What is there to do on a northern Malta day trip?

Northern Malta's highlights are Mellieha Bay (the island's largest sandy beach), Golden Bay (smaller, less crowded), and Popeye Village (the 1980 film set, now a family attraction). The north is also the departure point for Gozo and Comino ferries from Ċirkewwa.

Malta north coast day trip: Mellieha, Golden Bay, Popeye Village 2026

Northern Malta: the beach and the gateway to the islands

Northern Malta is dominated by the municipality of Mellieha, a hilltop town perched above Malta’s largest bay. The character of the north is different from the densely urbanised Sliema-St Julian’s strip: more rural, more family-focused, and providing the geographic transition point between Malta proper and the ferry crossing to Gozo and Comino.

For visitors staying in Sliema or Valletta, a northern Malta day trip provides three things: Malta’s best beaches, the quirky Popeye Village film set, and — if you want to extend it — the ferry to Gozo or a Blue Lagoon boat trip departing from Mellieha Bay itself.

It is not a deeply historical or cultural day trip. It is an outdoor, beach, and family day that works best in the swimming season (May–October) when the beaches justify the 40-minute drive north.

Mellieha and Mellieha Bay

Mellieha town sits on a ridge above the bay, dominated by the parish church of the Nativity of Our Lady, which contains a venerated image of the Madonna dating (according to tradition) to St Luke himself. The church is worth a 20-minute visit for the historic paintings and the cave sanctuary below.

Mellieha Bay is Malta’s most popular beach and the only large sandy beach on the island’s main coast. The bay is shallow, sheltered from most winds, and safe for children and weak swimmers. In July and August it is very busy — sun lounger hire is necessary to claim a spot (€10–15 for a pair). Outside peak season it is one of the most pleasant beaches in Malta.

Getting there from Sliema: Bus X1 direct (60 min) or rental car via the ridge road (35–40 min).

Golden Bay

Six kilometres northwest of Mellieha, Golden Bay is smaller than Mellieha Bay but widely considered more beautiful — the bay is enclosed by reddish limestone hills, the sand is warmer-coloured, and the backdrop more dramatic. In summer it is busy but never as packed as Mellieha. In early morning it is frequently empty.

The Radisson Blu Resort Malta (on the hill above Golden Bay) has a pool terrace open to non-guests (day pass available) — useful if you want shade and pool access alongside the beach.

Getting there: Car (15 min from Mellieha) or Bus 47/48 from Bugibba. Walking from Mellieha Bay: about 45 minutes along the coastal path.

Paradise Bay: A smaller, quieter bay north of Golden Bay, immediately adjacent to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal. Very shallow, good for young children. In summer it is used by locals and visitors waiting for the Gozo ferry.

Popeye Village (Anchor Bay)

The most unexpected attraction in northern Malta: a small bay on the northwest coast where the original village set for the 1980 Robert Altman film Popeye (starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall) was built — and never demolished.

The wooden village, painted in bright Popeye colours and perched above a small rocky bay, now operates as a family theme park. It is not a sophisticated attraction, but it has genuine charm: children enjoy the activities (slides, inflatables, boat rides), and the scenery of the bay and the unconventional architecture is more photogenic than you might expect.

Mellieha: Popeye Village entry ticket Mellieha: Popeye Village Malta film set entry ticket

Entry: approximately €15–20 adult, €10–12 child.
Getting there: Car (10 min from Mellieha) or shuttle from Mellieha bus terminus.
Allow: 90–120 minutes.

Honest verdict: Worth it for families with children under 12. Adults without children will find 45 minutes sufficient — the film history context is interesting for Popeye fans, but the village is primarily a children’s activity site.

Ċirkewwa ferry terminal: the gateway to the islands

The Ċirkewwa ferry terminal at the northernmost tip of Malta is the departure point for the Gozo Channel Line ferry to Mġarr (Gozo) — 25 minutes, running roughly every 45 minutes in high season. This is where the northern Malta day trip can become something much bigger.

Several options from Ċirkewwa:

Option A — Cross to Gozo for the afternoon: If you spend the morning at Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay, you can cross to Gozo after lunch (14:00 ferry) and get 3 hours on Gozo (Victoria and the Citadella, or Ggantija) before the evening return. A half-day of Gozo tastes better than nothing.

Option B — Comino boat from Mellieha: Several operators depart from Mellieha Bay itself for Blue Lagoon trips — the closest point on Malta to Comino (20–25 min crossing). Morning at Mellieha Bay + afternoon Blue Lagoon makes a coherent beach day.

Mellieha: Comino Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon 3-bay cruise Malta: roundtrip ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon with Gozo option

Option C — Stay north all day: Mellieha Bay + Golden Bay + Popeye Village fills a complete day without crossing anywhere.

Practical considerations

Car strongly recommended. The north coast sites are spread over 15 km. The buses work (X1 to Mellieha, 47/48 to Golden Bay) but require time and schedule-checking. A rental car gives flexibility to move between beaches and return on your own schedule.

Parking: Free at most sites (Golden Bay has a small car park, Popeye Village has a paid lot at €3/day). Mellieha Bay has more limited parking in peak summer — arrive before 10:00.

Sunscreen and shade. The north coast beaches have less natural shade than the rocky southern coves. Sunscreen is essential; a large umbrella is worth hiring at Mellieha Bay in summer.

Food: Mellieha town centre has good pastizzi shops and a few restaurants at reasonable prices (better value than the beach kiosks). Golden Bay has the Radisson hotel restaurant (good but expensive) and a beach kiosk (average). Bring lunch provisions for the best value.

Sample northern Malta day itinerary

Time	Activity
08:00	Depart Sliema/Valletta by car
08:45	Arrive Golden Bay — early beach time, quiet and beautiful
10:30	Drive to Popeye Village (10 min)
11:00	Popeye Village (90 min)
12:30	Lunch in Mellieha town (pastizzi or restaurant)
13:30	Mellieha Bay — swim and sun lounger
15:30	Optional: drive to Ċirkewwa, cross to Gozo (17:00 return)
OR
15:30	Boat from Mellieha Bay to Comino Blue Lagoon (sunset cruise)
19:30	Return to Sliema/Valletta

Malta Aquarium (optional addition for families)

The Malta National Aquarium is in St Paul’s Bay (20 min south of Mellieha), on the road back to Sliema. It holds Mediterranean and tropical marine life and runs a dedicated touch pool experience. Entry approximately €15 adult, €10 child. Allow 90 minutes.

St Paul’s Bay: Malta National Aquarium ticket

Makes a good add-on if you have children and want an indoor element to the day, especially in early morning or as an afternoon option on a hot day.

Frequently asked questions about a northern Malta day trip

What is the best beach in northern Malta?

Golden Bay is the most photogenic (warm-coloured sand, enclosed dramatic setting). Mellieha Bay is the most practical for families (shallow, sheltered, large, easy access). Both are excellent.

Is Popeye Village worth visiting?

For families with children: yes. The activities are well-maintained and children respond to the colourful character of the place. For adults travelling without children: 30–45 minutes is sufficient; the full entry is not necessary.

Can you swim at Ċirkewwa near the ferry terminal?

Yes — Paradise Bay, immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal, is a small shallow bay used for swimming. Calmer and less crowded than Mellieha Bay.

How far is the Malta north coast from Valletta?

Mellieha Bay is about 38 km from Valletta (35–45 min by car, 60–75 min by bus). Golden Bay is about 40 km (40–50 min by car). The northern coast is the furthest part of Malta from Valletta but still entirely manageable as a day trip.

What is the best month for a northern Malta beach day?

June, September, and early October offer the best balance: warm sea (22–25°C in June, 25°C in September), manageable crowds (July-August is the busiest period), and good beach conditions. June has the longest days and comfortable temperatures before peak summer heat.

Are there good restaurants near Mellieha Bay?

The beach kiosk is adequate but expensive. Mellieha town (5 min drive up the hill from the bay) has better quality restaurants at reasonable prices. The Commando Restaurant near the church is popular with local families. For a beach-side splurge, the Riviera Hotel restaurant on the bay has good seafood at hotel prices.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20