About St Paul's Bay
St Paul's Bay is Malta's largest and most popular resort area, encompassing the neighbouring towns of Bugibba, Qawra, and Xemxija. Named after the Apostle Paul, who allegedly shipwrecked here in 60 AD, this region has transformed from a quiet fishing village into a vibrant tourist hub.
What makes St Paul's Bay special is its perfect blend of attractions, affordability, and convenience. Whether you are seeking family-friendly activities at the Malta National Aquarium, relaxing promenade strolls, boat trips to stunning islands, or lively nightlife, this area delivers.
The location is also ideal for exploring the rest of Malta. Regular bus services connect to Valletta and other attractions, whilst the Gozo ferry terminal is just 15 minutes north at Cirkewwa.
Bugibba Promenade
The Bugibba promenade is the beating heart of St Paul's Bay. This scenic waterfront walkway stretches for several kilometres, connecting Bugibba with Qawra and offering one of Malta's most pleasant coastal strolls.
🚶 The Promenade Experience
Starting from Bugibba Square, the promenade winds along the rocky coastline, passing swimming spots, restaurants, and bars. The flat, well-maintained path is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, with spectacular sea views throughout.
Key highlights along the route include:
- Bugibba Square - The main hub with restaurants, bars, and street performers
- Ta' Fra Ben - A quiet spot with beautiful sunset views
- Qawra Point - Where Qawra Tower stands guard over the coast
- The Aquarium stretch - Modern section with views of St Paul's Island
🌅 Sunset at the Promenade
The western-facing promenade offers spectacular sunset views. Grab a drink at one of the waterfront bars and watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Qawra Tower
Standing proudly at Qawra Point, this 17th-century watchtower is one of the de Redin towers built to defend Malta's coastline. Whilst small, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Malta's defensive heritage.
🏰 Qawra Tower (Torri ta' Qawra)
Built in 1638 by Grand Master Lascaris and later reinforced, Qawra Tower was part of a chain of coastal watchtowers designed to warn of approaching enemies. Today, it stands as a picturesque landmark at the tip of the Qawra peninsula.
The area around the tower is particularly beautiful, with rocky coastline, clear swimming waters, and panoramic views across St Paul's Bay to the islands beyond.
Malta National Aquarium
The Malta National Aquarium in Qawra is one of the island's top family attractions and a must-visit for anyone staying in St Paul's Bay.
🐠 Malta National Aquarium
Opened in 2013, this state-of-the-art aquarium showcases Mediterranean and tropical marine life across multiple zones. The striking building, designed to resemble a starfish, sits right on the Qawra waterfront.
Highlights include:
- The Main Tank - A massive 12-metre walk-through tunnel where sharks, rays, and large fish swim overhead
- Mediterranean Zone - Featuring local species including octopus, moray eels, and seahorses
- Tropical Zone - Colourful coral reef displays with clownfish, tangs, and more
- Reptile Zone - Home to various reptiles and amphibians
- Touch Pool - Interactive experience for children to touch starfish and sea urchins
🎢 Splash & Fun Water Park
Located next to the aquarium, this water park is perfect for families with children. Features include water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated areas for younger children.
Boat Trips & Excursions
Bugibba is one of Malta's main departure points for boat trips, offering excellent access to some of the island's most beautiful destinations.
⛵ Blue Lagoon & Comino Trips
The most popular excursion from Bugibba takes you to the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino island. The crystal-clear turquoise waters here are among the most photographed in the Mediterranean.
Most boat trips include:
- Stop at St Paul's Island for swimming
- Several hours at the Blue Lagoon
- Optional stop at Crystal Lagoon or Comino caves
- Swimming and snorkelling equipment
🚤 Gozo Day Trips
Full-day boat trips to Gozo depart from Bugibba, offering an alternative to the regular ferry. These typically include coastal cruises, cave visits, and time to explore Gozo's attractions.
🎣 Fishing Trips & Other Excursions
Beyond the popular island trips, Bugibba offers:
- Fishing trips - Half-day and full-day deep-sea fishing
- Sunset cruises - Romantic evening trips with drinks
- Jet ski tours - Guided jet ski excursions along the coast
- Parasailing - Available from several operators in summer
St Paul's Island
Just offshore from the St Paul's Bay coast lie two small islands steeped in biblical history and natural beauty.
⛪ St Paul's Islands (Selmunett)
According to tradition, the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on these islands in 60 AD, an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. A striking statue of St Paul, visible from the mainland, commemorates this event.
The islands themselves are uninhabited and protected nature reserves. Most boat trips pause here for swimming in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands - the snorkelling is excellent.
👀 Viewing from the Mainland
Even without taking a boat trip, St Paul's Islands provide a beautiful backdrop to the bay. The best viewing spots are:
- The promenade near Malta National Aquarium
- Mistra Bay (south of St Paul's Bay)
- The Parish Church of St Paul's Shipwreck in St Paul's Bay village
Beaches & Swimming
Whilst St Paul's Bay is known for its rocky coastline rather than sandy beaches, there are excellent swimming spots throughout the area. For Malta's best sandy beaches, see our Best Beaches in Malta guide.
🏖️ Bugibba Perched Beach
This small, man-made sandy beach in central Bugibba is popular with families. Created by importing sand onto a purpose-built platform, it offers a genuine beach experience with calm, shallow waters.
🏊 Rocky Bathing Areas
Most of the St Paul's Bay coastline consists of flat, rocky platforms ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Many spots have ladders or steps into the water, making entry easy.
Popular rocky swimming spots include:
- Qawra Point - Near the tower, with clear deep water
- Fra Ben - Quieter area between Bugibba and Qawra
- Xemxija - Sheltered bay with calm waters
🌴 Nearby Sandy Beaches
If you prefer sand between your toes, several excellent beaches are just a short trip away:
- Golden Bay - 15 minutes by car/bus, stunning sandy beach with facilities
- Ghajn Tuffieha - Next to Golden Bay, more secluded
- Mellieha Bay - Malta's largest sandy beach, 10 minutes north
- Paradise Bay - Small but beautiful, near the Gozo ferry
Restaurants & Dining
St Paul's Bay offers an impressive variety of dining options, from traditional Maltese cuisine to international fare, beachfront fish restaurants to casual pizza joints.
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
The promenade is lined with restaurants offering al fresco dining with sea views. Seafood is a speciality, with many restaurants displaying the day's catch for you to choose from.
Popular waterfront dining areas:
- Bugibba Square - Central location with diverse options
- Qawra seafront - More relaxed atmosphere
- Xemxija - Traditional fish restaurants with harbour views
🐟 Fresh Seafood
Malta is famous for its fresh fish, and St Paul's Bay - with its fishing heritage - delivers some of the best. Look for lampuki (mahi-mahi) in autumn, spnott (sea bass), and grilled octopus year-round.
🍕 International Cuisine
Beyond seafood, St Paul's Bay caters to all tastes:
- Italian - Numerous pizza and pasta restaurants
- Asian - Chinese, Indian, and Thai options
- British - Full English breakfasts and Sunday roasts
- Fast food - Both international chains and local takeaways
🍽️ Explore St Paul's Bay Dining on HubpyMalta
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Ask AI Assistant 🤖Nightlife & Entertainment
St Paul's Bay - particularly Bugibba - is one of Malta's main nightlife hubs, offering everything from relaxed bars to lively clubs.
🍻 Bars & Pubs
Bugibba Square and the surrounding streets are packed with bars catering to all tastes. From traditional British-style pubs showing live sports to cocktail lounges and wine bars, there is something for everyone.
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly early in the evening, becoming livelier as the night progresses. Many bars offer happy hour deals and live music.
🎵 Nightclubs
For those seeking a proper night out, Bugibba has several clubs playing a mix of mainstream, R&B, and electronic music. The scene tends to attract a younger crowd, particularly during summer.
🎰 Casinos & Entertainment
The area offers additional entertainment options:
- Oracle Casino (Qawra) - Slots, table games, and poker
- Bowling - Available at nearby complexes
- Cinema - Multiplex at The Point shopping centre (Sliema)
- Live music - Many bars feature live bands, especially on weekends
Practical Tips for Visiting St Paul's Bay
💡 Insider Tips
- Buy a Tallinja card for unlimited bus travel - Bugibba is well connected to all of Malta's attractions via the bus network
- Explore beyond Bugibba - The old village of St Paul's Bay and Xemxija offer more authentic local experiences
- Book boat trips in advance during peak season - popular departures sell out, especially for the Blue Lagoon
- Visit the aquarium on rainy days - It's the perfect wet-weather activity and less crowded than sunny days
- Eat where the locals eat - Venture beyond the main tourist strip for better value and quality
- Rent a car for day trips - Whilst buses are good, a car gives flexibility for exploring Malta's west coast and Gozo
- Bring water shoes for rocky beaches - they make swimming access much easier
- Sunday morning is the quietest time on the promenade - perfect for peaceful walks
Getting to St Paul's Bay
- From Malta Airport: Bus X3 direct to Bugibba (approximately 45 minutes), or taxi (30-40 minutes, around €25-30)
- From Valletta: Bus 31, 45, or 48 from the central bus terminus (approximately 45 minutes)
- From Sliema/St Julian's: Bus 212 along the coast (approximately 40 minutes)
Getting Around
St Paul's Bay is very walkable - you can stroll the entire promenade from Bugibba to Qawra in about 30 minutes. For further afield:
- Local buses connect all areas within St Paul's Bay
- Taxis and Bolt are readily available, especially around Bugibba Square
- Car hire outlets are located throughout the area
- Bicycles can be hired for exploring the promenade and surrounding areas
📥 Take This Guide With You
Download our printable St Paul's Bay guide with maps, restaurant picks, and local secrets!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best attractions in St Paul's Bay?
The top attractions in St Paul's Bay include the Malta National Aquarium, Bugibba promenade, Qawra Tower, boat trips to St Paul's Island and Comino, plus excellent beaches, restaurants, and nightlife options throughout Bugibba and Qawra.
Is St Paul's Bay a good base for exploring Malta?
Yes, St Paul's Bay is an excellent base for exploring Malta. It offers affordable accommodation, good bus connections to Valletta and other attractions, plus its own beaches, restaurants, and entertainment. The Gozo ferry terminal at Cirkewwa is just 15 minutes away.
What is the difference between Bugibba and Qawra?
Bugibba and Qawra are neighbouring areas within St Paul's Bay. Bugibba is more touristy with a livelier nightlife scene, while Qawra is slightly quieter and home to the Malta National Aquarium. Both share the same promenade and offer similar amenities.
Can you swim at St Paul's Bay beaches?
Yes, there are several swimming spots in St Paul's Bay. Bugibba Perched Beach is a small sandy beach, whilst most of the coastline offers rocky bathing with ladders into the crystal-clear water. The nearby Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay offer larger sandy beaches.
How do I get to St Paul's Island from Bugibba?
Boat trips to St Paul's Island depart regularly from Bugibba jetty. The journey takes about 15 minutes and boats typically include swimming time around the island. Many operators combine St Paul's Island with trips to the Blue Lagoon on Comino.