Saint Paul’s Bay traces its name to the shipwreck of St. Paul in AD 60, and its shores still tell sea stories—watchtowers, salt pans, and fishing boats tucked into rock-cut coves. Today the area embraces three lively neighborhoods—Bugibba, Qawra, and Xemxija—making it one of Malta’s best bases for swimming, sunset strolls, and quick boat trips to Comino and Gozo.

Expect limpid water, honey-stone fortifications, and a Mediterranean rhythm that slides from espresso to seaside lunch to golden-hour aperitifs. The Knights of St. John left their stamp across nearby Valletta and Mdina, while local life prevails in squares scented with fresh pastizzi and ftira straight from the oven.

Practical notes: English is widely spoken; currency is the euro. Buses are frequent, ride-hailing apps operate island-wide, and driving is on the left. In summer, book boats and restaurants ahead; use reef-safe sunscreen and pack water shoes for rocky swims. Maltese cuisine leans hearty and local—rabbit stew, line-caught fish, gbejna cheese—and the area’s Michelin-recognized kitchens make dinner a highlight.

Saint Paul’s Bay

Saint Paul’s Bay is your springboard to Malta’s north: the Blue Lagoon, Gozo’s cliffs, salt pans at Salina, and the family-friendly Malta National Aquarium in Qawra. The Bugibba promenade hums from breakfast to late-night gelato; sunrise swims at Qawra Point feel like a private ritual.

• Top sights: Bugibba Square, Qawra Point Nature Reserve, Wignacourt Tower (1609 coastal watchtower), St. Paul’s Islands viewpoints, Salina Nature Reserve & historic salt pans, Xemxija Heritage Trail (Roman road), Malta National Aquarium.
• Why base here: Walkable waterfront, frequent boat departures to Comino/Gozo, easy buses to Valletta and Mdina, and great choice of eateries from casual to Michelin-listed.

Where to stay (search by neighborhood—Bugibba for buzz, Qawra for sea views, Xemxija for quiet): Browse Saint Paul’s Bay vacation rentals on VRBO and Compare hotels in Saint Paul’s Bay on Hotels.com.

How to get there: Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA). From European cities, flights are 1.5–3.5 hours (Rome ~1h25, Paris ~2h40, London ~3h15). Search and book via Omio flights (Europe). Coming from outside Europe, compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Ferry from Sicily (Valletta–Pozzallo) takes ~1h45–2h; check Omio ferries. MLA to Saint Paul’s Bay: 25–35 minutes by taxi (roughly €22–28), or ~60–70 minutes on bus X3.

Day 1: Arrival, Promenade Wanders, and a Seaside Welcome

Morning: Travel day. Pack a swimsuit, water shoes, and a light scarf for churches. If you arrive early, stash bags with your hotel and head straight for a coffee.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the Bugibba–Qawra promenade. Pop into the Malta National Aquarium if you’re traveling with kids or want an easy, air-conditioned intro to local marine life. Coffee and a flaky ricotta pastizz at The Corner Café set the tone.

Evening: Book a table at Tarragon (Saint Paul’s Bay) for a sea-forward dinner—think raw red prawns, line-caught fish baked in salt, and a Maltese wine pairing. Alternatively, Surf N Turf in Qawra delivers polished plates and tasting menus. Nightcap at Café del Mar (seasonal) for a cinematic sunset by the infinity pool, or stroll to Sottozero The Gelato Factory for pistachio or ricotta-honey scoops.

Day 2: Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Sea Caves (Full-Day Boat)

Today is all about Malta’s electric-blue water. Depart from Bugibba for the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and caves, with swim stops and coastal views. Bring a hat, quick-dry towel, and reef-safe sunscreen; water shoes help on Comino’s rocks. Typical season: March–November, with peak months June–September.

Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour — family-run Hornblower Cruises since 1984; full-day with amenities and ladders for easy swims. Expect crystal coves, sea caves, and time ashore on Comino.

Post-cruise, toast the day with a cold Cisk at Ta’ Fra Ben Lido above Qawra Point, then dine casually at Luzzu (grills, seafood, kid-friendly) or go intimate at Venus Restaurant in Bugibba—excellent octopus and daily fish specials.

Day 3: Valletta—Knights, Caravaggio, and Grand Harbour Views

Morning: Bus to Valletta (45–60 minutes) or taxi (~30 minutes). Start with Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping Grand Harbour vistas and, if you time it, the Saluting Battery cannon at noon. Coffee and an almond biscotti at Caffe Cordina, then dive into the city’s layered past on a guided walk.

The Original Valletta Walking Tour — covers the fortified city’s highlights and hidden lanes, contextualizing the Knights of St. John, wartime Malta, and contemporary culture.

Afternoon: Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St John. Lunch at Nenu the Artisan Baker for blistered Maltese ftira topped with local sausage and gbejna. Wander Strait Street’s retro signage and small bars.

Evening: Return to Saint Paul’s Bay. Dinner at The Chef’s Table (Bugibba) for seasonal Mediterranean plates—order the fresh fish of the day and local vegetables. For a nightcap, an amaro at a waterfront bar on the square keeps things mellow.

Day 4: Gozo by Jeep—Citadels, Cliffs, and Red Sand

Gozo feels like Malta’s countryside cousin—stone-ribboned fields, sleepy villages, and dramatic shores. This full-day Jeep tour weaves in both headline sights and off-road morsels, with a private boat crossing to skip queues.

Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour with Private Boat to Gozo & return — expect Victoria’s Citadel, Dwejra Bay’s inland sea, salt pans near Marsalforn, and (weather-permitting) a dip at Ramla l-Ħamra’s red sands.

Back in Qawra, celebrate with dinner at Lovage Bistro—try the slow-cooked pork belly or rabbit ravioli—or opt for Ocean Basket for shared platters if you’re traveling with friends.

Day 5: Salt Pans, Aquarium, and a Last Dip (Departure Day)

Morning: Early amble through Salina Nature Reserve to see the historic salt pans and wading birds. Swing by Wignacourt Tower for a quick photo and coastal views. If you have kids, the Malta National Aquarium is a smooth final stop; otherwise, take a final swim at Qawra Point’s clear, pebbly cove.

Afternoon: Brunch with a view at La Nave Bistro above the aquarium—order the seafood risotto or a classic ftira—then check out and transfer to the airport (~30 minutes by taxi). If bussing, allow extra buffer time.

Evening: Flight home, Maltese sea salt and sun still on your skin. Save this guide for a future autumn return—September–October seas are warm and the island exhales after summer.

Food and drink favorites near your base:

• The Corner Café (Bugibba): espresso, pastizzi, and flaky almond croissants—great for grab-and-go before tours.
• Sottozero The Gelato Factory: creative flavors like Kinder Bueno and Sicilian pistachio; don’t miss the ricotta-cannoli gelato.
• Tarragon (Saint Paul’s Bay): refined seafood; book ahead for window tables, especially at sunset.
• Surf N Turf (Qawra): tasting menus, thoughtful wine list; perfect for a celebratory night.
• Venus Restaurant (Bugibba): intimate dining room; grilled octopus, daily fish, and local produce.
• Luzzu (Qawra): family-friendly mains—fresh fish, burgers, salads—with sea views.

Insider tips:

• Beach kit: water shoes, a packable umbrella, and a dry bag for boat days. Summer sun is fierce—hydrate and reapply sunscreen.
• Transport: Tallinja buses are inexpensive; ride-hailing apps work well for early starts/late finishes. Parking can be tight on summer evenings.
• Churches and heritage sites: dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) and carry a light scarf.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time

Mdina and Rabat half-day: walk the “Silent City,” trace Roman origins, and sample imqaret (date fritters). Mellieħa Bay for sandy swims and Popeye Village viewpoints; Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa for sunset hikes along the cliffs.

More activities to consider (customizable private day out across Malta):

Private Customizable Full-Day Tour in Malta — tailor your route to prehistoric temples, Mosta Dome, Mdina, or windswept bays.

Bon voyage: five days based in Saint Paul’s Bay give you Malta’s greatest hits—Blue Lagoon hues, Valletta’s limestone drama, and Gozo’s rural calm—without frantic packing. You’ll leave with a camera full of cobalt water and a palate tuned to Maltese flavors, already plotting the next season to return.