Both the property and town of Mellieha are fantastic. The VRBO is modern and clean with all the necessary amenities. The view from the balcony is super looking across at the church and down to Mellieha Bay and Comino Island. The rental location is close to everything you need for your stay: grocery, restaurants, bus stop and easy access to Gozo/Comino ferries and Paradise Bay, our favorite beach (take bus 101 direct). And owners Mario and Marisa couldn't be nicer. Five stars for sure.
Mario picked us up at the airport which was a nice way to be introduced to Malta. He also took us back to the airport for an early morning flight (be sure to allocate extra time due to island commuter traffic).
If you are into history, be sure to sign up early for the Hypogeum tour. Well worth it. Also explore Valletta and take in the view from the upper garder overlooking the harbor. Amazing.
Don't miss Mdina. Such a cool place and fun to explore and photograph.
You probably don't need to do the City Sightseeing Jump On/Jump Off. If you do, we recommend that you take a local bus to where Tours 1/Tours 2 intersect and then take Tour 2.
Be sure to take the Comino Ferry to Blue Lagoon and Comino Island. For 13 Euros you visit Blue Lagoon and then ride over to Gozo. On Gozo go up the hill to Victoria, another great historic part of Malta. If you take the bus up, be sure to take the direct route and not the one that meanders all over the island. One was 45 minutes; the other only 13. You can then ride the Gozo Channel back to Malta for 5 Euros.
So many great restaurants right out the door from the unit. Be sure to grab a beer, chicken salad and/or pizza and Greystone. Al Ponte at the Maritim Hotel had nice food and music in the lounge Tues/Saturdays. Be sure to try Ix-Xatba and have the rabbit.
As for beaches, our favorite by far was Paradise Bay. Take about 20 minutes to get to but worth it. Not crowded with great beach and all the amenities. Note the the fish like to nibble on your feet in the water.
If you are an adventurer, grab a week long bus pass and explore the island via the various routes. Most of the time you'll arrive on time. Every once in awhile a bus doesn't come or stop but that adds to the experience.
Malta and thei VRBO are both worth the stay.
Jim and Marianne in Santa Fe, NM (USA)