Visitors who choose to come to Mellieha in April will experience gradually rising temperatures and longer days making this a lovely time of year to travel for those who are not too keen on very hot weather. The average daytime temperature is 160C, while the average high and low temperatures range from 120C overnight to a high of around 190C during the warmer days. Nights have got as cold as 60C in the past, while the highest recorded temperature in this month was a hot 310C. These temperatures are similar to those experienced in San Marino at the same time of year.
Days are getting longer this month and on average, increase by around one hour in length from the first of April to the end of the month. There are around 8 hours of sunshine each day. The sun rises at the beginning of this month at 6.45am and the sunset is at 7.25pm. The days are usually clearer than they were earlier in the year, and there is approximately 40% to 45% cloud cover on any given day in this month. The cloud cover is generally decreasing as the skies get clearer towards the end of spring.
Sea temperatures are still chilly at 160C, so it is not the best time of year to go for a swim. It is not normally too windy in April, with wind speed varying from 1 m/s to 8 m/s, occasionally reaching a stronger breeze of 12 m/s. Humidity is generally not too high, varying from 55% to 95% and increasing later in the month.
The average rainfall at this time of year is 23mm that falls over 6 days over the month. This is normally moderate or light rain, and rarely do thunderstorms occur. The chance of it raining decreases later in the month. When deciding whether to go out or choose an indoor activity, it is worth checking the weather forecast for the day.
Where to stay
The 4* Club Salina hotel is situated in the nearby Qawra village just 5 minutes' walk to the rocky beach. This self-catering resort offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchen, lounge, TV, microwave and balcony, overlooking the sea, pool or town. An English breakfast is served every morning, and the on-site restaurant offers lunch and dinner. There is an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, Wi-Fi in the lobby, and a garden with barbeque facilities. Only five minutes' walk to the town and 15 minutes' drive to the nearest sandy beach, this is a great place to have a break from the colder English weather in April.
The 3* Blue Sea Santa Maria Hotel in Bugibba is located just 450m from the seafront, 10 minutes' drive from the main beach at Mellieha. This resort offers rooms with balcony and fans, and has an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and Wi-Fi. A buffet breakfast is served each day with savoury and sweet options. The on-site restaurant serves local and international dishes for lunch and dinner. The friendly staff are available to help you with arranging excursions or to offer advice on what to do during your visit to the area.
Less than 10 minutes' walk to the beach at St Paul's Bay is the 3* Topaz hotel. Within easy reach of all the bars and shops of Bugibba, this hotel has rooms with air-conditioning, TV, and some have a balcony that overlooks the pool. There is an indoor pool that is heated during winter, an outdoor pool and sun terrace. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the on-site restaurant, the Royal Oak pub is open all year and the pool bar is open only in the summer months. There is also a pizzeria in the evenings serving delicious pizza and pasta dishes. There is live entertainment most nights and sports area for those feeling active while on holiday.
Things to do
Located in the nearby capital city of Valletta, is the impressive St John's Cathedral. Finished in 1577, this cathedral is an exhibition of architecture, art and sculptures, and the pride of the Maltese people. Featuring Baroque art and architecture, it was built for the Knights of St John and is still an important place of worship and venue for many events. The museum at the co-cathedral holds many pieces of art and helps to conserve the beautiful and vulnerable pieces, as well as inform and educate visitors about the history of the site.
When the weather is warming up in April, a trip to the Mediterraneo Bio park is a great day out for the whole family. Located not too far from Mellieha in Bahar ic-Caghag, this fun and educational excursion allows everyone to get up close and personal with the marine life and wildlife on display. Don't miss the opportunity to see dolphins, reptiles, sea lions and parrots. Visitors can even swim with the dolphins under the supervision of experienced and qualified staff. There is also a children's play area and food available in the cafes on-site.
Eating and drinking out
For something a little different, go to Il Mithna restaurant, located in a converted 17th century windmill that was built by the Knight of St John. This is a special place for a meal, with first class service and quality dishes on offer. With an extensive wine list and only the best seasonal, locally produced ingredients used, this restaurant serves delicious meat, seafood and fish dishes along with salads and vegetarian options. The desserts are divine and well worth trying. The atmosphere is fine dining but friendly and welcoming, making this a great place for that special occasion while visiting the resort.
Head to the Greystone pub in the town of Mellieha for a welcoming reception, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. This family run restaurant and bar serves dishes the whole family will love such as pizza, pasta, burgers and meat and fish dishes. There is plenty of outdoor seating for the warmer days in April, as well as indoor tables if it rains. This is a good place to stop for a couple of drinks while exploring the town, as the casual ambience and views of the church and the sea make it a lovely spot to relax.
Tucked away from the main town and accessible over a bridge that links the two sides of the valley at Mellieha, is the lovely Da Ciccio Cuchina restaurant. This is a small and cosy restaurant that seats only a small number of guests, making the atmosphere warm and friendly. Make sure to book in advance to be sure of a table. Serving delicious dishes including tapas, homemade bread rolls, and a selection of Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, antipasto and seafood, this is a wonderful choice for a memorable meal.
