Mellieha has the densest cluster of good beaches in Malta. Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) is the longest sandy beach on the island and the safest for children. Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha just to the south face west and have the best sunsets. The smaller bays — Anchor Bay, Mgiebah, and Armier — are quieter, with no large hotels behind them.
A few hidden swimming spots in the rocky coves around L-Aħrax are worth seeking out (Slugs Bay is the easiest), and the Marfa cliffs offer good snorkelling. The Mellieha tourist office can point you to the right cove for the day's wind direction.