How to Enjoy Your Time at St Paul’s Bay Malta
September 8, 2025
Looking for a sunny place to relax, swim, and explore? St Paul’s Bay Malta is a perfect pick. This beautiful spot on Malta’s northern coast has something for everyone. You’ll find clear blue water, rocky coves, fun boat trips, and a peaceful seaside walkway. It’s a great place to spend the day, whether you love swimming, taking photos, or just enjoying the view.
St Paul’s Bay Malta is not just about the beach. The area is full of life with cafés, restaurants, and shops right by the sea. It’s also near one of the island’s most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon. From here, you can hop on a boat and sail across crystal-clear waters to Comino Island, home to the famous lagoon.
Whether you want a quick dip, a sunset walk, or a full day of adventure on the sea, this guide will help you make the most of your time at St Paul’s Bay Malta.Â
What to Expect at St Paul’s Bay Beach
St Paul’s Bay Malta isn’t your typical long sandy stretch like Mellieha Beach. It’s a mix of rocky coves, small artificial sandy patches, and wide-open sea views. Think more about diving into the water from flat rocks than building sandcastles.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Terrain: Mostly rocky, especially around Qawra and Bugibba. There are a couple of man-made sandy beaches like Buđibba Perched Beach if you’re craving some sand.
- Water Quality: Crystal clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Bring reef shoes, those rocks are no joke.
- Family-Friendly? Sort of. Older kids will love jumping off rocks and exploring. Toddlers might struggle without a sandy play area.
- Facilities: Plenty of food options, cafés, and public toilets along the promenade. It’s easy to spend an entire day here without needing to go far.
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Best Things to Do at St Paul’s Bay Beach
There’s more to St Paul’s Bay Malta than just swimming. It’s a place where you can soak in the scenery, explore history, and enjoy some of Malta’s best coastal vibes. If you like to stay active or explore, here are some fun things to try while you’re there:
1. Swim and Snorkel
The crystal-clear waters of St Paul’s Bay Malta are perfect for both swimming and snorkelling. Slip on a mask and snorkel, and you’ll spot shimmering shoals of tiny fish darting between the rocks. For the best snorkelling spots, head to Qawra Point, where the peaceful waters and rocky seabed create natural hiding places for marine life. If you prefer a more laid-back swim, Mistra Bay offers a quiet, sheltered stretch with calm waves and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for floating and relaxing.
2. Soak Up the Sun
There’s nothing quite like basking in the Maltese sun with the sound of the sea in the background. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella at the perched beach for comfort, or simply roll out a towel on the smooth, flat rocks by the shore. Many locals prefer the rocks for a more authentic, peaceful experience. Wherever you choose to sit, the sweeping views of the Mediterranean make it the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or just daydream as the waves lap the shore.
3. Walk the Promenade
The long seafront promenade connects Qawra, Bugibba, and St Paul’s Bay Malta, offering a leisurely way to explore the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass pizza shops, gelato stands, and open-air cafés perfect for grabbing a quick snack. Benches dotted along the walkway invite you to pause and take in the views. If you’re visiting in the evening, a sunset walk is a must, the sky often turns shades of pink, gold, and deep orange, making it an unforgettable sight.
4. Take Photos of St Paul’s Island
Just off the coast lies St Paul’s Island, steeped in legend as the place where Saint Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome. The island is small and uninhabited, but its rugged beauty makes it a striking photo subject, especially when framed by the sparkling blue sea. You can admire it from the beach or take a short boat trip for a closer look and some great photo opportunities.
5. Visit the Malta National Aquarium
When you’re ready for a break from the sun, head to the Malta National Aquarium in nearby Qawra. Home to hundreds of species, from colourful tropical fish to majestic sharks, it’s an educational and entertaining stop for all ages. The exhibits are well-designed, and the air-conditioned building offers a cool, comfortable escape from the midday heat. There’s also a café with sea views, so you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the scenery.
Day Trips & Excursions from St Paul’s Bay with GOZOblu
St Paul’s Bay Malta is the perfect launch point for an unforgettable private adventure with GOZOblu. Our high-performance RIB cruises combine speed, comfort, and exclusivity, taking you beyond the usual tourist routes.
1. Luxury Ride, RIB Performance
Step aboard our spacious, premium-seating RIB with shaded areas for your comfort. Enjoy fast, fuel-efficient cruising with minimal bounce and superior buoyancy even in choppier waters so every journey is smooth and exhilarating.
2. Exclusive Access
We’ll take you to the Malta most visitors never see. Glide into hidden caves, slip into secluded coves, and swim in crystal-clear waters far from the crowds. Our RIB can reach spots the big boats can’t, giving you a truly private escape.
3. All-Inclusive Convenience
Your trip is fully equipped for fun and ease, snorkelling gear, complimentary water and snacks. On selected tours, enjoy stunning aerial shots with our onboard drone photography.
4. True Privacy & Freedom
No strangers. No rigid schedules. Just you, your group, and the open sea. Stay longer at your favourite swim spot, change the route on a whim, and savour the freedom of a tailor-made itinerary.
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Hidden beaches, secret swim spots, and local tips — all in one easy guide.
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Other Beaches Worth Visiting Nearby
Malta may be small in size, but it’s overflowing with stunning beaches. Our pick-up location is only 15–20 minutes away from St Paul’s Bay, and although we don’t normally start from there, we can arrange to do so. Whether you prefer golden sand, hidden coves, or rocky shores with crystal-clear waters, you’ll find plenty of options just a short journey away. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even visit two or three in a single day, especially if you have a car or join a beach-hopping tour.
Golden Bay Malta
One of Malta’s most famous sandy beaches, Golden Bay lives up to its name with wide stretches of golden sand and calm, inviting waters. It’s a family-friendly spot, complete with lifeguards on duty during summer, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, and a beach bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a quick snack while soaking in the sea view. In the evenings, it’s also a lovely place to watch the sunset paint the sky.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay Malta
Just a short walk from Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay offers a more tranquil atmosphere. The beach is framed by rugged cliffs and untouched nature, giving it a secluded, postcard-perfect feel. To reach it, you’ll descend a long staircase, don’t let that put you off, because the peaceful setting and breathtaking scenery are worth every step. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quieter day by the sea.
Paradise Bay Beach
Near the Gozo ferry terminal, Paradise Bay is a small, sandy cove with calm, crystal-clear waters. Its sheltered position makes it great for swimming and snorkelling. Because it’s popular with both locals and tourists, it can get busy during peak summer months, so try to arrive early to grab a good spot.
Mellieha Beach
As Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Beach is a favourite among families. The shallow waters stretch far out, making it safe for children to play and swim. You’ll find plenty of amenities here, including cafes, restaurants, and water sports rentals if you’re in the mood for some adventure.
Mistra Bay
Located close to St Paul’s Bay Malta, Mistra Bay offers a different vibe from the sandy beaches. It’s a rocky bay with a quieter, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to relax away from the crowds. The clear waters here are ideal for snorkelling, and the surrounding area is a nice spot for a peaceful picnic.
Tips for a Great Beach Day
Make your trip to St Paul’s Bay Malta Beach stress-free and fun with these simple tips:
When to Go?
Mornings are usually quiet and peaceful, perfect if you want a calm swim. Late afternoons are cooler and offer the best views for sunset photos. Try to avoid the beach between noon and 3 p.m. in July and August when it’s really hot and crowded.
What to Bring?
Pack light, but smart. Bring:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe is best)
- Water shoes (the rocky parts can be slippery)
- A reusable water bottle
- Towel and a hat
- Snorkel mask if you enjoy spotting fish
Rentals
You can rent a sunbed and umbrella for about €10–15 a day. Most places take cash, so have some on hand just in case.
Food
Don’t worry about going hungry. There are lots of spots along the beach and promenade to eat. Try a local Ftira sandwich, Maltese pastizzi, or go all out with a seafood platter.
Getting There
Buses run often from Sliema, Valletta, and other popular spots. If you’re driving, get there early because parking fills up fast during the summer.
Planning ahead makes everything easier. Whether you’re staying a few hours or the whole day, these tips will help you enjoy St Paul’s Bay Malta like a local.
Cultural Extras
If you love a bit of history with your beach day, St Paul’s Bay Malta has some cool stories and sites to explore:
St Paul’s Island
This small island just off the coast is said to be where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked around AD 60. You can see it from the shoreline, but a boat ride gets you up close. Some tours even stop so you can explore the island a bit and take pictures.
Wignacourt Tower
Built in 1610, this tower is one of Malta’s oldest watchtowers. It was used to guard the island from pirates. You can go inside, check out the views, and even snap a few fun photos from the top. It’s a quick stop, but a fun one!
Local Festa in July
Every July, St Paul’s Bay comes alive during the local Festa. Expect fireworks, marching bands, church decorations, and food stalls selling all kinds of treats. It’s loud, colourful, and full of energy, a real Maltese celebration. If you’re lucky enough to be there during this time, join the fun and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
These cultural spots add a little extra magic to your beach day. They’re easy to visit and help you connect with the local history and spirit of the place.
FAQs About St Paul’s Bay
Is St Paul’s Bay good for swimming?
Are there sandy beaches in St Paul’s Bay?
Can I snorkel there?
What’s the best beach for kids nearby?
Are private boat trips worth it?
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Hidden beaches, secret swim spots, and local tips — all in one easy guide.
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