Mellieha, Malta

With a population of 14,288, Mellieħa is no sleepy village - it's a bustling tourist hub on Malta's northern coast. While its sandy beaches and natural beauty draw visitors, the reality is that local bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The town was once abandoned due to raids by Muslim corsairs, and today it remains fortified, with defensive structures like St. Agatha's Tower and Mellieħa Fort dotting the landscape. Those seeking an idyllic Mediterranean retreat may find Mellieħa's crowded streets and layers of red tape a turn-off.