The North is the most rugged of all Malta's regions, and offers spectacular views across to Comino and Gozo. It also has Malta's most established beach and holiday resorts, Bugibba, Qawra, St Paul's Bay, and Malta's largest sandy beach at Mellieha. The countryside is characterised by steep limestone outcrops and deep fertile valleys. The terrain, typical of Mediterranean scrub, has a unique, isolated charm and is excellent for walking. Apart from the views, there is plenty to discover from tiny hamlets to a landscape covered in winter months with wild herbs and an astonishing variety of flowers. At the northernmost tip of Malta, there are some smaller, more secluded and picturesque inlets, Armier, Paradise and Anchor Bays, which are perfect for swimming.