Eden destination for all seasons

Fireworks in the Med

The city of Mellieha  is famous for its beautiful beaches and blue Mediterranean Sea soon they will be sustainable too

In Summer, locals and tourists alike, flock to the numerous natural sandy beaches to enjoy a dip in some of the cleanest bathing areas in the world. However Mellieħa is much more than sea and sun – it’s going for sustainable sea and sun!

In 2009, Mellieha was awarded the European Destination of Excellence Award (EDEN) by the European Union, the main theme being Tourism and Protected Areas. During the last few years, the Mellieha Local Council worked extremely hard to highlight and promote the diversity and beauty of Mellieha.

The first thing that one notices upon arrival to Mellieha are the breathtaking views ranging from sheer cliffs, the islands of Gozo and Comino, Għadira Bay and the natural beauty of the Selmun area. If there is a place that is ideal for hiking, then this place must be Mellieha.

The areas of Selmun,and tad-Dahar offer hiking possibilities in unspoilt areas and incredible views in the tranquility of the typical Mellieha natural environment amongst the scent of wild thyme which is typical to these areas. The tranquility found in these places helps the mind to relax and forget all about problems faced in daily lives

Some of these places are also endowed with some palaces from the Knights of St. John period. These include the Red Tower, the White Tower, Selmun Palace and Westreme Battery, or as it is known tat-Tunnara. The Tunnara fortification has also been converted into a fishing museum.

Mellieha also offers various religious niches. One of the most important is definitely the 2,000 year old Sanctuary of Our Lady, which is listed among 20 National European Shrines forming the European Marian Network based in Lourdes, France.

Legend says that the fresco found in this sanctuary was painted by St. Luke when he was shipwrecked in Malta together with St. Paul. St. Paul’s Islands, which is where it is thought that St. Paul was shipwrecked, is also an interesting place situated in a beautiful area of Mellieha. The Grotto of our Lady, which is situated near the sanctuary, is another must for devotees.

The only Maltese natural park is also found in Mellieha. The Majjistral Nature and History Park is situated in the middle of the Natura 2000 stretch of coast and is an area largely dominated by clay. This is an area of great ecological importance.

The place also offers some of the most beautiful walks on the islands of Malta which also include guided tours. Another two important sites are Foresta 2000 and the Ghadira Nature Reserve, which is a haven for migratory birds.

During the last four years, two very popular activities are organised by the Local Council. Iljieli Mellehin or Mellieha Nights proved to be a hit with the locals as well with all the tourists which are present in Mellieha.

This activity is organised over three days and amongst its highlights one can find Arts, Crafts, Traditional Food, Traditional Music and Kids’ activities. This year’s edition is set to be organised between the 17th and the 19th of August. The other activity is entitled Milied Melliehi or Christmas in Mellieha which is stretched over a number of days up to Christmas Eve.

Arts, Music and activities for all the family are at the limelight of this activity. The activities take place under a gigantic tent which is set up in the Mellieha Parish Square. Also religious functions are given their due importance during this event. This year’s event is set to be between the 21st and the 25th of December. One of the highlights in the Mellieha Calendar year is the feast of Our Lady of Victories. A whole week of activities is literally filled up with band marches, food stalls, fireworks and people having fun. This feast happens annually on the 8th of September.

With nearly 6,000 beds scattered among the 13 hotels found in Mellieha, ranging from 3 to 5 stars, apart from self catering apartments, surely offer the right accommodation for all those who are interested in visiting Mellieha.

Nearly 20% of all tourists who visit Malta actually stay in Mellieha.

Food is definitely not an issue since Mellieha offers great restaurants ranging from Mediterranean Cuisine to Traditional Food and Fine Dining. Apart from these one could also savour the taste of other traditional foods such as local cheese and honey with its distinctive tastes. With all this and much more to offer, Mellieha surely is A Destination for all Seasons.

Stephen Borg

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