Sandy beach · Malta · Mellieħa

Mellieħa Bay

Bajja tal-Mellieħa (Għadira)

Mellieħa Bay — locally known as Għadira — is Malta's longest sandy beach at roughly 900 metres. Flanked by a nature reserve on one side and the Mellieħa–Ċirkewwa road on the other, it combines easy accessibility with the widest range of water sports on the island.

Quick Facts

Type
Sandy beach
Length
approx. 900 m (longest in Malta)
Access
Very easy — road-level, ramp access, year-round bus stop
Lifeguard
Yes (June–September)
Facilities
Beach beds, watersports, kiosk, toilets, parking
Nearest town
Mellieħa (3 km)
Island
Malta

What is Mellieħa Bay like?

The bay is broad, shallow and very gently shelving — making it the safest swimming beach in Malta for young children and non-swimmers. The sand is fine and the water remains shallow 50–100 metres out, unusual for Malta. Behind the beach, the Għadira Nature Reserve protects one of the last coastal wetlands in Malta and is a significant migratory bird staging point.

Getting to Mellieħa Bay

The beach sits directly on the main Mellieħa–Ċirkewwa road (Triq il-Marfa), making it uniquely accessible by public bus. Routes 41 and 42 from Valletta run year-round, increasing to high frequency in summer. A paid car park sits alongside the beach. Mellieħa village, with hotels and restaurants, is 3 km inland.

Water sports at Mellieħa Bay

Mellieħa Bay has the most developed water sports offer in Malta: jet ski hire, pedalos, banana boats, paddleboards and windsurfing lessons are all available from operators on the beach in summer. The shallow water and consistent afternoon breeze make it particularly good for beginners learning to windsurf.

Facilities

Lifeguard (seasonal)Sun beds & umbrellasBeach kioskPublic toiletsCar parkingWater sports

Best for

  • families
  • swimming
  • watersports
  • accessibility

Avoid if

  • seeking isolation
  • avoiding main road noise

Getting there

Bus routes 41, 42 from Valletta stop directly on the main road above the beach. Large car park adjacent.

Hotels near Mellieħa Bay

Closest hotels sorted by straight-line GPS distance from Mellieħa Bay:

All hotels near Mellieħa Bay, sorted by distance →

Nearest locality

Mellieħa — city guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is Mellieħa Bay the biggest beach in Malta?↓

Yes, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) is Malta's longest sandy beach at approximately 900 metres. Its very shallow, gently shelving water also makes it the safest swimming beach for young children.

Can you get to Mellieħa Bay by bus?↓

Yes — bus routes 41 and 42 from Valletta stop at the main road directly above the beach, year-round. Journey time from Valletta is approximately 50 minutes.

Is there a nature reserve near Mellieħa Bay?↓

Yes. The Għadira Nature Reserve, managed by BirdLife Malta, sits adjacent to the northern end of the beach. It is one of Malta's most important wetland habitats and offers free access on certain open days.

Sources: OpenStreetMap (ODbL) · Malta Tourism Authority · BirdLife Malta · Transport Malta · OSM snapshot 2026-06-08 · Last updated 2026-06-14

GPS data: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)