Things to see and do North Coast

Clownfish, graceful jellyfish, delicate seahorses, menacing sharks, flying fish, tentacled octopus, manta rays... nemo's colorful world can be spied in this superb aquarium, whose highlight is the shark tunnel. An excellent way to discover the marine fauna of Malta and beyond. Some areas showcase the archipelago's ecosystem and work to preserve endemic species. Other parts of the aquarium showcase Mediterranean species from further afield. There are also fascinatingly colorful tropical fish. Unfortunately, there is no French-language audiophone. You can join a guided tour (one every hour), but you'll need to brush up on your aquatic vocabulary to fully understand the workings of these fascinating marine worlds. The team is passionate!

On the road to Cirkewwa, the ferry port to Gozo. Malta's largest white-sand beach, Mellieha (or Ghadira) Bay is ideally located in the heart of one of the most popular seaside resorts in the north. Perfect for family get-togethers, the sea is reputed to be calm, not exposed to currents and shallow, and there are plenty of stalls to enjoy an icy treat after a swim. Deckchairs are available for hire, as are numerous water sports (pedal boats, water-skiing, buoys, etc.). And you can end the evening in the pleasant village of Mellieha, always lively in the evening.

The Red Tower (or St Agatha's Tower) was erected in 1649 by the knights during the reign of the great master Lascaris. It plays an important role in each of the conflicts that affect the island from the eighteenth century. It dominates the entire Marfa peninsula and offers a superb panorama of the cliffs, from Dingli to Gozo. After a substantial renovation in 2001, she regained her red color. And it's likely to be the subject of a new, less important renovation. The road that continues towards the tip of Qammieh, the south end of Marfa, offers only one visibly appreciated harbor of hunters, some ruins without real interest and beautiful views.

In this village, overlooking the bay of the same name, you can visit this church, which contains a beautiful painting of Giuseppe Cali, the Shipwreck of Saint Paul. At the back, in the chapel of the sanctuary of Notre-Dame, the oldest sanctuary of the island dedicated to the Virgin, the painting of the Madonna is attributed to the Evangelist Saint Luc who accompanied Saint Paul during his shipwreck in Malta. The place where the chapel is called the square of 26 May 1990, since its soil was foulé by John Paul II, came to pray. It is the oldest sanctuary on the island dedicated to the Virgin.

A small museum welcomes ex-voto and returns to the papal visit.

This is a water park whose prominent roles are kept by Black Sea dolphins, which selfcooking you by their more spectacular jumps. You can even swim with them (book in advance, transportation and drinks included). Marine wildlife fans will also recognize sea lions and sea lions to be added to the most famous marine bird species. You'll be watching parrots, you're walking a home of reptiles, and you'll get fun in the rides.

Located next to the water polo pool (Sirens is Saint Paul's Bay champion in 2001), the tower is high in 1609 under the reign of the Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. Restored in the 1970 s, it now houses a small historical museum dedicated to military architecture. This military monument is the first of the watch towers built in Malta by the knights of the order of St. John. Only the Tour tower in Gozo is older, but it was destroyed in 1850. These towers were to protect Malta from the rapid incursions during which many Maltese were captured and taken as slaves.

The first important church was built in 1640, at the location of a small chapel dating back to 1575, dedicated to the Conception of the Holy Virgin. At that time Msida depended on the parish of Birkirkara. The population of Msida becoming important, one decided to build a vast church between Msida and Ta'Xbiex. But finally, it is the current site that is chosen and the church was completed in 1894. Its pretty silhouette dominates the harbour.

It's a surprisingly modern building. Admittedly, some of the architectural effects are inspired by traditional Maltese churches, but in general it's... up to you. As you can imagine, much has been written about its construction, and opinions differ as to its aesthetic qualities. Inside, it's a far cry from the often overcrowded churches of the past. Sobriety is the order of the day, even when it comes to the seating, which resembles garden chairs. A real curiosity.

On Malta's north coast, where hotels jostle for space on the waterfront, the Buggiba Perched Beach overlooks the bay. Numerous ladders have been installed for swimming in clear, clean water. As a small curiosity, sand has been deposited on top of the smooth rock over a strip of almost 200 m, with the promise of being able to return it to its original geological state at any time. Not, as you may have guessed, the best spot for peace and quiet.

These two islands close to the shores are traditionally seen as sites of the shipwreck of Saint Paul. A great statue of the apostle was raised in 1845.

You can go there by boat, although the interest is limited. Nevertheless, the clarity of water around the islets would almost be appropriate.

You reach it by taking the road to the left just before the Paradise Bay Hotel. Wedged between the cliffs, it is one of the island's most pleasant beaches. Take a small path down to the beach. A restaurant (salad buffet, grills) and deckchairs unfortunately take away the impression of seclusion in summer, as the place is now "well-known" and crowded (too) with tourists. Cruises around the island sometimes even stop here, but out of season you'll be in peace.

The sand is fine and the water incredibly clear. And here, unlike Golden Bay or Ramla Bay (Gozo), you don't have to walk 1 km into the water to lose your footing and be able to swim. The slope is gentle, but real; children (and their worried parents) and experienced swimmers alike will find something to suit them. There is sometimes a paid "guarded" parking lot at the top of the path.

Nature park developed in the 1980s and opened to the public in the early 1990s. Ponds, canals and shelters have been created. As well as birds, the reserve also protects a variety of reptiles (snakes, chameleons). The reserve was listed by the European Union in 2000.

To get there by bus: take lines 41, 42, 221, 222, X1 and stop at the "Roti" and "Simar" stations.

This reserve offers the chance to observe the flora and fauna around the ancient salt pans, the only "marshy" area in the country.

In the ^16th century, Ghadira was Malta's largest salt works. When this industry was moved to the present-day and aptly-named Salina Bay, Ghadira was neglected, then abandoned.

In the 1960s, the Birdlife Malta association - the oldest organization of its kind in Malta (1962), now with 3,300 members - proposed to create a nature reserve here, a sanctuary for migratory birds. The pond was enlarged and islands created. The reserve was inaugurated in 1988 and today covers 6 ha, 100 m from Mellieha beach. It is open to the public, who can take advantage of the observation shelters.

The flora is made up of species that can adapt to water and salty soil (halophytes), and to variations in salinity, such as reeds and rushes of various species. There are also a few trees, such as Aleppo pine, carob and olive.

Birds are plentiful. Two hundred species can be observed here, depending on the season. Grebes, ducks, herons, egrets, rails, coots or kingfishers, as well as numerous passerines such as warblers, buntings..

Mammals include rabbits, weasels, hedgehogs, shrews and bats. Reptiles include the Mediterranean chameleon, a few non-venomous snakes and various species of geckos. Aquatic fauna must also be able to withstand changes in salinity. These include mullets, eels and snails.

A very popular rocky beach in the north of Malta. Scuba divers make it one of their favorite spots, and end-of-day barbecues are festive. The bay and its clear waters will delight snorkelers, although beware of the depth of the water (7-8 meters) and the rocky walls, which can hurt children if they come into contact with the strong current. Many boats drop anchor here, their zone clearly marked by buoys. Parasols and deckchairs available for hire. A late evening at the Café del Mar, with its idyllic sunset, will convince you to put your bags down.

If you're particularly sensitive to the empathy that can be created between man and animal, you'll be charmed by this visit to the Salina ornithological park. You'll discover a colorful little bird addicted to ayurvedic massages, a beady-eyed owl that will snuggle up to you, and an extremely talkative parrot begging to be cuddled. The park works mainly with school groups. Call ahead if you're looking for a quiet retreat accompanied by this wonderful team of enthusiasts.

In this place, wilder and more relaxing than the rest of the north coast, you can, like the Maltese, find a secluded picnic spot between low walls, cacti and abundant low vegetation.

Dahlet ix-Xilep is the northernmost point of Marfa, and the straight road leads directly to it. It offers a fine view of the entire north coast, from Mellieha to the Hilton Tower in St Julian's. The wind sometimes blows very hard. A chapel and a small white statue of the Madonna soften the wild aspect of the place.

At Ahrax Point, the White Tower keeps watch. It's one of the Redin towers built along the north coast on the model of the Wignacourt tower in St Paul's Bay.

Between Ahrax and Cirkewwa are a succession of sandy beaches, much loved by the Maltese but little known to tourists. Maltese families come here for picnics. Some have their own boats or cabins, more or less well equipped. They almost form a small village around Armier Bay, gaining ground on the hillside and the pretty mosaic of walled terraced cultivations.

A little further back towards Cirkewwa is Little Armier. This is a busier place. Here you'll find snack bars with lido on the water's edge. Each brightens up the site with its colorful umbrellas. The beach here is half sand, half rock, the water is crystal-clear and the view over Gozo unobstructed. Volleyball and water sports are available on site, as well as loungers on fine sand under imported palm trees. These beaches are very popular at weekends.

This attraction perfectly justifies its name by the joyful barbotages of the small and the large. We jump, plonge, splashing or simply swim in the crazy atmosphere of this water park. The hotel offers a wide range of leisure facilities in the high season.