Nord (Mellieha & St Paul's Bay)

Where to stay in North Malta : complete guide

Imagine northern Malta where ochre cliffs plunge into a sparkling turquoise sea. Mellieha and St Paul's Bay offer fine sandy beaches lined with pines and olive trees, bathed in golden light. Peaceful bays shelter crystalline waters perfect for swimming while authentic villages nestle between hills and vineyards. Flamboyant sunsets illuminate the sails of traditional boats. This refined corner combines serenity and Mediterranean elegance, far from crowds, for stays filled with poetry and unique sensory discoveries.

Safety score: 9/10midFamilies with childrenHoneymoon couplesDiving enthusiastsCoastal hikers

Pros

  • Fine sandy beaches
  • Crystalline turquoise waters
  • Peaceful, refined atmosphere
  • Numerous water sports
  • Easy ferry access

Cons

  • Significant summer crowds
  • Sometimes strong winds
  • Limited luxury options

The 5 best hotels in Nord (Mellieha & St Paul's Bay)

Hotel VIU57 - Vue d'ensemble
1

Hotel VIU57

3-star hotel
8.83 223 reviews
Top pick

Hotel VIU57 is located in the North of Malta, between Mellieha and St Paul's Bay. The property offers a comfortable setting for travellers. It features a pool and an on-site restaurant. Room service and accessible facilities complete the offering. Free Wi-Fi connection covers all areas. This three-star hotel appeals through its practical location and attentive welcome.

1 piscineRestaurantService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesWi-Fi disponible partoutConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~369EUR / night
Book on Booking
ibis Styles ST Pauls Bay Malta - Vue d'ensemble
2

ibis Styles ST Pauls Bay Malta

3-star hotel
8.81 831 reviews
Excellent

ibis Styles ST Pauls Bay Malta is set in the North of Malta at St Paul's Bay. It offers a practical and modern stay. A pool and accessible facilities are available. Free Wi-Fi connection is assured throughout the hotel. The three-star property emphasises comfort and simplicity. Its location allows easy access to coastal sites.

1 piscineÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesWi-Fi disponible partoutConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~326EUR / night
Book on Booking
Lure Hotel & Spa - Adults Only - Vue d'ensemble
3

Lure Hotel & Spa - Adults Only

4-star hotel
9.7220 reviews
Recommended

Lure Hotel & Spa - Adults Only is nestled in the North of Malta at Mellieha. It is an adults-only four-star property. Two pools and a complete wellness centre are offered. The airport shuttle service and restaurant add to comfort. Accessible facilities strengthen accessibility. This hotel stands out for its exclusive atmosphere and high-end services.

2 piscinesSpa et centre de bien-êtreNavette aéroportRestaurantService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapées
From ~699EUR / night
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Best Western Premier Malta - Vue d'ensemble
4

Best Western Premier Malta

4-star hotel
9.31 789 reviews

Best Western Premier Malta is located in the North of Malta near St Paul's Bay. It is a four-star hotel. Two pools, a fitness centre and a spa are available. The restaurant and room service complete the services. Accessible facilities ensure an inclusive welcome. The property is characterised by its balance of comfort and modern facilities.

2 piscinesCentre de remise en formeService d'étageSpa et centre de bien-êtreÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesRestaurant
From ~386EUR / night
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Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands - Vue d'ensemble
5

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands

5-star hotel
9.03 515 reviews

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands is situated beachfront in the North of Malta at Golden Sands. It is a five-star hotel. Three pools and a wellness centre are offered. The restaurant and room service ensure complete comfort. Facilities include a fitness centre. This property stands out for its direct sea access and comprehensive services.

3 piscinesSpa et centre de bien-êtreCentre de remise en formeEn bord de plageRestaurantService d'étage
From ~636EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

Northern Malta charms with its striking contrasts between steep cliffs and golden beaches. Mellieha reveals green hills dotted with traditional farms while St Paul's Bay offers a calm, turquoise sea ideal for contemplation. Sun rays caress the crystalline waters of Golden Bay and maritime pines add freshness to arid landscapes. The atmosphere remains peaceful even in high season thanks to vast preserved natural spaces. Light winds sculpt the dunes and salt-sea scents mingle with wild herbs. This setting invites absolute relaxation and total immersion in the island's raw beauty.

Things to see and do

Discover Popeye Village, the colourful village built for the film, then explore the St Paul's Islands on boat excursions. Mellieha Bay offers swimming and water sports while Ghajn Tuffieha provides cliffside hikes. Visit Mellieha's baroque church and the Malta National Aquarium in Bugibba. Nature lovers will enjoy Paradise Bay for snorkelling and coastal paths linking secret coves. Diving sessions reveal fascinating wrecks off St Paul's Bay.

Where to eat and drink

Northern restaurants serve fresh grilled fish, Maltese-style slow-cooked rabbit and crispy pastizzi. Taste ftira with anchovies or stuffed calamari in Mellieha tavernas. Seafront terraces offer local wines and desserts such as kannoli. Morning markets provide fresh cheeses and daily seafood. Family establishments highlight ancestral recipes with a contemporary touch.

Transport & access

Public buses easily connect Mellieha and St Paul's Bay to the airport and Valletta in under an hour. Car hire allows free exploration of isolated coves. Seasonal ferries depart for Gozo from nearby Cirkewwa port. Taxis and ride-sharing apps ensure quick transfers between beaches. Coastal cycle paths offer a pleasant alternative for sporty travellers.

Who is it for?

This area suits families perfectly thanks to safe beaches and children's activities. Couples seeking romance appreciate sunsets and seafront dinners. Diving and kitesurfing enthusiasts find quality spots. Senior travellers enjoy the calm and adapted facilities. Nature and hiking lovers explore coastal paths in serenity.

Other neighborhoods in Malte

La Valette (capitale UNESCO)

Honeymoon couplesHistory and culture enthusiastsCurious solo travellers

Nestled between the turquoise waters of Grand Harbour, Valletta unfolds its baroque palaces and golden ramparts under the Mediterranean sun. Its cobbled alleys echo with the footsteps of knights while church domes reflect in the sparkling sea. Strolling along the fortifications offers striking views over yachts and colourful ferries. The atmosphere blends living history, hanging gardens and Mediterranean spice scents. This UNESCO jewel invites a unique sensory immersion between culture, light and culinary delights at the heart of Malta.

Sliema & St Julian's (côte moderne & vie nocturne)

Young partygoersModern couplesShopping enthusiasts

Imagine a coast bathed in Mediterranean light where modern buildings stand proudly facing the turquoise sea. Sliema and St Julian's embody contemporary Malta, blending urban elegance with nocturnal effervescence. Promenades along the cliffs offer sweeping views over yachts anchored in the bays. In the evening, streets light up with colourful neon, drawing a joyful crowd to trendy bars and clubs. This dynamic area breathes luxury and modernity, perfect for those seeking to combine beach relaxation with lively nightlife.

Trois Cités (Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua)

Honeymoon couplesMilitary history enthusiastsTravellers seeking authenticity

Malta's Three Cities unfold their charms along Grand Harbour, where Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua form a historic triangle bathed in golden lights. Majestic fortifications rise facing turquoise waters, while narrow alleys reveal colourful houses with flowery balconies. The atmosphere evokes knights and naval battles, blending local authenticity with spectacular yacht views. Sea air carries Mediterranean kitchen scents. This preserved quarter offers an intimate journey between glorious past and peaceful daily Maltese life.

Mdina & Rabat (Silent City intérieure)

Honeymoon couplesHistory enthusiastsTravellers seeking calm

In the heights of Malta, Mdina stands as a silent citadel, its golden walls protecting narrow alleys where time seems to have stopped. Rabat, at its feet, reveals a livelier life around its catacombs and flowery gardens. This inland area, known as the Silent City, invites a sensory immersion : the crunch of cobbles underfoot, the scent of wild flowers and the sweeping views over surrounding fields create an idyllic scene for travellers seeking authenticity and peace.

Sud (Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala & Blue Grotto)

Honeymoon couplesNature and hiking enthusiastsFamilies with children

Dive into the authentic soul of southern Malta, where crystalline waters caress rocky coasts sculpted by time. Marsaxlokk, with its vibrant harbour of colourful boats, evokes scenes of ancestral fishing. Marsaskala charms with its seafront promenades, while the Blue Grotto amazes with its iridescent reflections in hidden caverns. This preserved territory offers breathtaking panoramas, picturesque villages and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for contemplation. Far from crowds, this enchanting corner reveals deep Malta, between traditions and raw natural beauty.

Gozo Ouest (Victoria, Xlendi & San Lawrenz)

Honeymoon couplesHikers and photographersGastronomy enthusiasts

Dive into western Gozo, where golden cliffs plunge into a sparkling turquoise sea. Victoria, with its medieval citadel dominating ochre roofs, invites discovery. Xlendi reveals a peaceful bay lined with colourful houses and secret caves. San Lawrenz, nestled among olive trees and thyme fields, reveals wild paths leading to infinite panoramas. Sea wind carries the scent of salt and ripe figs. At dusk, golden light bathes the villages in a magical, timeless atmosphere, perfect for an authentic immersion far from crowds.