St Paul's Bay

The calmer neighbour that most visitors overlook

St Paul’s Bay is technically the name of both the municipality and the bay itself — it encompasses Bugibba, Qawra, and the older village of St Paul’s Bay proper, which sits at the southern end of the bay. Most visitors arrive in Bugibba and don’t realise the quieter, older part of the waterfront is a ten-minute walk south.

The bay takes its name from the island visible from shore: St Paul’s Island, a small rocky outcrop where the apostle Paul is traditionally said to have been shipwrecked in AD 60. A tall white statue of the saint stands on the island, visible from the promenade. You can’t visit the island independently, but boat tours pass it closely.

St Paul’s Bay proper — as opposed to the resort strip of Bugibba — has a residential waterfront, several dive schools, a handful of good fish restaurants, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere. It’s where some long-term Malta residents live specifically because it has amenities without the summer tourist density.

What to do in St Paul’s Bay

Scuba diving and beginner courses

St Paul’s Bay is one of Malta’s main diving hubs. The bay itself, plus the caves and wrecks along the north coast, offer a range of sites for all levels. Several PADI operators run discovery dives for absolute beginners and full open water courses:

Malta St Paul’s Bay: PADI Discover Scuba Diving for beginners

For those who want a qualification rather than a taster:

Malta: St Paul’s Bay one-day scuba diving course

Malta’s water visibility averages 25-30 metres, with water temperatures ranging from 15°C in winter to 27°C in August. The north coast sites near St Paul’s Bay are generally suitable for beginners given the calm, sheltered conditions.

Malta National Aquarium

Technically in Qawra (the Qawra Point headland, at the western edge of the bay), the National Aquarium is the most polished family attraction in this part of Malta. The walk-through shark tunnel, Mediterranean reef displays, and touch pools make it a good two-hour visit for families with children under 12.

Admission is around 14 € for adults and 8 € for children. Combination passes sometimes available through online booking.

St Paul’s Bay: Malta National Aquarium admission ticket

Boat trips to Comino and Gozo

Like Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay is a departure point for boat trips north. The journey to Comino is 20-30 minutes, and you can also reach Gozo on a day trip from here:

St Paul’s Bay: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and sea caves boat trip

A wine tour using St Paul’s Bay as a starting point, visiting Meridiana winery:

Wine lover’s tour: Meridiana winery and lunch

Walking the bay promenade

The waterfront path connecting St Paul’s Bay village with Bugibba and Qawra runs for around 4 km in total. Walking it at dawn or in the early evening — when the light on the bay is good and the boats are coming in — is the best free activity in the area. St Paul’s Island is most visible from the southern end of the promenade, near the village itself.

Where to eat in St Paul’s Bay

Gillieru Harbour (St Paul’s Bay village): the standout restaurant in the bay. On the water, family-run, serving fresh local fish since the 1940s. Order the lampuki (dolphinfish, seasonal late summer-autumn), the grilled sea bass, or the fish soup. Prices are fair for the quality. Book ahead on weekends.

Ta’ Pinu (St Paul’s Bay): a traditional Maltese restaurant doing braġioli, rabbit stew, and the kind of slow-cooked Maltese dishes that take all morning to prepare. Lunch only, closes early.

Café Cuba (Bugibba promenade): for something lighter on the waterfront — salads, wraps, fresh juices, and good coffee. More café than restaurant.

How St Paul’s Bay connects to the rest of north Malta

St Paul’s Bay sits in the centre of north Malta’s main tourism corridor: Mellieha and Golden Bay are 15-20 minutes north, Bugibba is effectively the same place, and Mdina and Rabat are about 20 minutes south by car or Bolt.

On a 7-day Malta itinerary, basing yourself in the St Paul’s Bay area gives you easy access to northern beaches, Gozo ferry (30 min to Cirkewwa), and Comino boats without being too far from Valletta (45 min by bus or 25 min by Bolt).

For the 3-day Malta itinerary, the Sliema/St Julian’s area is a more efficient base for covering the main cultural highlights quickly. St Paul’s Bay makes more sense if diving or beach time is the priority.

Getting there from Valletta

Bus routes 49 and 186 connect Valletta to St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba. Journey time is 45-55 minutes, and buses run frequently during the day. Single fare is 2 € (1.50 € in winter). The Tallinja app shows live departure times.

Bolt from Valletta to St Paul’s Bay typically costs 15-18 €. From Sliema, around 12-15 €.

Frequently asked questions about St Paul’s Bay

Is St Paul’s Bay the same as Bugibba?

They’re part of the same municipality but different places. Bugibba is the busy resort strip at the northern end of the bay. St Paul’s Bay is the older village at the southern end — quieter, more residential, and home to the best fish restaurant in the area (Gillieru Harbour).

Is the Malta National Aquarium worth visiting?

Yes, for families with children. For adults travelling without children, it’s enjoyable but not essential. The shark tunnel is impressive, and the overall presentation is better than you might expect for its size. Allow two hours.

Can you visit St Paul’s Island?

Not independently — there’s no public boat service to the island and it’s private land managed by Heritage Malta. The statue of St Paul is clearly visible from the promenade. Some boat tours pass close to the island on the way to Comino.

Is the diving in St Paul’s Bay suitable for beginners?

Yes. The bay has sheltered, calm conditions and several established PADI operators who specialise in beginners. Water visibility is excellent by Mediterranean standards. Certification courses typically run over two to three days.

How busy is St Paul’s Bay in summer?

The Bugibba section is very busy in July and August. St Paul’s Bay village itself is noticeably calmer. If you’re staying in the area in peak season and want a quieter evening walk or meal, go south to the village rather than into the Bugibba strip.