St. Paul's Bay, Malta

St. Paul’s Bay is both a seaside village in its own right as well as the name for the larger area which includes the neighbouring villages of Bugibba and Qawra. Being less busy than these two villages, St. Paul’s Bay is a good option for those who want to be able to enjoy the area without having to stay in the dead center of this popular tourist resort.

St. Paul’s Bay is a relatively quiet village, with one long main street branching out into smaller streets with mostly residential areas. Offering a few bars and restaurants, the village offers entertainment after sundown, although Bugibba and Qawra remain more popular among those seeking nightlife.

History of St. Paul’s Bay

St. Paul’s Bay is known as the location where the Apostle St. Paul is said to have been stranded after his ship was wrecked on St. Paul’s Island on his journey from Caesarea (in Israel) to Rome. Nowadays, this small island features a large statue of St. Paul in commemmoration of this event, which brought Christianity to Malta.

Originally being a fishing village, St. Paul’s Bay still hosts a small marina where fishermen berth their luzzijiet and dghajjes (traditional Maltese fishing boats).

Beaches in St. Paul’s Bay

There are no sandy beaches in St. Paul’s Bay, although its rocky shoreline offers a number of places where swimming is possible.

The nearest sandy beaches are Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha (on the West coast of Malta) an Mellieha Bay (up north near the village of Mellieha).

Nightlife in St. Paul’s Bay

There are a few bars and pubs around in St Paul’s Bay, as well as some good restaurants, but most of the nightlife is concentrated in Bugibba and Qawra. Bars found in St. Paul’s Bay are generally quiet, but nevertheless worthwhile visiting for a couple of drinks or a nice glass of wine.

St. Paul’s Bay facts

• Named after St. Paul, said to have brought Christianity to Malta
• Small core village, extended with Bugibba and Qawra
• Relatively quiet alternative to staying at Bugibba or Qawra
• Rocky shoreline, suitable for swimming. Sandy beaches nearby
• Popular area for snorkeling and diving

Annual Festa’s in St. Paul’s Bay

In the 2nd/3rd week of July, the village’s single festa (Our Lady of Sorrows) is celebrated with the usual band march and fireworks.

Read more: Maltese village feasts or festa

Popular Bus Routes

Routes 43, 44, 49 and 159, to:

• Valletta (50 min)

Routes 44, 45 and 48, to:

• Mellieha (20 min)
• Mellieha Bay (25 min)

Routes 45 and 48, to:

• Cirkewwa – Gozo ferry (50 min)

Route 167 (summer only), to:

• Paceville – nightlife (20 min)

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Map of St. Paul’s Bay