Mellieħa Bay Promenade - Image 1
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Mellieħa Bay Promenade

4.5
·6k reviews·Mellieħa, Malta

Malta's largest sandy beach, offering shallow, crystal-clear blue waters perfect for swimming and family fun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Mellieħa Bay Promenade - Image 1

Mellieħa Bay Promenade

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Malta's largest sandy beach, offering shallow, crystal-clear blue waters perfect for swimming and family fun.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"It is a sheltered bay with a long swimming area that is shallow for a good 30 meters. The water is clear and warm."

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Sunbed & Umbrella Rental

Rentals from beachside restaurants like Munchies cost around €18 for the day and often include toilet access.

🚗 Parking Tips

Free parking is available on the north side, but arrive early as it fills up fast.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Mellieħa Bay

Shallow, warm, and incredibly blue waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Reddit
Expansive Sandy Beach

Expansive Sandy Beach

Mellieħa Bay

Malta's largest sandy beach, offering plenty of space for everyone to spread out.

Reddit
Family-Friendly Environment

Family-Friendly Environment

Mellieħa Bay

Safe, shallow swimming area and ample space make it ideal for families with children.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

Mellieħa Bay is Malta's largest sandy beach, so expect it to be busy, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early to secure a good spot and consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Getting There & Parking

While buses are an option, they can be unreliable. Renting a car or taking a taxi offers more flexibility. Free parking is available on the north side of the beach, but it fills up quickly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A week of sun and swims in Malta ☀️⛱️ 📍 Valletta, Three Cities, Mdina, Marsaxlokk Harbour, St Julian’s, Melleiha, Popeye Village 🏖️ St Peter’s Pool, Ghar Lapsi Divesite, Golden Bay, Anchor Bay Divesite, Blue Grotto, Coral Lagoon, Bajja tal-Qroll, Blue Lagoon (Comino) GOZO 📍 Qala, Victoria, Tal-Mixta Cave 🏖️ Hondoq ir-Rummien, Ta’Bumbarin, Dahlet Qarrot, Wied il-Ghasri, Blue Hole, Inland Sea Di...
@georgiehall1
64.5K likes • 1.2M views

☀️ Sunbed & Umbrella Rental

Rentals from beachside restaurants like Munchies cost around €18 for the day and often include toilet access. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Free parking is available on the north side, but arrive early as it fills up fast. Reddit

Big thanks to volunteers from Liberty Mutual for joining us yesterday in a cleanup of Malcolm X Promenade at Flushing Bay NYC. There was a swan nesting (last photo) and her partner was nearby too. Lots of plastic in her nest. Looking forward to Saturday May 6, when we scale up with 120 cleanups, from Flushing Bay to Staten Island and all the way up to the Adirondacks, in the 12th Annual #Riverkee...
riverkeeper
132 likes • 0 views
today i went out to flushing bay to do a shoreline cleanup with @guardiansofflushingbay and saw TONS of atlantic horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) around the sand and rocks while we were picking up plastic. horseshoe crabs molt as they grow throughout the first part of their ~18 year lifespan, shedding their exoskeleton about 9 times before they grow to full maturity. i think some of these ar...
kate.bythecoast
65 likes • 1.8K views

💧 Public Amenities

The beach is clean with public showers, bins, and nearby toilets. Reddit

🚎 Bus Travel Caution

Buses can be unreliable; consider a car or taxi for easier access. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Sunbed & Umbrella Rental

Rentals from beachside restaurants like Munchies cost around €18 for the day and often include toilet access. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Free parking is available on the north side, but arrive early as it fills up fast. Reddit

💧 Public Amenities

The beach is clean with public showers, bins, and nearby toilets. Reddit

🚎 Bus Travel Caution

Buses can be unreliable; consider a car or taxi for easier access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mellieħa Bay is celebrated for its beautiful, shallow, and clear waters, making it a top sandy beach in Malta ideal for families. While many appreciate the ample space and amenities like sunbeds and nearby restaurants, some visitors find the beach crowded and note the unreliability of public transport to reach it. Reddit

"This beach was beautiful. It is a sheltered bay with a long swimming area that is shallow for a good 30 meters. The water is clear and warm.
Although a busy beach being in the sea still had a level of privacy given how large the swimming area was.
We used the free parking on the north side of the beach. And here we used Munchies deck chairs and umbrellas. These cost €18 for the day. It also allowed us to use the toilets attached to the restaurant and inflation station for inflatables.
The beach was clean and had a public shower as well as plenty of bins. It felt safe and child friendly too. The beach is large and there is plenty of room for everyone."

Tom C

"Very average beach — packed, water and sand not too clean. It's probably one of the best sandy beaches I guess Malta has to offer. Also very difficult to get here from Valletta unless you drive or take a cab. Buses are extremely unreliable and we actually had 3 buses who didn't stop to pick us up despite raising my hand and the buses being empty."

Dimitris Gravanis

"Visited the beach here and it was beautiful. Crystal clear shallow waters to swim in and a lovely beach. Fairly busy but found Sun loungers easily. Only downside was there were no lifeguards here."

Julie B

What People Like

Beautiful clear blue water
Large sandy beach
Shallow and safe for kids

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Unreliable buses

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Getting to Mellieħa Bay from Valletta can be challenging by public transport. Buses are often unreliable and may not stop. Renting a car or taking a taxi is highly recommended for a smoother journey. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available on the north side of Mellieħa Bay. However, it tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is advised. Reddit

While possible, walking to Mellieħa Bay from Valletta is a significant distance and not practical for most visitors. It's best to use a car, taxi, or public transport. Reddit

Several bus routes serve Mellieħa Bay, but their reliability can be an issue. It's advisable to check real-time bus schedules and be prepared for potential delays or missed stops. Reddit

The beach itself is sandy and generally flat, making it accessible. However, access from parking or bus stops might vary. It's best to check specific accessibility details closer to your visit.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mellieħa Bay is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the beach and swimming area for free. Reddit

Mellieħa Bay is accessible at all times as it is a public beach. However, amenities like restaurants and sunbed rentals will have their own operating hours. Reddit

It's generally not necessary to book sunbeds in advance, as there are usually plenty available, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. However, during peak season, it might be wise to check with rental providers. Reddit

Based on visitor feedback, there are no lifeguards present at Mellieħa Bay, so visitors should exercise caution when swimming. Reddit

Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented from beachside establishments, with prices around €18 for a set of two beds and a parasol. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The water at Mellieħa Bay is known for being crystal clear, warm, and shallow for a considerable distance, making it ideal for swimming and families. Reddit

Yes, Mellieħa Bay is one of Malta's largest and most popular sandy beaches, offering a comfortable experience for visitors. Reddit

Yes, Mellieħa Bay is equipped with public showers and plenty of bins. Toilets are also available, often associated with nearby restaurants. Reddit

Absolutely. The shallow, calm waters and ample space make Mellieħa Bay very child-friendly and safe for families. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own inflatables. Some rental services even offer inflation stations for them. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located along the promenade and near the beach, offering various dining options. Munchies is a popular choice mentioned by visitors. Reddit

You can expect a range of options, from casual beachside snacks and seafood to more formal dining experiences. Many establishments offer local Maltese cuisine. Reddit

While some restaurants can be pricier, you can find more affordable options like cafes or snack bars for budget-friendly meals. Packing your own snacks is also an option. Reddit

Yes, there are usually kiosks and beach bars where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are plenty of bins available to ensure you can clean up after yourself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The expansive sandy beach, the clear blue water, and the surrounding coastline offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The late afternoon light can be particularly stunning. Reddit

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide a warm, golden glow. The vibrant blue of the water is impressive throughout the day. Reddit

The unique shallow entry into the sea and the vastness of the bay itself are key features. You might also capture local beachgoers enjoying the water. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and bay. A polarizing filter can enhance the blue of the water and sky. Reddit

Drone regulations in Malta can be strict. It's essential to check current local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Mellieħa Bay. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mellieħa Bay is a top choice for families visiting Malta. Its long stretch of fine sand and exceptionally shallow, warm waters create a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play and swim. The gentle slope into the sea means kids can splash around without the immediate risk of deep water. Reddit

With plenty of space, even when busy, families can find a comfortable spot to set up camp for the day. The availability of amenities like public showers and nearby restaurants adds to the convenience. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas can make the day even more comfortable for parents and kids alike. Reddit

🚗 Car Rental Enthusiasts

If you've opted for a rental car, Mellieħa Bay offers a convenient destination. The free parking on the north side is a significant perk, though it's crucial to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. This allows you to easily transport beach gear and explore other parts of Malta at your leisure. Reddit

Having a car also bypasses the potential unreliability of public transport, giving you the flexibility to visit Mellieħa Bay at your preferred time and depart when you're ready. This is ideal for maximizing your beach time and exploring the surrounding areas of the island. Reddit

☀️ Sun-Seekers & Swimmers

For those who love to soak up the sun and swim in clear waters, Mellieħa Bay is a must-visit. The expansive sandy beach provides ample room to lay out your towel and relax. The crystal-clear, warm sea is perfect for long swims, with the shallow entry making it accessible for all. Reddit

While the beach can get lively, the sheer size of the bay means you can often find quieter spots. The vibrant blue of the water is a major draw, offering a picturesque backdrop for a day of sunbathing and swimming. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mellieħa Bay Experience

Mellieħa Bay, often referred to as Għadira Bay, is a gem for beach lovers in Malta. It boasts the island's longest stretch of sandy beach, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The bay is renowned for its exceptionally clear, shallow, and warm waters, which extend quite far from the shore. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and for families with young children who can play safely near the water's edge. Reddit

The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including public showers, plenty of bins, and nearby restaurants and cafes. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically costing around €18 for a set, which often includes access to facilities like toilets. While the beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and during the summer months, its sheer size means there's usually enough space for everyone to find a comfortable spot. Reddit

Despite its popularity, some visitors note the absence of lifeguards, emphasizing the need for personal vigilance while swimming. The journey to Mellieħa Bay can be a point of contention, with bus services sometimes being unreliable, leading many to opt for car rentals or taxis for a more convenient trip from areas like Valletta. Reddit

Navigating to Mellieħa Bay

Reaching Mellieħa Bay requires some planning, especially if you're relying on public transport. While buses do service the area, traveler experiences suggest they can be quite unreliable, with instances of buses not stopping even when empty. This unpredictability can lead to significant delays and frustration, particularly when trying to get back to your accommodation. Reddit

For a more seamless experience, many visitors recommend renting a car. This offers the freedom to travel at your own pace and ensures you can reach the bay without the hassle of potentially missed bus connections. If a car isn't an option, taxis are available, though they will be more expensive. Free parking is available on the north side of the bay, but it's a first-come, first-served situation and can fill up rapidly, especially during peak season. Reddit

Consider the time of day you plan to visit. Arriving early in the morning, particularly on a weekday, will significantly increase your chances of finding convenient parking and a good spot on the beach. This proactive approach can greatly enhance your overall enjoyment of Mellieħa Bay. Reddit

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