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Northern MaltaDestination

St Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay, with Bugibba and Qawra, is Malta's main family resort area: seafront hotels, the National Aquarium, a perched beach and boat trips to Comino.

Best timeMay to July, September to October
Avg tempLuqa 1991-2020 normals: average daily maximum 32.0C in August and 15.7C in January; January average minimum 10.0C
AirportMalta International (MLA)
Region
Northern Malta
Best time
May to July, September to October
Avg temp
Luqa 1991-2020 normals: average daily maximum 32.0C in August and 15.7C in January; January average minimum 10.0C
Nearest airport
Malta International (MLA)
The overview

St Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay, with Bugibba and Qawra, is Malta's main family resort area: seafront hotels, the National Aquarium, a perched beach and boat trips to Comino.

St Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Bahar) is a wide inlet on Malta's northeast coast and the name of the town that wraps around it. The resort districts of Bugibba and Qawra fill the eastern headland, and Visit Malta lists them among the island's main resorts. The bay takes its name from the tradition that the apostle Paul was shipwrecked nearby, on or near the small St Paul's Islands at its mouth, where a statue of the saint stands.

The area is built for holidays: hotels and apartments line a long promenade, with restaurants, supermarkets and tour desks in the streets behind. Swimming is mostly from rocks and lidos, plus the man-made Bugibba Perched Beach on the seafront. At Qawra Point, the Malta National Aquarium is an easy family outing, and the waters off the headland are popular for snorkelling and diving.

What to do

Compare accommodation prices here with St Julian's and Valletta when planning a budget trip. The area stays fairly busy through the winter too. Evenings are relaxed, with bars and restaurants rather than clubs.

Bugibba has a bus terminus with direct routes to Valletta, the airport, Mdina and the Gozo ferry at Cirkewwa. The town is reached by road from the airport. Mellieha and its beaches are just to the northwest, and the Mosta Rotunda is a short ride inland.

Before you go

Practical information

Getting around
Malta International Airport (MLA), reached by road
Bugibba bus terminus with routes island-wide
Boat trips to Comino from the Bugibba waterfront
Rental cars (drive on the left)
Walkable seafront promenade
Full transportation guide →
Daily budget
BudgetApartment, buses and casual meals
Guesthouses and hostels, buses and ferries, pastizzi and kiosk lunches.
Mid-rangeSeafront hotel, aquarium visit and a Comino cruise
Boutique hotels, the odd taxi or hire car, sit-down dinners with local wine.
LuxuryResort hotel with spa and a private charter
Resorts, private transfers, fine dining.
Safety tips
✓Malta drives on the left, so look right first when crossing.
✓Rocks along the promenade are sharp; wear water shoes.
✓Do not swim when red flags fly.
✓Use sun protection and shade through the summer midday heat.
✓Emergency number is 112 across Malta.
All Malta emergency numbers →
Connectivity & tipping
ConnectivityWi-Fi is standard in hotels, bars and cafes. EU roaming applies to eligible EU plans, subject to fair-use limits. Check coverage with your mobile operator before travelling.
TippingTipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Check the bill for a service charge; otherwise a little extra for good service is common. Round up taxi fares.
Good to know

St Paul's Bay questions

What is the difference between St Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra?

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St Paul's Bay is both the name of the bay and of the town around it. Bugibba and Qawra are the resort districts on the eastern headland, with most of the hotels, restaurants and the bus terminus. Xemxija is the quieter part at the head of the bay.

Why is it called St Paul's Bay?

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Tradition holds that the apostle Paul was shipwrecked near the small St Paul's Islands at the mouth of the bay on his way to Rome. A statue of the saint stands on the larger island, and the story is central to the town's identity.

Does Bugibba have a sandy beach?

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Not a natural one. Bugibba Perched Beach is a man-made sandy platform on the seafront, and most swimming is from the rocks and lidos. The sandy beaches of Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Mellieha Bay are a short bus or car ride away.

Is St Paul's Bay good for a budget trip?

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Compare accommodation and restaurant prices for your dates. The Bugibba bus terminus has routes across the island. That makes it a popular base for families and travellers on a tighter budget.

What is there to do in Qawra?

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Qawra has the Malta National Aquarium at Qawra Point, a long seafront promenade and snorkelling and dive sites off the headland. Boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon leave from the Bugibba waterfront nearby.