Explore St. Paul's Bay

Saint Paul's Bay is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Northern Region. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. As per the 2021 population census, it has also become the most populated town in the country. Wikipedia

πŸ“… Best Time to Visit

  • May to October – Sunny, warm, and ideal for beachgoers, boat trips, and evening strolls.

  • July–August – Peak tourist season: vibrant atmosphere, festivals, and water sports, but busier.

  • April & November – Pleasant and quieter shoulder seasons.

  • December–March – Off-season with fewer tourists; still mild and relaxing.

πŸš— How to Get There

  • From Valletta:

    • By bus: Direct routes like X3, 31, or 41/42 – ~45–60 minutes.

    • By car: ~30 minutes. Plenty of parking areas, though some can fill up in summer.

    • By taxi/Bolt: Easy and efficient for small groups.

      🏝️ Overview & Areas

      St. Paul’s Bay includes several neighborhoods and nearby resort zones:

    • Bugibba – Lively tourist area with bars, restaurants, and a long seafront promenade.

    • Qawra – More laid-back and family-friendly, with rocky beaches and water parks.

    • Xemxija – Quieter and scenic, great for countryside walks and nature lovers.

πŸ›οΈ Top Attractions

  • Wignacourt Tower – 17th-century coastal watchtower offering great views and local history.

  • St. Paul’s Island – Where tradition says St. Paul was shipwrecked; visit by boat or view from the shore.

  • Bugibba Water Park – Family-friendly splash zone during summer months.

  • Malta National Aquarium (Qawra) – Educational and fun for all ages, with marine life from the Mediterranean and beyond.

  • Classic Car Museum – Vintage vehicles and memorabilia in Bugibba.

  • Salina Nature Reserve – Peaceful spot for birdwatching and walking.

🎯 Activities To Do

  • Boat trips – Daily tours to Comino (Blue Lagoon) and Gozo from Bugibba Jetty.

  • Swimming & snorkeling – Rocky coves and beach clubs around Qawra Point and Bugibba Perched Beach.

  • Water sports – Jet skis, paddleboats, scuba diving, banana boat rides.

  • Stroll the promenade – Long coastal path from Qawra to Bugibba with sea views and open-air cafés.

  • Watch sunset by the sea – Especially scenic from Qawra Point or Xemxija Bay.

πŸ›οΈ Accommodation

  • Luxury:

    • Dolmen Hotel, Seaview Hotel, db San Antonio Hotel & Spa

  • Mid-range:

    • Park Lane, Sunseeker Holiday Complex, AX Sunny Coast

  • Budget:

    • Guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and hostels available in Bugibba and Qawra

  • Family-friendly:

    • Resorts with pools, water parks, and kids’ clubs

🍽️ Food & Restaurants

  • Seafood & Maltese cuisine:

    • Try lampuki, stuffat tal-fenek, sea urchin pasta, aljotta (fish soup)

  • Popular spots:

    • Venus Restaurant, Lovage Bistro, Ocean Basket, The Chef’s Table, La Stalla

  • Casual options: Gelato shops, pizzerias, seaside bars, and fast food

  • Evening vibes: Plenty of bars, lounges, and family-friendly eateries with outdoor seating

🌍 Local Culture

  • A mix of local Maltese life and tourist-friendly amenities

  • Religious traditions remain strong; local feasts and fireworks often light up summer evenings

  • English is widely spoken

  • Easy access to traditional villages and countryside trails around Xemxija and Mistra Bay


βœ… Tips

  • Book boat tours early in summer – They fill up quickly, especially for the Blue Lagoon.

  • Rocky beaches – Bring water shoes for swimming in Qawra and Bugibba.

  • Public buses run late, but taxis or Bolt are faster for getting around after dark.

  • Family-friendly – Plenty of entertainment, but nightlife is lower-key compared to St. Julian’s.

  • Plan a day trip – Easy access to Mdina, Golden Bay, or MellieΔ§a from here.