Mellieħa is a village located in the Northwest part of Malta. Mellieħa took its name from the ancient Punic and Roman salt-terms, as Mellieħa means salt in Arabic. Mellieħa is one of Malta’s most attractive tourist and summer resorts with beautiful sandy beaches and blue sea. Mellieha has Malta’s largest sandy beach, Għadira, which is perfect for families with small children, as the water remains shallow for a considerable distance from the shore. Mellieħa also has a lot of splendid seaside hotels, good restaurants and many traditional souvenir shops. During the summer months, the population increases significantly due to many Maltese having summer residences in Mellieħa, but the all year around inhabitants are around 7250 people in an area of 22.6 km2.

According to archaeological discoveries, the town has been inhabited from Neolithic times to the Byzantine era, but the area was deserted after the Arab conquest. It was only during the time of the Knights, that Mellieħa was once again inhabited. Mellieħa was really developed under the British colonization who gave leases to encourage people to settle. Today Mellieħa is still popular with foreign house buyers. The people of Mellieħa are famous for their friendliness and hospitality and most people who visit Mellieħa feel welcomed and at home.

Mellieħa’s main Village Feast “Il-Vitorja” is held in the beginning of September and it reaches its peak on 8th September. During this popular feast, the village is full of activities such as musical concerts, fireworks, folk singing, food stands, and exhibitions and of course many religious processions in honour of Our Lady of Victories. The Mellieħa village feast is a great experience to both tourists and locals.

For tourists choosing to spend their holiday in Mellieħa it is worth renting a car, as it is about 20/30 minutes from St Julian’s.