Mellieha: Malta’s Seaside Gem

• HelloMerħba
  [mehr-hba]
• GoodbyeĊaw
  [chaw]
• YesIva
  [ee-va]
• NoLe
  [leh]
• Please/You're welcomeJekk jogħġbok
  [yekk yoj-bok]
• Thank youGrazzi
  [grat-see]
• Excuse me/SorrySkuzi
  [skoo-zee]
• How are you?Kif int?
  [keef int]
• Fine. And you?Tajjeb. U int?
  [tay-yeb. oo int]
• Do you speak English?Titkellem bl-Ingliż?
  [tit-kel-lem bl ing-liz]
• I don't understandMa nifhimx
  [ma neef-heems]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNixtieq nara l-menù, jekk jogħġbok
  [nix-tyeck nara l-menoo, yekk yoj-bok]
• I don't eat meatMa niekolx laħam
  [ma nie-kolsh la-ham]
• Cheers!Saħħa!
  [sa-hha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNixtieq inħallas, jekk jogħġbok
  [nix-tyeck in-hal-las, yekk yoj-bok]

• Help!Għajni!
  [ai-nee]
• Go away!Mur!
  [mur]
• Call the Police!Illoġġja l-Pulizija!
  [il-loy-ja l-poo-lee-zee-ya]
• Call a doctor!Illoġġja tabib!
  [il-loy-ja ta-beeb]
• I'm lostNinsab ħażin
  [nin-sab ha-zin]
• I'm illNixtieq tabilħin
  [nix-tyeck ta-bil-heen]

• I'd like to buy...Nixtieq inixtri...
  [nix-tyeck ini-shtree]
• I'm just lookingQed nara biss
  [ked nara beess]
• How much is it?Kemm huwa dan?
  [kemm hoo-wa dan]
• That's too expensiveDan huwa wisq sħiħ
  [dan hoo-wa weesq shee]
• Can you lower the price?Tista' tniżżel il-prezz?
  [tees-ta tneez-zel il-prezz]

• What time is it?Xi ħin huwa?
  [shee heen hoo-wa]
• It's one o'clockHuwa waħda
  [hoo-wa wah-da]
• Half past (10)Nofs il-għaxar
  [noffs il-gha-shar]
• MorningFilgħodu
  [fil-gho-doo]
• AfternoonWaranofsinhar
  [wa-ra-no-fin-har]
• EveningFl-ewwel għaxra
  [fle-wel gha-shra]
• YesterdayIlbieraħ
  [il-bee-er-ah]
• TodayIllum
  [il-lum]
• TomorrowGħada
  [a-da]
• 1Wahda
  [wah-da]
• 2Tnejn
  [tnayn]
• 3Tlieta
  [tlee-ta]
• 4Erba'
  [er-ba]
• 5Ħamsa
  [hahm-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sebba'
  [seb-ba]
• 8Tmienja
  [tmi-en-ya]
• 9Disgħa
  [dis-gha]
• 10Għaxra
  [gha-shra]

• Where's a/the...?Fejn hemm...
  [feyn hemm]
• What's the address?X'inhu l-indirizz?
  [sheen-hoo l-indi-rezz]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Tista' turi ni (fuq l-iskart)?
  [tees-ta too-ree nee fooq l-iskart]
• When's the next (bus)?Meta hu l-aktar qrib (il-linja)?
  [me-ta hoo l-ak-tar krib il-lin-ya]
• A ticket (to ....)Biljett (għal ....)
  [bil-yet tal]

Mellieha's history dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the nearby Għajn Żejtuna temple, which is a remnant of the Neolithic period. This ancient site demonstrates the long-standing human presence in the area and offers a glimpse into the lives of Malta's early settlers.

During the Roman period, Mellieha was an important agricultural center, known for its fertile lands and abundant water sources. The Romans built several villae rusticae in the area, which served as country houses for wealthy citizens. The remains of these structures can still be seen today, highlighting the significance of Mellieha in ancient times.

In the medieval period, Mellieha was a small, fortified village. The Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798, constructed defensive structures to protect the area from frequent pirate attacks. The Mellieha Redoubt, part of the extensive coastal defense system, stands as a testament to this turbulent era.

One of Mellieha's most significant historical landmarks is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha. This religious site dates back to the 16th century and is built into a natural cave. It has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, with many visitors drawn to the miraculous icon of the Madonna and Child, believed to have been painted by St. Luke.

During the British colonial period, Mellieha saw significant development and modernization. The British built several military installations in the area, including the Mellieha Battery and the Għajn Ħadid Tower. These structures played a crucial role in the defense of Malta during World War II and are now important historical sites.

In the 20th century, Mellieha transformed from a quiet village into a bustling tourist destination. The area boasts some of Malta's most beautiful beaches, such as Mellieha Bay and Għadira Bay, attracting visitors from around the world. Despite modernization, Mellieha has retained its historical charm, with many of its ancient structures and traditions still intact.

Mellieha is located in the northern part of Malta. The nearest international airport is Malta International Airport (MLA), about 25 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation to reach Mellieha. The journey by taxi or car typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Public buses are also available and offer a cost-effective option, though the trip may take a bit longer.

Mellieha is well-serviced by Malta's public bus network, making it easy to get around. Buses run frequently to various parts of the island, including Valletta, Sliema, and other popular destinations. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore other parts of Malta. Biking is another option, although the hilly terrain can be challenging.

The official currency in Malta is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in more remote areas. ATMs are plentiful in Mellieha, and you can also exchange currency at banks and exchange offices.

Mellieha is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists in Mellieha, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Mellieha has local police stations and medical facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English and can offer advice and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and modest clothing, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing outfits. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous to other passengers and offer your seat to elderly individuals. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Hello' or 'Good day'. A handshake is acceptable in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mellieha like a local, visit the town's open-air markets where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with the residents, who are typically friendly and willing to share stories about their town. Don't miss visiting the Mellieha Parish Church and the nearby WWII shelters for a glimpse into the area's history. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Mellieha Bay and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.