Mellieha Bay in north east Malta has one of the best sandy beaches on the island. It's the largest bay in Malta, the incline into the sea is shallow making it relatively safe for young children. There are good facilities on the beach; toilets, snack bars, sun bed and parasol hire, various watersports.
High up on the hillside overlooking the bay is the Red Tower fortress or Fort St Agatha built in medieval times (1649) to look out for invasian by the Ottomans or Corsairs. This particular tower provided superb views of the north east coast all the way to Gozo. This is one of seven such towers built by Grand Master Lascaris of the Knights of Malta.
In the evening after your day on the beach there are bars, cafes and clubs for some lively entertainment although Malta's young people tend to head for the serious club scene of Paceville.
Mellieha Village has a handsome church with a baroque interior dedicated to 'Our Lady of Victory' and an adjoining smaller Marian Chapel. Both are set in an elevated position overlooking Mellieha. The courtyard is resplendant with flowring trees and shrubs in early summer. The caves and tunnels dug out of the limestone cliff face by locals to shelter from bombardment by the Germans in WWII are still clearly visible. There are good local facilities with hotels, shops, banks and essential services that are very useful if you're taking a self-catering holiday and need to stock up on provisions or exchange currency.
The Mellieha Feast runs from about the 30th August until the 8th of September. This is accompanied by the town's marching bands and includes religious processions of thanksgiving for surviving the war and a firework display.
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