Travel to The north-west coast of Malta

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The north-west coast of Malta, Malta

The north-west coast of Malta presents a different landscape from the rest of the island. It is characterised by a succession of low hills which divide into small valleys. This area is bordered by the Victoria Lines, a series of fortifications built by the British in the 19th century on the peaks, to prevent invasions through the side of the island. You should come here to enjoy the beaches, sheltered in the heart of small bays.

In this rural landscape, St. Paul's Bay is the only town to make an exception: this seaside resort is actually a huge tourist complex where there are hotels and various modern facilities.

The best beaches in the region are also the best known; go to Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Paradise Bay or Mellieha Bay. Apart from the beach, there is little to do in this part of the island.

Popeye Village at Anchor Bay remains the main attraction. For the purpose of the1980 film 'Popeye', Robert Altman built a real village, all in wood, hidden at the water's edge in the small rocky bay(entrance fee).

The proximity of Gozo and Comino.
The few sandy beaches.

cons

The cultural and archaeological sites are relatively remote.
The centres of interest are limited in outside beach activities.

Weather The north-west coast of Malta - choosing the best time to go

Malta - The north-west coast of Malta

All overall indicators 87/100 Excellent
Temperature indicators 94/100 Excellent
Bad weather indicators 96/100 Excellent
Sunbathing indicators 86/100 Excellent
Swimming indicators 64/100 Good
Wind indicators 72/100 Good
Temperature indicatorsOptimal :
Maximim temperature between 22°C and 24°C, the perceived temperature is <30°.
Bad weather indicatorsDry / Optimal :
Little or no rain (less than 1.5mm per day).
Sunbathing indicatorsSunny / Optimal :
Sunny (over 80% sunshine).
Swimming indicatorsWarm :
High air temperature (>24°C), sea temperature between 20°C and 22°C, moderate winds (between 7 mph and 12 mph).
Wind indicatorsWarm breeze :
Near optimal comfort: strong to moderate winds (between 12 mph and 18 mph) in a warm atmosphere (>24°C).

Weather finder : The north-west coast of Malta / May Annual weather finder : The north-west coast of Malta

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Visit The north-west coast of Malta

To see

The Ghadira nature reserve is one of the few protected areas in the north-west of Malta, with the islands of Saint Paul. The Ghajn Tuffieha beach, just adjacent to Golden Bay, which remains free from ice cream vendors, snack bars and large overlooking hotels, is a good place to visit. There are also a number of prehistoric sites including the temples of Ta Hagrat (fourth millennium BC) and the Neolithic village of Skorba (fifth millennium BC), as well as the Roman Baths of Mgarr.

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To do

Water sports activities and leisure resort: you should choose the north-west coast for its relative tranquility. Also pull yourself away from the port of Cirkewwa to go to Gozo or to Comino. Day trips are available to both islands, though for Comino, no cars are allowed, only passengers can board the boat. For Gozo, it is a ferry. Journey duration: 30 minutes for Gozo, 45 minutes for Comino.

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To think about

As for traffic, it is slow everywhere so avoid renting a car. Instead, take the local bus (very cheap) or a taxi (for semi-rural areas that are poorly served by public transport). Also know that the rainiest month is February. There is good weather the rest of the year, obviously with exceptions.

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To avoid

Avoid taking the ferry between Malta and Gozo at the weekend as this is what the entire population of the archipelago does during the weekend. The boats leave at an interval of 30 to 45 minutes, so the queue of vehicles that are waiting stretches for a couple of miles; you will wait up to two hours. Passengers without vehicles often get on the boat without much delay, if any, because there are far fewer.

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To try

The fish, the seafood and the pasta. On the menu of the restaurants, a good dish and not too expensive, is that of spaghetti with seafood. It is rarely missed (the same cannot be said of pizzas or roast chicken). To eat well at a reasonable price, go to the restaurant Gillieru a short walk from the port of St. Paul's Bay. If you are not worried about your budget, try the gastronomic restaurant at Selmun Palace.

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To bring back

Maltese wine (red or white). There are three principal wineries that produce vintage brands, which are very light to drink. The grapes are of Italian origin. Also bring back the thyme honey, flavoured with garrigue. As for crafts, there is handmade lace (which adorns handkerchiefs, table mats or blouses), decorative glass objects or works of art. Ask in the hotels where exhibition sales are being held as they are offered very often.

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Malta, All you need to know!

The north-west coast of Malta in pictures

Coastline© Easyvoyage
Paradise Bay© Easyvoyage

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The north-west coast of Malta in pictures

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InterContinental MALTA

Score 9/10

susan humphries 11/01/2012 : "We had a two bedroom self catering apartment within the hotel. It was extremely comfortable with everything you would need for self catering"

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St Julian s Bay Hotel

Score 5/10

Luciano Meradinho 20/04/2011 : "Very nice, comfortable and nicely located"

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