Mellieha History:
Mellieha is a rural village and tourist resort in the North-western part of Malta and derives its name from the Semitic root 'm-l-h' which in Arabic means salt. The name was probably derived from the ancient Punic and Roman salt-terns; historians indicated as lying adjacent to the large sandy bay at the foot of the village.
Not with standing the hardship experienced by the Maltese during the Reign of the Order of St. John (1530-1798A.D.), Mellieha's medieval chapel, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary, was one of the most venerated places on the island. In the late 17th century, the Knights built several fortifications along the coast, so as to protect the inhabitants. This venture brought about the gradual repopulating of the area, mainly by those who wanted to exploit the fertile valleys and the new enterprise of tunnynet fishing. Under the British, in 1844, Mellieha was established again as a parish and since then it grew up into a modern town, of circa 6,500 people.
Mellieha Area:
Today, Mellieha is one of Malta's most picturesque tourist destinations. The town centre boasts of its splendid hotels, fine restaurants and traditional cute shops. It has a unique primary school, a majestic baroque church (built in late 19th century) and various cultural organizations, including band clubs, sports clubs, an orchestra, various religious societies, a parish community centre. Since 1993, local affairs are being run by the Mellieha Local Council. Mellieha's main festive season occurs in the first two weeks of September and reaches its climax on the 8th September. During these days various cultural manifestations are held, such as musical concerts, fireworks, folk singing, art exhibitions and the traditional religious procession. The town's people, ''Il-Mellehin'', are renowned for their laborious nature, their ironic sense of humour, and their friendliness and hospitality. Those who visit us, no matter where they hail from, do not merely enjoy themselves but feel at home.
Flying to Malta from the UK and other Countries:
Low cost Carrier Flights
British Jet from Gatwick, Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle
Scheduled flights are operated by: Airmalta, British Airways,
By AIr: From any Country in Europe flying to Malta on average would take no longer then 3 hours. There are direct flights from all major European cities to and from Malta everyday.
By Sea. Ferries of the Grimaldi Group.operate from Salerno (Naples) direct to Malta (Approx 16 hours) and from Sicily on a high speed catamaran operated by Virtu Ferries (Approx 3-4 hours).
Other Scheduled flights are operated by: Airmalta, Lufthansa, British Airways, Alitalia, Tuninter, Egyptair, Balkan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Emirates Airlines. Sky Deals, Britsh Jets, Alitalia