they come at a higher cost compared to public buses. Understanding these options allows travelers to tailor their transportation choices to their budget and schedule.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit