I love to travel. My dog is my best friend. We just came back from a trip to the north of the island. I want to tell you all about Dog Friendly Travel in Mellieha, Malta. This part of the island is truly a paradise for pet owners. It has the best beaches and the most beautiful hills. If you want a calm holiday with your furry pal, this is the place to be. Mellieha malta travel guide tips often miss the pet details. I will fix that for you now.
Can You Bring Your Dog to Malta?
The very first question you probably have is a big one. Can you bring your dog to Malta? The answer is yes. But you must follow the rules very closely. Malta has very strict laws to keep the animals on the island safe. First of all, your dog must have a microchip. This is an ISO identification chip with 15 digits. You must do this before the rabies vaccine. Your dog also needs a rabies vaccine when it is at least 12 weeks old. You have to wait 21 days after the first vaccine before you can enter the country.
Your dog needs a valid EU pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate. Additionally, your dog must have a tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this pill between 24 hours and 120 hours before you land in Malta. This rule is very important for dogs coming from the United Kingdom or other parts of Europe. Dogs from Norway, Finland, or Ireland do not need this pill to enter Malta. On top of that, you must fill out an online pre-notification form. You should do this on the government website before you start your journey. If you do not follow these rules, the authorities might send your dog back or put it in quarantine. Therefore, double-check your papers.
Finding a Place to Stay in Mellieha
Mellieha is a great base for your trip. It is close to the sea and nature. I stayed at the Luna Holiday Complex. It is very welcoming. Furry friends are welcome here. They have specific rooms for people with pets. You should book a Standard Studio if you bring a dog. They accept dogs up to 25kg. You must submit a pet registration form at least 24 hours before you arrive. Plus, there is a lot of space around the property for short walks.
If you prefer more privacy, you can look for a villa. There are more than 53 pet-friendly rentals in Mellieha. Many of these are in the Santa Maria Estate. This is a very quiet area with luxury homes.
- Average price: Around $428 per night for a pet-friendly home.
- Top-rated spots: The Moll Apartment or Jaysky penthouse on Etna Street are popular choices.
- Amenities: Many places offer full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and outdoor pools.
However, you should always check if there is an extra cleaning fee for the pet. Some places also have rules about the number of dogs you can bring. Gradually, you will find the perfect spot that fits your budget.
The Best Beaches for Dogs
You cannot just take your dog to any beach in Malta. Most sandy beaches are off-limits for pets. This is especially true for Blue Flag beaches. If you break the rules, you can get a big fine.
- First offence: Fines range from €232 to €4,658.
- Repeat offence: The fine can go up to €11,646.
Therefore, you must stick to the 16 official dog-friendly beaches. In Mellieha, you have the best one of all. It is called Imgiebah Bay. It is also known as Selmun Beach. This is the only official sandy dog beach in all of Malta and Gozo. The water is shallow and very clear. It is the happiest place for a dog to swim. On top of that, the bay is usually quiet and secluded.
Similarly, you can visit Armier Bay or Little Armier. These spots have both sand and rocks. Local people love to bring their dogs here. L-Ahrax is another great area in the north. It has natural caves and rugged paths. Finally, there is White Tower Bay, which is famous for its old watchtower.
Hiking with Your Dog in Mellieha
Mellieha is famous for its hills and views. I highly suggest the Selmun Palace Circular Walk. It is one of the best hikes on the island.
- Distance: 7.88 kilometers.
- Time: About 2 hours and 12 minutes.
- Difficulty: Intermediate.
- Elevation: 150 meters uphill and downhill.
The walk starts at Selmun Palace. This was a hunting lodge built in 1783. The path takes you down toward the sea. You will see clay cliffs that shine in the sun. Gradually, the path leads you to Imgiebah Beach. I love to stop there for a break. Later, the trail goes along the limestone coast. You can see St. Paul’s Island from the cliffs. According to history, St. Paul was shipwrecked there in 60 AD. Additionally, you will pass Fort Campbell, which the British built in the 1930s to protect the bays.
Another great spot is the Red Tower. This is an iconic red landmark on the hill. You can walk along the flat roads there. It is perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. However, do not try to take your dog inside the tower. Dogs are not allowed inside. If you want a challenge, you can trek from the Red Tower all the way to Popeye Village.
Majjistral Nature and History Park is also close by. It is open 24/7. Dogs are allowed here but must stay on a leash. You must also stay on the marked paths to protect the plants. It is a very peaceful place for a long morning walk.
Where to Eat with Your Pet
You do not have to leave your dog at home when you go to dinner. There are 82 pet-friendly restaurants across the islands. In Mellieha, Ventuno Restolounge is a top choice. It sits right on the water’s edge at Mellieha Bay. Also, many cafes in the village center will let you sit outside with your pet.
I always carry a collapsible water bowl. The heat in Malta can be very strong. Therefore, your dog needs fresh water all the time. On the contrary, do not let your dog drink the sea water. It can cause stomach problems and dehydration.
Health and Safety Tips
The Maltese sun is no joke. If you visit between June and September, you must be careful. The floor gets very hot. I always test the ground with my hand. If it is too hot for me, it is too hot for my dog’s paws. Some people buy special shoes for their dogs to wear in the summer.
First of all, avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day. Stay inside between 11 AM and 4 PM. Additionally, watch out for sea dangers. Sea urchins and jellyfish are common. If your dog gets a sea urchin spine in its paw, use tweezers to pull it out. Clean the area with fresh water.
If you need a doctor, there is the Aloha Veterinary Clinic in Mellieha. They are known for their compassionate care. For late-night issues, the Pet Emergency Clinic in Mosta is open 24/7. Similarly, if your dog has skin issues, you can talk to a nutritionist. At Piscopo Gardens, you can meet experts like Malcolm. He suggests a quinoa-based diet for dogs with red skin or coat problems.
Moving Around the Island
Travel with dog from Malta to the sister island of Gozo is very easy. You can take the Gozo Channel ferry.
- Rules: Pets must stay on a leash or in a cage.
- Areas: They can go to the lobby or stay outside on the deck.
- Restrictions: They are not allowed in the lounge or the cafeteria.
I suggest you rent a car for your trip. Public buses take a long time to get to remote spots. Though there are buses, like the 101 from Cirkewwa, they can be crowded. A car gives you the freedom to visit beaches like Imgiebah without a long hike. Additionally, you can use apps like PetBacker to find local dog walkers or pet sitters if you want to visit a museum for a few hours.
FAQ
Is there public transport in Mellieha, Malta?
Yes. You can find many buses that go through the village center. You can take the 44 from Valletta or the 225 from Sliema. Also, the 101 bus goes from Cirkewwa. However, these bus journeys can take a long time to reach your destination.
How dog-friendly is Malta?
The island is very welcoming to pets now. You will find 16 official dog beaches across the islands. Additionally, there are over 80 restaurants that allow your furry friend to join you for a meal. Gradually, the tourism industry has added more pet-friendly rooms and services.
Is Mellieha in Malta nice?
It is a wonderful place to visit. Many people consider it one of the nicest towns on the island because it has breathtaking views. The area is very quiet and sits in a sought-after residential spot.
Does Mellieha have a beach?
Yes. It is home to Ghadira Bay, which is the largest sandy beach in Malta. Plus, you can visit the secluded Imgiebah Bay, which is the only sandy beach for dogs.
Is it better to stay in Valletta or Mellieħa?
Mellieha is the better choice for a quiet holiday near nature. It offers easy access to the Gozo ferry and the best sandy beaches. On the contrary, Valletta is a busy city hub.
Where to avoid staying in Malta?
You should avoid the busy tourist areas if you want a calm trip with your dog. Places like St. Julians can be very loud and crowded. First of all, check if the area has green spaces for walks.
What is the prettiest town in Malta?
Mellieha is a top contender for the prettiest town title. Similarly, the fishing village of Xlendi in Gozo is very beautiful. Also, the old city of Mdina has a unique charm.
Are Maltese dog-friendly?
Yes. Most locals love animals and understand the bond between a pet and an owner. Also, the culture is very respectful as long as you clean up after your pet.
Concluding words
Mellieha is a perfect spot for a holiday with your dog. You can enjoy the only sandy dog beach at Imgiebah Bay or take a long hike near Selmun Palace. Finally, do not forget to follow the entry rules and protect your pet from the summer heat. This trip will be a dream for you and your best friend.
